Lake Tahoe’s blue waters are even bluer this spring thanks to a microscopic animal that has had a comeback. Zooplankton, call them nature’s cleanup crew, have improved the lake’s clarity to a depth that hasn’t been seen since the 1980s, according to the University of California Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center. How deep? Nearly 72 feet!
Scientists expect the tiny creatures that eat clouding particles to continue to grow in numbers over 2023, which may return lake clarity to 1970s levels, even with increased runoff from the incredible snow year.
All of this makes 2023 a great time to get out on the water and up on the trails to take in Lake Tahoe’s sparkling depths. Here are a few ideas for viewing the clarity.
- Take a clear-bottomed kayak tour. – Clearly Tahoe offers guided tours and rentals. The Clear Kayak Charter is a popular choice. Guests enjoy a short cruise along Lake Tahoe’s shoreline in the 46-foot tri-toon, and then launch from the vessel in clear kayaks.
- Catch a bird’s eye perspective from the mountain tops. The Rubicon Trail from Emerald Bay to D.L. Bliss State Park hugs the cliff line above the lake and offers spectacular views. Or take on a more strenuous route and end at the top of Mount Tallac with views of not only Lake Tahoe, but Desolation Wilderness, Cascade and Fallen Leaf Lakes.
- Rent a boat. Local full service marinas like Camp Richardson Resort provide boat rentals with a range of options.
- Paddleboard. For a slower pace rent a paddleboard and explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.
While recreating, help preserve Lake Tahoe by following all the rules to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. https://laketahoewatertrail.org/tahoe-keepers/
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