The drive alone is breathtaking. The secret trail however — rocks.
TAHOE EAGLE CAMPGROUND
After parking at the entrance to Eagle Campground, which is just less than a mile from the Emerald Bay Lookout Point, my companion and I walked through the green gate and took the road to the right and admired all the boulders that seem to grow out of the mountain. These are perfect sites for families to enjoy during their stay at the campground … enough to provide shade, climbing adventures and games of hide-and-seek.
A little less than a half-mile, I took a newly-rolled gravel road to the right and followed it through the forest. I was presented with panoramic views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. This trail is about a quarter-mile long and I could see Lady Blue in all her glory, the sun dancing on the water and making the snow-capped mountains appear to be mirror images of fun to be had.
I turned around and hit the paved road again, continuing to the right about an eighth of a mile and found the trailhead at the outdoor amphitheater. This trail is 1.7 miles to Vikingsholm beach, but there is a more spectacular beach 1.5 miles down the trail. One mile into the hike I saw osprey and their nest in a tall, dead tree that overlooked the lake and more rocks. It’s the magical boulders and rocks that make this hike so special.
I looked down and saw the special beach with the many shapes and sizes of rocks, from the size of a melon to ones that could have a boat quaking in its own wake. I picked one up and tossed it into Lady Blue. It seemed quite content to be given a drink of water. The reflections of grey and slate rocks danced along the water’s edge. I had to climb one. This was the perfect lunch spot. I reflected on how lucky I was to have this haven to enjoy and share. You could say it rocked.
Lisa Woodstock contributed this article and is a Tahoe resident and outdoor enthusiast. She can be reached at lisawoodstock@aol.com.
