Emerald Bay Hike

April 3, 2016 by Tim Hauserman

Just because you’ve done something a number of times doesn’t mean that it doesn’t bear repeating. That is certainly the case with the hike between DL Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay along Tahoe’s West Shore. I’ve done it dozens of times, but it remains a great way to spend a spring day and one of the best ways to truly appreciate the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

The Rubicon Trail runs 4.5 miles from Calawee Cove at DL Bliss State Park to Vikingsholm at the western end of Emerald Bay. It also extends an additional 1.5 miles past Vikingsholm along the southern edge of Emerald Bay to the Emerald Point Campground. The trail starts above the deep sand beaches of Calawee Cove, and traverses along a steep slope high above the lake. After a half mile, as the trail climbs away from the lake and into the forest, keep your eyes peeled for large osprey nests sitting atop standing dead trees.

The trail meanders through a thick forest of firs and pines, gently dropping on a smooth surface until suddenly, the full expanse of Tahoe reappears. Now, a mile of trail close to the water dishes out glorious views of smooth white granite, emerald green shallow water and dark blue deeper water coming together in sparkling harmony. The trail crosses over Emerald Point, then travels close to the water’s edge on Emerald Bay’s shoreline to the Boat Campground, where a floating dock creates a relaxing lunch spot. Just another mile through thick forest of Jeffrey, sugar pine and cedar brings you to Vikingsholm. Constructed by Laura Knight in 1929 it is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States.

From the busy Vikingsholm, a half mile uphill leads to the base of Eagle Falls. The Rubicon Trail also crosses Eagle Creek and follows the less traveled southern side of the Bay (which holds snow until later in the spring).

You can retrace your steps, or with a car shuttle take the one mile steep uphill from the Vikingsholm to the parking lot on Highway 89.
Important Information:
In the spring and fall, check the website to make sure the DL Bliss road to the lakeside trailhead is open as it is closed during the winter. If it is not open, you can park at the top and walk two miles down to the trailhead. An alternative trail is also available near the payment kiosk which will cut off about a mile of pavement walking and a half mile of trail walking.

Website: .parks.ca.gov/?page_id=505
Phone: 525-3345 Year round
525-7277 Summer