State Parks and National Parks

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most scenic and frequently photographed places in the world.

The bay's rugged shoreline, brilliant water and high surrounding mountains captivate visitors to Lake Tahoe's west shore.

Hikers at Emerald Bay can head into nearby Desolation Wilderness or follow the Rubicon Trail along the rugged shoreline to the adjacent D.L. Bliss State Park.

A unique attraction of Emerald Bay is Vikingsholm, an elegant structure of hand-hewn wood and sod. It is one of the only examples of medieval Scandinavian architecture in America. Vikingsholm is accessible by boat or foot trail and is open for tours from Memorial Day through September.

Emerald Bay's Eagle Point campground has 100 developed campsites and is open from mid-June through Labor Day. It is located six miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy. 89. The day use area and departure point for Vikingsholm is two miles further north.

Note that there is no vehicle access to the bay at either area, and the hike to the water at the day use area is a steep mile.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of California