Best Spots to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Lake Tahoe

After 7 months of shelter-in-place, I was itchy to travel but also too scared to use any public transportation. So in late October 2020, I planned a 4-day road trip to Lake Tahoe with Ariel, about 4 hours of drive from South Bay. Lake Tahoe is probably the No. 1 getaway destination for Bay Area residents, famous for its ski resorts. I had never visited Lake Tahoe outside winter before. Fall is considered its off-peak season, but Lake Tahoe is still a good spot to enjoy California fall foliage. I was not disappointed. However, the highlights of this trip were all caught by accident when I was driving.

Route and Itinerary

I use California Fall Color Map to find the best time to travel in fall, which is usually in October. Hope Valley is one of the most famous spots for fall colors and it’s on the way to Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area. On the first day, I took my time to drive from South Bay to Hope Valley. There were several good spots to stop by along Hwy 88, such as Caples Lake and Silver Lake. On Days 2-3, I looped Lake Tahoe and went on several hikes. On Day 4, I went to several local hikes in South Lake Tahoe. There were actually more and better places than Hope Valley to enjoy the fall foliage.

Foliage Highlights in the Order of Recommendation

Foliage in Round Hill, NV

I actually never heard of this place until my eyes were caught by the bright yellow and I looked it up. I was driving along Hwy 50 from the east side of Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe. This place popped up in front of me. The shining golden leaves contrasted the clear blue sky and boring gray driveway so drastically that it felt like they were thriving again even in foliage. The warm afternoon sunlight gilded it even more. It’s the biggest and best surprise of this trip. The foliage colors were so beautiful that I couldn’t get enough of it. The best moments are unplanned moments!

Lake View in Incline Village, NV

Somehow I feel Nevada gets the better half of Lake Tahoe. In Incline Village, you get to appreciate the lake’s different shades of blue without all the crowds. As I was driving around the lake, the color and view changed at different angels. I felt compelled to stop every 10 minutes to appreciate the beauty. There were no loud tourists or camera licks. It was just me, Ariel and nature. I could sit in front of these views all day long.

Secret Hiking Trails in Logan Creek Estates, NV

I again found this place by accident on my way back to my hotel. It’s right next to the highway and near Logan Shoals Vista Point. I still don’t know the official name of the trail. Maybe there was none – my apology if I accidentally went to a place that I was not supposed to.

From the vista point, you would need to go down a steep hill to reach to a relatively flat ground. At that point, you will be very close to the lake. I did not see anyone else there and took the opportunity to have some solitude time. I hiked randomly with Ariel. She had lots of fun smelling the foliage and hunting for underground animals (of course with no luck). Climbing back up to the vista point was a challenge because it was a steep slope although short. But it’s so worth the effort. I enjoyed the peaceful view of the lake in the background of wild woods.

Top of Eagle Rock Trail, CA

Eagle Rock Trail is one of the most popular trails in Lake Tahoe area. Thus, expect it to be crowded at all times. It’s only 0.7 miles but with quick and steep elevation. The climb is also a little rocky. I wouldn’t say it’s super easy. The view at the top was stunning, a clear overlook of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains and evergreens.

Peacefulness at Fallen Leaf Lake, CA

Fallen Leaf Lake is in South Lake Tahoe. I went there for a casual afternoon walk with Ariel on a Monday and saw no one. Trails were mostly flat, so they are suitable for biking as well. The lake sat quietly and peacefully in the middle of woods. It was clear and still, like a mirror. A great place to empty your head and forget about all the problems in your urban life.

Foliage in Hope Valley, CA and along Hwy 88-89

Hope Valley was on my original itinerary for this trip. I have heard lots of great things about it, which built up my expectation. It turned out I was not impressed by it as much as I thought I would. Perhaps I came too late and already missed the most beautiful time. I would recommend to keep a close eye on the California Fall Color Map mentioned above and come in the first three weeks of October.

The most iconic spot is the Red Creek Cabin. But it was extremely hard to find. I couldn’t locate it at the beginning. After I gave up and decided to drive back to hotel, I saw it on the way, right next to the highway. To be honest, I don’t think it’s that special. You can’t walk up close because it’s private property. The only thing you can do is to take a picture on the sideway of the highway from a distance. The foliage color was not that impressive either as you can see from the photo below.

However, Hwy 88-89 are real gems. I did not specifically look for anything and just stopped randomly to take a break when I saw good views from a distance. So these were unplanned pleasant surprises!

Overlooks at Emerald Bay State Park, CA

Emerald Bay State Park is a must-go in Lake Tahoe. It undeniably offers some of the best views of the lake. However, it was too crowded and impossible to find parking. I toured around the parking lot for more than 20 minutes and got nothing. I felt everybody visiting the lake was there on the day I went. The view was definitely gorgeous, but with the crowd, I felt rushed to take a picture and just get out of other people’s way. I didn’t get a chance to embrace the beauty.

There are some good dog-friendly hiking trails in the park such as Cascade Falls Trail, Middle Velma Lake Trail, and Eagle Lake Trail. You will see some fall foliage along the trails. But in October, there’s no water from the waterfalls. Furthermore, it’s a bit boring along the trails, although the views are much better once you get a peek at Lake Tahoe.