Lakes and Rivers in Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe area is made up of lakes and rivers, all created by the feet (and yards) of snow that pile up over the winter. While the main body of water is Lake Tahoe itself, there are dozens of other lakes around for you to enjoy.

The main river in the Tahoe basin is the Truckee River. This runs from Lake Tahoe, through the mountains into Reno and down to Pyramid Lake in the desert. The Truckee is good for fishing, some swimming, tubing and kayaking.

Some smaller, but popular lakes in the area include Donner Lake, Spooner Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Echo Lakes and Washoe Lake. These are all within a quick drive of Lake Tahoe and are easily accessible. Other lakes may take a few hours to hike to. These include Marlette Lake on the East Shore and Aloha Lake, Eagle Lake and Susie Lake in Desolation Wilderness.

Several local reservoirs like Stampede and Boca are located near Truckee and are great for fishing and boating.

Little Truckee River

Hwy 89 North
P.O. Box 95

Little Truckee River is located approximately 13 miles north of Truckee. Fishing pressure is heavy in easy access areas. Where access is difficult, large rainbow trout and a few browns have been reported...
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Caples Lake Campground

26820 Silver Drive

Caples Lake Campground is located adjacent to Highway 88, near to Kirkwood. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking offered...
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Kirkwood Lake Campground

26820 Silver Drive

Kirkwood Lake Campground provides close access to Kirkwood Lake. Visitors would be able to participate in activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking...
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Donner Ski Ranch

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P.O. Box 66

One of the oldest western ski areas...
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Washoe Meadows State Park

P.O. Box 266
7360 West Lake Boulevard

Washoe Meadows State Park occupies 620 acres of meadow and woodland in the valley at the base of the escarpment leading to Echo Summit...
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Blue Lake (Lower) Campground

26820 Silver Drive

Big Meadows Campground is located on the southeast shores of Lower Blue Lake. In addition to offering camping facilities, the site provides close access to activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and hiking...
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Blue Lake Dam ( Upper ) Campground

26820 Silver Drive

Upper Blue Lake Dam campground is located on the southeast shore of Upper Blue Lake. In addition to offering camping facilities, the site provides close access to activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and hiking...
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Desolation Wilderness

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expert pick

3070 Camino Heights Drive

The higher you hike up, the fewer people you will see...
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Marlette Lake Trail

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expert pick

Hwy 50

Moderate 5 mile hike...
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Sugar Pine Reservoir

22830 Foresthill Road

New Bullard Bar Reservoir is locate in the western region of the Tahoe National Forest in the Downieville Ranger District. Sugar Pine Reservoir offers camping at Shirttail Creek and Giant Gap Campgrounds, as well as picnicking at Manzanita Picnic Ground...
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