A maximum depth of 1,645 feet in Crystal Bay makes Tahoe the second deepest lake in the United States. Discover more about the beautiful, famous lake they call “Big Blue.”
Tahoe’s clean air and water are the keys to the Lake’s dazzling blue color. The surface of Lake Tahoe is blue in part because it’s reflecting the sky, but there is more to this phenomenon. Water as crystal clear as Tahoe’s absorbs red light, leaving the rich blue color that we all see.
22 miles long and 12 miles wide.
6,229 feet.
A maximum depth of 1,645 feet in Crystal Bay makes Tahoe the second deepest lake in the United States and the tenth deepest lake in the world.
191 square miles.
72 miles in circumference.
At Rubicon Point the lake drops 1,400 feet straight down.
37 lbs., 6 oz. Mackinaw caught June 24, 1974 off South Shore by Robert Aronson.
The Lake’s great depth and volume of water always in motion keep it from freezing. Some ice forms in Emerald Bay at times, as well as in protected inland areas.

There are 63 streams that flow into Lake Tahoe and only one, the Truckee River, that flows out into Pyramid Lake. Unlike most bodies of water in North America, Tahoe's water never reaches the ocean.
For many thousands of years, Lake Tahoe was occupied only by Native American tribes. Artifacts confirm the presence of the Washoe Tribe of Native Americans at Lake Tahoe over 10,000 years ago. The Washoe Tribe occupied the Tahoe Basin for 1,300 years preceding the 20th Century. Native Americans camped, hunted, and fished at Lake Tahoe in relative seclusion until General John C. Fremont's exploration party "discovered" the lake in 1844.
The first recorded sighting of Lake Tahoe was by Brevet Captain John Fremont and his topographer, Henry Preuss, on February 14, 1844 from Red Lake Peak near present-day Carson Pass.
For many years following Tahoe's discovery the area was virtually ignored. In 1859 however, the Comstock Lode was discovered in Virginia City, Nevada. During the 1860s Tahoe became the center of a lively commerce involving the silver mines in Virginia City and the Central Pacific Railroad (which was pushing over the Sierra toward the town of Truckee). The Comstock era resulted in large-scale deforestation of the Tahoe Basin, as timber was required to build mine shafts and support growing developments. It is estimated that over 80 percent of the Basin's forests were clear cut during this time. Over a 40-year period in the late 19th Century, loggers clear-cut 95% of the forest to supply lumber for Virginia City, Nevada mines and the transcontinental railroad.
In 1861, Mark Twain hiked 12 miles from Carson City to Lake Tahoe in search of a timber claim, camped on the North Shore near present-day Tahoe Vista and accidentally started a wildfire.
The 1960 Olympic Winter Games were staged in Squaw Valley and on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Public appreciation of Lake Tahoe and its natural resources has grown. During the 1912, 1913, and 1918 congressional sessions, conservationists made efforts to designate the Tahoe Basin as a national park but they were unsuccessful. Development pressures escalated again in the 1940s and 1950s, and a group of residents and visitors who were concerned about the environmental health of the region formed the League to Save Lake Tahoe. California and Nevada formed the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in 1969.
North Lake Tahoe and Truckee’s weather, transportation, snow forecasts, and avalanche area information
A summary of major development projects currently being reviewed and considered in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.
A cozy restaurant located in the heart of historic downtown Truckee, specializing in creating delicious Italian foods, homemade pastas, and stellar dining service since 1998. Pianeta’s features an extensive menu with nightly specials inspired by the delicious cuisine of Northern Italy.
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Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats is the place in Truckee for great food and atmosphere. Set in the warm hearted ambiance of the historic Truckee Hotel, Moody’s complements its fine dining with critically-praised, nationally-touring Jazz, Americana, Soul and Rhythm and Blues bands with a splash of Hip Hop.
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Stylish, modern restaurant offering upscale New American fare made with local, seasonal ingredients.
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Tucked inside one of the oldest ski lodges in the country and serving dinner every evening, this multiple award-winning gem features a menu with mainstay entrées and specials, all brimming with sustainable seafood options, grass-fed beef, and organic produce whenever possible.
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Drunken Monkey has created a place where you can enjoy Asian style noodles, sushi, sake, beer and wine in a unique lounge setting. Their staff has the food and beverage knowledge to guide you, and their friendly and punctual service will make your dining experience one to remember.
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The Truckee Tavern and Grill’s specialty is wood fire cuisine featuring local grown produce and meats. Their approachable cocktail program utilizes fresh herbs, juices and house made concoctions. Their wine list specializes in a mix of hard to find producers as well as known names that complement our food.
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Marty’s Cafe has been serving Truckee diners since November 2012. Marty’s All-Day Breakfast and Lunch Menu features traditional favorites, Chef’s Daily Specials & Chef’s Seasonal Specialty Salads – made from the freshest ingredients. Executive Chef & Owner, Marty Carlton has been a pioneer in serving French-California cuisine at affordable prices. He says the secret of cooking at Marty’s Cafe is about “simplicity at its finest; using common ingredients that the everyday customer can recognize, while still trying to be innovative.”
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Since 1981 the Village Pizzeria has been family owned. It originally opened in Tahoe City and then relocated to its current location in Truckee, California. The Village Pizzeria has been a local favorite and is proud to be a part of the Truckee Tahoe community. Our menu includes gourmet pizzas, pastas, and Italian specialties made to order, craft beers, and an affordable wine list.
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Old Town Tap features simple and thoughtful cooking, concentrating on the integrity of each ingredient. Marlena, Luke and Chef Chris work closely with farmers and ranchers in the region to source the freshest local, seasonable and sustainable ingredients. Current purveyors include Tahoe Food Hub, Foothill Roots Farm, Long Dream Eggs, Jollity Farm, Towani Organic Farm and many more.
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Serving all our annuals and tasty season brews on tap. Plus, it's a full-on restaurant and bar with an amazing menu of pub-inspired plates and local favorites.
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Milkshakes, burgers, meatloaf and other American classics served in an old-school diner setting.
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Tangerine Bistro is an addition to the vibrant restaurant scene in Truckee, presenting itself as a classic French bistro evocative of the bustling metropolitan districts of New York or Paris. Stepping into Tangerine Bistro, named after the legendary Led Zeppelin song, guests are greeted by a menu as impressive as its name. Delight in traditional French cuisine with a unique Truckee twist, featuring specialties like duck foie gras pâté with blackberry jam. Indulge in the culinary harmony of pork shoulder with tarball beans, or savor the richness of a 24 oz côte de boeuf steak frites. Tangerine Bistro infuses the Truckee dining scene with refined French style, offering a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.
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Tangerine Bistro is an addition to the vibrant restaurant scene in Truckee, presenting itself as a classic French bistro evocative of the bustling metropolitan districts of New York or Paris. Stepping into Tangerine Bistro, named after the legendary Led Zeppelin song, guests are greeted by a menu as impressive as its name. Delight in traditional French cuisine with a unique Truckee twist, featuring specialties like duck foie gras pâté with blackberry jam. Indulge in the culinary harmony of pork shoulder with tarball beans, or savor the richness of a 24 oz côte de boeuf steak frites. Tangerine Bistro infuses the Truckee dining scene with refined French style, offering a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.
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Lake Tahoe ski resorts are some of the most unique and challenging snow sport destinations on the planet.
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