Lakes in Tahoe are a major attraction in the area, whether you want to sunbathe on the shores or hop aboard a jet ski for a rush of adrenaline. Beyond mountains and forests, what completes the most beautiful landscapes is water, and while Lake Tahoe itself is a huge draw and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the region, there are also smaller lakes that are gaining more attention from visitors. Picturesque Mono Lake has been the set of Hollywood films (including Fair Wind to Java and High Plains Drifter), Pyramid Lake is located at the bottom of a tall mountain, and Fallen Leaf Lake is popular for boating. Wherever you decide to spend your vacation, spending time on the water is sure to be involved!

After a day of hiking through Eldorado National Forest, what could be better than diving into these lakes in California? These cool lakes are fresh water and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, and just about any water-based activity you can think of. Lake Tahoe is the most popular lake in the region, and all along its shores is where many visitors choose to sunbathe or to rent a vacation home. But there are other lakes in Tahoe to explore as well, so pack a picnic, hit the trail, and get to seeing some incredible sights.

One thing that draws people to Mono Lake is its diverse ecosystem. This lake has earned a reputation as a popular breeding ground for nesting habitat for several bird species. Birdwatchers come to Mono Lake to encounter California gulls, snowy plovers, and more. This habitat is so unusual that it has become the subject of major study in recent years. Both Cornell University and Point Reyes Bird Observatory have studied the nesting populations of Mono Lake. Another interesting fact about this lake is that it is the former home of a Native American tribe.

Lake Tahoe Map

If you’re looking for a lake to hike to, one of the most popular choices is Pyramid Lake. This lake is located at the base of Pyramid Mountain, the largest mountain in the area. While some adventurous travelers attempt the challenge of climbing this mountain, others head into the backcountry of Desolation Wilderness to reach this lake. Pyramid Lake is known for its beautiful lakeside campground, picnic area, and boating facility. The mountain views alone are worth the trip, but many visitors are pleasantly surprised by how stunning the lake itself is.

There are more lakes in Tahoe to explore than you could possibly see during one trip. Fallen Leaf Lake is located just a mile south of Lake Tahoe and is known for its calm waters. Many homes and vacation rentals along the lake have docks and boathouses, making them ideal choices for boating enthusiasts. Kayaking and fishing are also popular on this lake. While the lakes might draw you to this area of California, there are many other activities as well. Beyond the beaches there is the Eldorado National Forest that is perfect for hiking. This year mix up your vacation routine with a trip to Lake Tahoe.