Sure, powerboats are fun, but if you’re searching for an activity that truly connects you with the magical cadence of Lake Tahoe then pick up a paddle and proceed into a state of bliss.   The six-mile West Shore paddle from D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park is surely one of the loveliest excursions on Lake Tahoe.

Logistics

Early Birds Rule:
Kayakers put in at Lester Beach, located at D.L. Bliss State Park and the earlier the better as the parking lot reaches capacity by 10 a.m. Also, according to Rob Weston, of West Shore Sports, kayaking is best done in the calm morning hours before Lake Tahoe starts churning up around 1 p.m.

Packing Primer:
Besides kayak gear, day trippers should tote lots of water, snacks, sunscreen and perhaps a waterproof camera. And don’t forget a layer to ward off early morning lake chill.

Timing Is Everything:
Depending on one’s expertise, it takes a little over an hour to paddle to Emerald Bay. Don’t forget to factor in time for exploring ... and of course, the trip back!

Trip Highlights

Deep Bliss:
Right after launching at Lester Beach, kayakers will paddle past stunning Rubicon Point, which is the deepest off-shore point on Lake Tahoe. It’s about 80 feet down, immediately off-shore. Paddle out a few hundred feet and they’ll be about 500 feet between you and the bottom of Big Blue!

High Light:
Just past Rubicon Point, look for a small wooden structure located on top of a rocky precipice. No, it’s not an outhouse, but rather the oldest navigational lighthouse on Lake Tahoe built in 1917. While not in service anymore, the lighthouse was built in 1917 and it has bragging rights as the highest elevation lighthouse in America.

Birdwatching:
While paddling around the pristine coves, look above for huge ospreys that build their spacious nests in the tall snags. Lucky early summer paddlers may even spot the young chicks getting fed or taking their first flights. Bald eagles also like to hang out here.

Emerald Bay Bounty:
It’s no wonder that Kodak proclaimed exquisite Emerald Bay as one of the most frequently photographed places in America. This beautiful bay is completely surrounded by public park land and there are plenty of easy spots for kayakers to jump out and explore the many natural and historical features. A designated underwater park, Emerald Bay is the resting place for many boats, launches and barges used in the lake before the turn of the century, during the heyday of Emerald Bay Resort and used in the construction of Vikingsholm.

Vikingsholm and Fannette Island
Built by Lora Knight in 1928-1930, the Vikingsholm estate (and surrounding land) is now owned by California State Parks. Inspired by her travels to Scandinavia, Knight replicated the architectural style in her home’s design (complete with sod roof!). Fannett Island is Lake Tahoe’s only island and features Knight’s stone tea house. Vikingsholm tours are conducted from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

For more info about California State Parks, visit www.parks.ca.gov.

For kayak rentals, guides, and general outfitting and inside scoop, contact West Shore Sports. www.westshoresports.com or (530) 525-9920

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