7 Ways to Take Advantage of Tahoe in the Fall

It is a no-brainer that Lake Tahoe is filled with magnificent summertime activities. And given the framing of mountains that shoulder the shores of the lake, it is obvious that the fall and winter in Tahoe is also ripe for fun.

But there’s a secret that not many know.

The gold star really goes to autumn for its exceptional – yet little known – bonuses. The fall is a stellar time to visit Lake Tahoe (in fact, I have to say, it is my all time favorite).

Here are seven ways to take advantage of Lake Tahoe's fall.

Take in the changing colors. Although Tahoe may be filled with pine trees, it's also rich in aspen trees. This gives the entire Tahoe basin the beautiful aspect of the changing colors that comes with autumn leaves. There are a few different places in particular that are great for enjoying the hues of fall. One place in particular is Paige Meadows, located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, just outside of Tahoe City. Another honorable mention for changing leaves is the hike to Vikingsholm, nestled in Emerald Bay. Other places that deserve attention are the various beaches that span from Tahoe Vista to Kings Beach as well as Hope Valley, Fallen Leaf Lake, Squaw Valley, Ebbetts Pass, Marlette Lake and Spooner Lake.

Enjoy the big discounts. Tahoe is full of fabulous ways to save money during the fall season. From slashed rates on guided trips to incredible discounts on winter gear in the ski shops, the fall tends to be the time of year to find deals in Lake Tahoe. One place in particular that is full of seasonal discounts is the hotel industry. This is the time of year to stay in that hotel room that you always wanted to but thought was just a little bit out of your price range.

Get Together with the Locals. The fall season is when the locals get together. If you would like to get to know the crazies who call Lake Tahoe their home, then this is the time to visit. There are a lot different ways to enjoy their company. One way to mingle that is sure to increase your friend circle is by partaking in one of the festivals that happen in the fall. A few to put on your list include the Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival, Camp Richardson Oktoberfest or the Fall Fish Festival.

Get out and get some. One of the beautiful aspects to the fall in Lake Tahoe is the exceptionally beautiful weather. Although the nights can get cold, the days tend to be a perfect temperature for hiking, mountain biking or doing that last backpacking trip into the mountains before the snow flies. But one word of caution: Be sure to bring layers as the temperatures can get chilly.

Throw some disc golf. Although it is true that the golf courses tend to shut down come fall, one entertaining and family friendly sport that flies into full tilt is disc golf. An adaptation of the little white ball game that we are all familiar with, disc golf uses small Frisbees instead. There are various courses around the basin, including both north and south shore.

Take in the views from the water. A fabulous aspect to Lake Tahoe in the fall is that the lake water is at its warmest. This makes autumn a great time of year to enjoy the exceptional views that await you from either a paddleboard or a kayak. To help with the excursion there are various companies that offer both rentals and guided trips.

Give yourself the gift of deliciousness. Lake Tahoe is full of gourmet restaurants that are gifted at showcasing the Farm to Fork movement that is happening throughout California. With autumn being the time of harvest, this is the optimum time of year to take advantage of the impressive tastes that are coming from the small, organic, micro-farms in the foothills around Lake Tahoe. A few dining experiences to put on your hit list include Camp Richardson’s Fall Feast Week, the Passport to Dining and the 47th Annual An Evening of Food, Wine and Beer Tasting and Competition at the Montbleu Casino.

Photos: Shanie Matthews and Montbleu Casino

For more things to do this week, head over to our Daytime and Nightlife sections.