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South Lake Tahoe, CA
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Get Ready for an Endless Paddle Summer

Launch Here!

What is the LAKE TAHOE WATER TRAIL?

72 miles of pure liquid fun!

Welcome to Lake Tahoe, a purely delightful paddle paradise. As the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada straddling California and Nevada at 6,229 feet, mountain conditions and strong winds can be a challenge. The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is an endless 72-mile water route along the shoreline with public launch and landing sites, wayfinding signage, paddle routes to match your ability and interests, navigation tools, stewardship and water safety tips to help you have a safe and fun eco-paddle adventure.

headsup!

Play it Safe!

Lake Tahoe is a big, high alpine lake. The water is always cold and weather conditions can change rapidly. Be sure to review safety information on this website before heading out.

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Look for this trail marker to find 20 trailheads with signage.

Use the map below for finding trailheads and route planning with info on launch sites, campgrounds, parking, and bathrooms.

Day Trip Paddle Routes

View Day Trip Maps

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Water Trail Trailhead with parking and restrooms

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Campground

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Public launch/landing site

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Landing site only

View Map in Google Maps 

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DAY TRIPS

Looking for public launch/landing sites and recommended day trip routes? Start here!

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WEATHER MAP

Check out the interactive map with realtime weather, webcams, and forecast info.

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SAFETY

Lake Tahoe is big. Really big. So are the conditions. Winds, sudden weather changes, and year-round cold water are a few factors one must consider when planning to boat on Lake Tahoe.

PROTECT

Watch Your Step!

Tahoe yellow cress (TYC) is a small native plant that grows on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe and no where else in the world.

Learn More

Respect Private Property

While many shoreline areas around Lake Tahoe are public, many areas are private property. Please respect private property.

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Leave No Trace

Pack it in, pack it out. Camp only in designated campgrounds. Fires are allowed only in designated areas of campgrounds. Be familiar with Water Trail stewardship guidelines.

Learn More
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Be a Tahoe Keeper!

Stop aquatic invasive species. Clean, drain, and dry your paddle gear. It’s the law. Find self-decontamination procedures and inspection sites.

Learn More

Let Others Know Before You Go

Have you completed a FLOAT PLAN?

Use this 60-second life-saving tool! Complete a quick form that emails your itinerary to a friend.

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About

Quick Links

sierra business council

The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a project of Sierra Business Council. Learn more at sierrabusiness.org

As a non-profit project, donations are critical to continuing Water Trail Efforts. Please consider a donation to the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.

Donate!

Disclaimer

Sierra Business Council and the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee and their contributors will be in no way responsible for personal injury or damage to personal property arising in conjunction with the use of this website or printed materials. Good judgment and planning are critical to any successful outing. Before heading out on the water, it is recommended that you check with other sources of information for the latest lake conditions.

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