Summer’s last splash: gotta lake it!

Senior golden retriever standing in Fallen Leaf Lake with boats and mountains in background.

Fallen Leaf Lake. Photo by Jennifer Barnes.

When Northern Californians mention “The Lake,” you know they’re talking Tahoe. September is “tweener” season at Big Blue, a time when locals breathe deep, tourism drops off and visitors in the know snag mega-deals on lodging. Read more.

Off we go, into the wild blue yonder

Wild Blue Dog Camp. Photo by Sharon Eide.

If you like camping and wouldn’t think about taking off for the wild blue yonder without your four-legged companions, consider giving your team an entire, activity-packed week together in the company of other dog-lovers and their pets. Wild Blue Dog Camp at Lake Tahoe is just what it sounds like: summer camp for you and your dog(s). Held just one week a year (Sept. 3-9 in 2018) on a 33-acre, sandy-beach property between Edgewood Golf Course and Zephyr Cove on the Nevada side of the lake (the facility serves in summer as a 4H camp), Wild Blue offers a full agenda of training in everything from agility and lure-coursing to nose work and doga (yoga with your dog on the beach). Read more.

Third stop: South Lake Tahoe to Truckee

Historic buildings on edge of Lake at Tallac Historic Site

Tallac Historic Site. Photo by Chris Mansker.

Highway 89 along Tahoe’s West Shore is a treat for the senses on many levels. It takes about an hour in non-traffic conditions to drive straight through, but why would you want to do that? Your first worthwhile diversion, especially if you’re a Tahoe first-timer, is Tallac Historic Site, a collection of late 19th-century estate homes and outbuildings. Read more.

Second stop: Highway 50, Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe

Of the two primary ways to get to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento (Interstate 80 or Highway 50), 50 is by far the more scenic. Read more.

Cuddle up at Lake Tahoe

Dog snuggling on a hotel room bed in Lake Tahoe

You know that Lake Tahoe is a great spot to play in the snow, not just for skiers and boarders, but for any brand of DogTrekker who enjoys navigating in and around the white stuff. We’ve sniffed out umpteen places where you and your four-legged snow angel will be welcome. Read more.