Lake Tahoe From Above: Take Flight with North Tahoe Aviation

Have you ever wondered what Tahoe looks like from above?

There are many ways to explore the Tahoe-Truckee region, and most people search for the best views by hiking, biking, ski touring or going on the lake by boat or human-powered watercraft. Some seek views that come from a more elevated perspective, and that’s where North Tahoe Aviation delivers.

Located at the Truckee Tahoe Airport, North Tahoe Aviation aims to show locals and travelers beloved attractions and hidden gems in the Tahoe-Truckee region, including Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, Mount Tallac, Tahoe Keys, Desolation Wilderness, Donner Summit and more through private flights aboard a Cessna 180 bush plane.

I was given the incredible opportunity to go on a flight and experience seeing Tahoe from the Cessna. As a drone pilot, I was especially excited to practice my aerial photography skills as well, and filming from this aircraft presented many exciting challenges and new perspectives.

My goal was to capture the essence of Tahoe: bright, blue waters, towering snow-capped peaks, dense forests and alpine lakes sprinkled through the diverse landscape. I was excited to see some of my favorite summits, trails and lakes from above and move effortlessly through an area in minutes that would take days on foot. 

Seeing the iconic blue shades of Lake Tahoe is an unrivaled experience.

The morning of the flight, I was extremely relieved that I got a perfect blue-sky day with calm winds. Perfect for flying and photography. Keith Davis, owner and chief pilot of North Tahoe Aviation, met me at the terminal and showed me the Cessna 180 bush plane, the perfect aircraft for high-elevation mountain flying. 

With more than 10 years of experience flying in our local mountain terrain, Davis comes with a vast amount of knowledge, passion and dedication to understanding the region’s topography, weather patterns and safety procedures needed to navigate the skies above Tahoe. Alongside his expertise in aviation, Keith is also an avalanche instructor here in the Tahoe-Truckee region and a heli-ski guide in Alaska’s remote regions. His dedication to sharing the landscape from a unique perspective, coupled with a seamless blend of adventure and safety, elevates the airplane tour experience.

As we took off, the forested views of Martis Valley quickly turned into a rugged, snow-capped landscape. We passed Donner Lake, this morning a vibrant cobalt blue, and quickly made our way through the iconic peaks of Palisades Tahoe, a place I have skied since I was a child on my ski breaks.

Donner Lake from above is stunning, especially set against the snow-capped peaks.

As we made our way to Lake Tahoe, I was reminded of how large and stunning the lake truly is. We made our way past the idyllic west shore, and I was captivated by the contrast of the private piers above the shallow turquoise waters. The main attraction of the day, Emerald Bay, was on the horizon, and I was excited to capture that in all its glory, surrounded by the towering Mount Tallac, one of my favorite training summits, and other dramatic snow-capped peaks. The sun hit the water and peaks just right, and I was able to capture the shots I had dreamed about. From here, we soared above Desolation Wilderness, watching Eagle Lake, Velma Lakes, Maggie’s Peaks and Lake Aloha, some of my go-to summer spots, from directly above. We made our way past Dick’s Peak and back to Emerald Bay, this time coming around from the back to see it in a different light. 

After circling Emerald Bay to get the shots I wanted, we flew alongside the shoreline, taking in the views of the Tahoe Keys, South Lake Tahoe and the picturesque East Shore, Incline Village and Crystal Bay. We circumnavigated the lake and got to see all the main attractions from a perspective many don’t get to experience. 

The idyllic west shore never ceases to amaze me, and seeing it from above solidified how pristine it is.

Seeing Lake Tahoe and the surrounding region from this perspective really showed me how lucky I am to live here. I was filled with joy from the experience, but also gratitude that I get to call Tahoe my home. Sometimes, all it truly takes is seeing something from a new perspective!

North Tahoe Aviation offers a unique variety of tours to cater to your desired experiences. From flying above the peaks of Donner Summit to exploring the North Shore or Emerald Bay to custom photography flights or an epic sunset excursion, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Continue below to read my interview with Keith Davis and see some of the incredible views I got to witness throughout the flight.

Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake and Mount Tallac take center stage.

What inspired you to start North Tahoe Aviation?

I have spent the last decade flying around these mountains and have always enjoyed seeing people’s reactions the first time they see the mountains and the lake from the air. I wanted to start a company to share that experience with as many people as possible and provide the same feeling to my guests that I get every time I fly. 

What is your favorite part about owning and operating North Tahoe Aviation, and what makes showing your clients Tahoe from above so special?

My personal favorite part is being able to see all the places that I have been on the ground as well as the places I haven’t been. I have spent the last 20 years snowboarding, teaching avalanche classes and ski guiding in these mountains, and I still find places that I haven’t been when I fly over and really take a look. Every person that I have flown with points out a place they have been and very quickly afterward points out a spot they want to go. It’s pretty special to have the ability to let people look out the window and see this area from a new perspective. 

Keith Davis with his Cessna 180 bush plane at the Truckee Tahoe Airport.

What makes flying in the Tahoe-Truckee region so unique, compared to other regions?

The easy access to Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. Before we even leave the Truckee Airport, we are in the mountains, and Tahoe is just over the ridge. Being the largest alpine lake in North America, it really is the only place that you can get a great view of both the crystal-clear water and the snowcapped mountains at the same time. It’s not everywhere that you can fly an airplane down into a lake basin. We also have a ton of sunny days, so that makes flying more fun and accessible.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a pilot in this region, and how do you ensure safety on each flight?

Of all the mountain airports in North America, Truckee definitely has an advantage with all the sunny days that we get, making it a great place to fly. However, mountain weather is certainly a challenge and being able to read the wind is the number one thing that I focus on when flying in the mountains; it isn’t always a safety issue, but wind can be the difference between a smooth flight and an uncomfortable one. We look at the weather constantly and will only fly if we are sure that it is safe and comfortable. I have spent most of my life looking at mountain weather in the Sierras and have no problem being honest with a guest if I think we should take a rain check. 

South Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Keys and peaks from Desolation Wilderness

What is your most memorable flight thus far?

Hands down, taking my 84-year-old grandmother on her first scenic flight in a small plane. 

Where are some of your favorite local spots?

Oh man, so many. Mt. Tallac is my favorite mountain. It has so many proper ski lines that are great to see from the air, and the view from the plane is unbelievable: snowy mountain on one side and big blue Lake Tahoe on the other. But I also love flying down the east shore of Tahoe just after sunset, when the east shore peaks are lit up.