Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay, one of Lake Tahoe’s most scenic highlights, lies on the western shore of the lake. The bay is a fine example of how tectonic and geological processes can carve spectacular landscapes. Consequently, in 1969, it was designated a National Natural Landmark.

Apart from the spectacular scenery, Vikingsholm Mansion is perhaps the best known attraction in Emerald Bay, but the unusual greenish hue of the water, which gives the bay its name, also offers some wonderful photographic opportunities.

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In 1994, Emerald Bay was designated an underwater State Park to protect the large number of historic boats, barges, and launches, found decaying at the bottom of the lake. Many of these are thought to be vessels used at the turn of the century, as well as during the construction of the Vikingsholm estate.

Today, the underwater park offers a great opportunity for scuba diving amongst the wrecks. Many relics and artifacts remain in and around the ruined boats of a bygone age. A mooring buoy was installed at the site of two submerged barges in 1994 to aid scuba diving in the area. In the vicinity of the two sunken barges, there is also a dump site thought to date back to when Emerald Bay was a resort during the period of 1884-1953. Although there are lots of historic artifacts to be seen around the wrecks, divers are asked to leave them in place at the site for others to enjoy.

On the north side of Emerald Bay, near where the Boat Campsite is situated, there are a variety of newer items dumped in the water, including toilets, sinks, an old pier, and even, allegedly, an old model A Ford. So if you choose to scuba dive around this area, you dive at your peril!

As well as being great for scuba diving, Emerald also has an idyllic beach at the point where the mouth of Eagle Creek meets the head of Emerald Bay. However, such a treat requires a bit of legwork to reach it! If you do not have a boat, you will have to hike up a fairly steep road to get there. The beach is not ideal for swimming due to the large number of boats moored there in the summer, plus the sudden drop in depth a short distance from the shore, but on the south side of Eagle Creek, there is a large shallow area suitable for children to swim and paddle in.