High water narrows Tahoe Beaches

Holiday visitors looking to spend some time on Lake Tahoe’s beaches may find there isn’t much space available thanks to high water.

“Due to our wet winter, Lake Tahoe is approaching its maximum limit,” said U.S. Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist Lisa Herron. “Beachgoers can expect Lake Tahoe beaches to be smaller and narrower than previous years due to high-water levels. Beaches with vegetation or rocky shoreline may be inaccessible. We suggest visitors arrive early to beat the crowds and use this opportunity to explore new areas.”

The July 4 weekend is one of the busiest holidays at Lake Tahoe. Visitors should arrive early as parking areas at beaches, picnic areas and trailheads fill up quickly.

Campsites should be reserved before traveling to Tahoe and are typically at capacity this time of year. View a list of Lake Tahoe campgrounds and keep in mind, camping at Lake Tahoe is only permitted in these designated campgrounds. Dispersed or “car camping” is not allowed. View the camping restrictions forest order.

At most developed recreation sites, parking is only permitted in designated parking spaces inside parking lots, not along the roadway. Vehicles should avoid blocking gates, road access or narrow lanes which could delay emergency response vehicles. Where parking on the side of the road is allowed, please avoid parking on vegetation as this causes damage to the environment and can spark a wildfire.

To cover increased security and facility maintenance costs of the holiday, day-use parking fees on July 4 will be $40 at Baldwin, Nevada, and Pope beaches, and $20 at Meeks Bay Resort. The increased fee at Zephyr Cove Resort will be $40 (each day) July 1-4.

The wet winter will also affect several locations in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson and Bridgeport ranger districts.

“We have had a very unprecedented snowpack and wet spring this year, resulting in delayed openings or closures of popular recreation sites and numerous safety issues such as washed-out roads, high stream flows, and wet, slippery snow-covered trails,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “Visitors need to take extra precautions when enjoying National Forest System lands this Fourth of July holiday. Please plan ahead, check access, stay safe, and recreate responsibly."

All developed campgrounds in the Carson Ranger District are open except for Mt. Rose and Silver Creek campgrounds. All-day use areas are accessible. Trailheads and trails at lower elevations are clear of snow. Visitors should expect snow patches, downed trees, flooding, and muddy conditions on trailheads and trails above 7,500 feet. In addition, most trails into the Carson-Iceberg and Mt. Rose Wilderness Areas are snow-covered. There has also been major spring runoff damage to roads throughout the district, so drive cautiously.

All developed campgrounds are open on the Bridgeport Ranger District except for Chris Flat (closed for the season), Green Creek, Obsidian, and Trumbull Lake Campgrounds. All-day use areas are accessible. Trailheads and trails at lower elevations are clear of snow. Green Creek trailhead is not accessible due to flooding on Green Creek Road. There has been major spring runoff damage to roads throughout the District, so drive cautiously.

“The Independence Day holiday period is a time to celebrate our nation’s history and our shared value of public land access,” said Public Services Staff Officer, Daniel Cressy. “One way we can all do this is by caring for Tahoe’s lands, waters, communities, and people while we safely enjoy this spectacular place together.”