[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fall has officially arrived in Tahoe and the changes autumn brings are noticeable…the days are now more in the 60’s and 70’s and the nights are much cooler. The summer crowds have left and the town is quieter. The beautiful Aspen and Cottonwood trees have started their color change and there are areas to explore to see some of these stunning fall foliage colors.
Best Fall Foliage Viewing
Remember, timing is everything, the trees show their fall colors for a few weeks and then you have to wait again till next year. Hope Valley, a short drive south of South Lake Tahoe and Meyers on Hwy 88. There are great hiking trails in this area. Pack a lunch or visit Sorensen’s Resort or Hope Valley Resort for some delicious food options. Weekend visitors can fill up this area of Hwy 88 so head out early or go later for the sunset. Near Hope Valley is the town of Markleeville. Do visit the Markleeville courthouse, we heard some of the best places to see the changing leaves are found there. You may want to pack a bathing suit and visit Grover Hot Springs. On the south shores of Lake Tahoe and a short drive past Camp Richardson Resort is the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. This center is great for children, great to see fall colors and to watch the annual salmon spawning. Visitors have even mentioned spotting the bears catching the salmon for their dinner, but please never try to go near them. The center also has a stream profile chamber to learn about the cycle of the stream and wildlife in the area. We will leave you with one more great fall color viewing suggestion (there are many more around the area). This one is not far from Taylor Creek Visitor Center. Fallen Leaf Lake will offer some of the best fall color over water combinations at the lake. Walking / hiking is very moderate and easy for all ages. Boat and kayak rentals are available as well as food and drink from the General Store at Fallen Leaf Lake. Find the Saint Francis Chapel for some of the best photography opportunities.
Go For a Swim
Tahoe and the alpine lakes actually are warmer now than they were in July! The waters stay tolerable until about mid-October. The outdoor heated swimming pool will remain open through October and then closes from November through April. The hot tub remains open year round, so if Lake Tahoe is still a tad too cold for your skin then soak away. When the weather cooperates many of the marinas and water activities remain available through October. Ski Run Boat Rentals is available during the fall for motor boat rentals, stand up paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis and more. Check with our front desk for their rate sheet and a special discount available for hotel guests.
Fall Festivals and Activities
What goes best with October? We would say bratwurst, beer and lederhosen of course. Camp Richardson’s annual Oktoberfest never disappoints. Typically held the first weekend of October, it provides entertainment and activities for all ages. There are craft booths to browse, games to play and face painting. Select your favorite y pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and fill up on delicious German food & desserts. The beer selections never disappoint, keep the souvenir beer mug as a trinket. They do offer free parking, even better if you ride your bike down the vast bike paths on hwy 89. You can visit Camp Richardson Oktoberfest for more information. Typically on the same weekend and conveniently located just a short distance from Camp Richardson is the Fall Fish Fest (Kokanee Salmon Festival) at Taylor Creek Visitor Center. It is an entire celebration around the annual fall migration of the kokanee salmon. It is a free family event that has become one of the most fascinating educational and wildlife viewing events in Northern California. For more information visit Fall Fish Festival. October also means you can participate in one of the most beautiful marathons. The Lake Tahoe Marathon is a three day running festival with a range of events. After all the running or beer stein lifting remember to relax and let Elements Spa soothe those tired and sore muscles.
Lake Cruises and Magic Shows
Want to cruise Lake Tahoe in grand style? The 500-passenger M.S. Dixie II is the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe. Available for daytime and dinner cruises year round that transports you across the lake and into Emerald Bay and back. She features two large climate controlled interior decks with windows around and an open air top deck for maximum viewing pleasure. Located and departing from Zephyr Cove Resort, check with our front desk for special rates for hotel guests and their weekly schedule of cruise times. If you cruise by day you can play by night. Magic Fusion is Lake Tahoe’s only year-round, high-energy, family friendly production show that is located inside The Loft Theater in the Heavenly Village. It provides a perfect blend of intimate magic and comedy featuring world-class magicians form around the world. Dinner and beverages are also available; we recommend visiting The Loft Tahoe for show times. Be sure to check with our front desk for any discounts off the show. Lake Tahoe has so many diverse activities and attractions for you to enjoy year round. Please let us know what you are interested in and we are happy to provide a list of recommendations and tips to enhance your Lake Tahoe vacation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
