72 Miles of Pure Liquid Fun along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail

It’s going to be a paddler’s paradise this summer.

The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is an endless 72-mile water route along the shoreline that links public beaches and their launch and landing sites to help paddlers have a safe and fun adventure. Whether you’re looking to access waterfront attractions or be surrounded by nature, you’ll find it along the Water Trail with public launch and landing sites equipped with parking, restrooms, and wayfinding signage. Wayfinding signage provides useful navigable mapped paddle routes with distances, launch and landing sites with facilities, vital water safety and weather information, and resource conservation tips.

As the only paddling source for Lake Tahoe, the website – www.laketahoewatertrail.org - includes paddle routes to match ability levels, and details about parking and public beach access to nearby hiking trails, paddle shops, lakeside bistros, historic sites, campgrounds and shoreline lodging. Every boater, paddler and fisherman should own a waterproof Water Trail Map & Guide that includes underwater and land topography, GPS coordinates, and a detailed listing of shoreline services and points of interest to safely navigate Lake Tahoe’s pristine water world. The Map & Guide can be found at Lake Tahoe locations and paddle shops listed on www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Water Trail Paddle Tips:
1. It’s a big, deep lake and cold, even on the hottest day of summer. Be prepared for an emergency.
2. Check weather and marine forecasts.
3. Beware of cold water shock and hypothermia. Dress for water temperature.
4. Always wear your life jacket and SUP leash.
5. Carry a whistle and flashlight, and your cell phone.
6. Know how to self rescue.
7. Notify someone of your itinerary.
8. Boating regulations require all adults to carry a life vest and all children 12 years old and younger MUST wear a life vest in all vessels, including kayaks and SUPs.
9. Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds.
10. Fires are permitted only in established campgrounds or day use areas. Check fire restrictions.
11. Respect private property.
12. Dispose of waste properly, including dog poop bags.
13. Leave what you find. Take only photos. Leave No Trace.
14. Respect and enjoy wildlife from afar.
15. Watch your step. The small fragile Tahoe Yellow Cress mustard plant only grows on the sandy beaches of Lake Tahoe and nowhere else in the world. Please avoid walking or dragging your boats and boards over any shoreline vegetation.
16. Before you launch, make sure your gear is Clean, Drained and Dry to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that can ruin the clarity and health of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding lakes. Learn how to self-inspect and decontaminate your gear at www.TahoeKeepers.com or better yet, rent gear from a local paddle shop.

Sierra Business Council (SBC) is the Project Manager of the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. SBC fosters thriving communities in the Sierra Nevada via on-the-ground local projects that promote, develop, and amplify the region’s social, natural and economic capital. More information on SBC’s impact can be found at www.sierrabusiness.org.