Our 5 Favorite Fall Activities to Enjoy in Lake Tahoe

Written by Kristen Rogers
October 25, 2018

Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

For most people, the call of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains is strongest during winter and summer – skiing is one of the most iconic activities here, but there’s also lots to explore during the warmer months of the year headed into Fall. Our favorite activity includes cruising the waterways on a Boatsetter Boat Rental– what activities might you enjoy on and around the water?

Boating

Boatsetter: Lake Tahoe

There is no better way to soak up the changing weather in Lake Tahoe than on the water. Boatsetter’s fleet in Lake Tahoe will take you along the breathtaking coastline of changing leaves and mountain air. If you’re looking for true fall boating, this is the place to experience it. With year-round activities, you’re sure to find something that will leave you longing for fall time on the Lake.

Mountain Biking

Fall is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains – not with a set of skis, but on a mountain bike! There are hundreds of miles of hiking and biking paths that thread their way up and down these alpine slopes, and you’ll find something that’s just right for your fitness level and skill. However, remember that Tahoe is pretty high in terms of elevation, so you’ll need to ensure that you’re acclimated before hitting the trail. Altitude sickness is not something you want to experience.

Kayaking

Why not make the star of the show the central part of your fall activities? Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and it offers a wealth of aquatic activities throughout the year, including kayaking. Get your significant other involved, or the entire family, and paddle out to Emerald Bay, where you can explore these iconic ruins. Or, pack a picnic lunch and find a secluded spot where you can enjoy lunch and the stunning views of the pristine waters of the lake.

Hiking and Leaf Viewing

The trails around Lake Tahoe offer hikers endless hours of exploration and fun, and you can combine that with leafing during the fall. No, Tahoe doesn’t have the concentration of colors that you will find in New England thanks to the predominantly evergreen forests. However, the few hardwoods in the area stand out that much more for their rarity.

Take a Cruise

Another way to enjoy the water here is to take a cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II or the Tahoe Queen. Cruises start at Skin Run Marina in the east and head across the lake to Emerald Bay and back. Longer cruises are offered around the rest of the lake. You can also enjoy an evening dinner and dancing cruise if you want a bit more sophistication to your leisure time.

Whether you want to enjoy the pristine waters or the evergreen-clad mountains that surround it, there is plenty to see and do during the fall in Lake Tahoe. We’ve touched on just a few of your options. Head out to Hope Valley for a bit more leafing enjoyment, or take a stand up paddleboard (SUP) tour of the lake. There’s something here for every inclination.

Ready to book your Lake Tahoe Boat Rental? Boatsetter’s fleet is waiting for you!


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