Kayaking Lake Tahoe's East Shore from Sand Harbor
Discover your new favorite beach amongst the giant boulders and teal waters of Tahoe’s least accessible region
Why Paddle Tahoe's East Shore?
Kayaking Lake Tahoe’s east shore just might be one of the most beautiful trips you’ll take all summer. As much as I hate to call anything in travel a “must see” – to me, the east shore is a definitive Tahoe experience you won’t want to miss.
What makes the east shore so special? In short – nature. Tahoe’s rugged east shore is almost completely void of development, so you can paddle for miles without seeing or hearing a road.
Because it’s Tahoe, you won’t be the only visitors, but that’s hardly the point. On hot summer days, parades of cars line Highway 28, offering hike-in access to the east shore’s most popular beaches. Speedboats also enjoy anchoring here. That said – kayaking Tahoe’s east shore maximizes your beach options. And, for much of your journey, you’ll easily find the peace and solitude you’re looking for.
There are two ways to paddle the east shore: as an out and back, or with a car shuttle. If you’re kayaking out and back from Sand Harbor, expect to cover 6-12 miles. If you’re running the full east shore with a pickup at Cave Rock, you’ll paddle about 13 miles. These distances are definitely doable – but a commitment. If you run into trouble mid-trip, you’ll be looking at a long and steep hike out.
About Your Kayaking Trip
Start at Sand Harbor. This beach is a worthy destination on its own, and you may want to hang out and explore. Resist that temptation. You have a long trip, filled with even nicer beaches, ahead of you.
Paddle south. For your first couple miles, the highway follows the shoreline closely. However, as the terrain changes, you’ll notice that road moving farther from shore. On a quiet day, you eventually won’t notice it at all. You’ve reached the east shore.
Lake Tahoe’s east shore is all granite and pine, secluded beaches, and giant round boulders. Once you’re here, you won’t want to stop paddling. You’ll keep passing postcard-worthy beaches, and you’ll struggle to decide where to stop first. Depending on your speed and your plans for the day, this stretch of coast is where you’ll want to spend the most time. Pull up to shore. Have a snack. Have a dip and a rest.
If you have slower or less patient paddlers in your group, Chimney Beach is your first reasonable option to consider turning around. However, if you have more miles in you, you won’t want to miss the rest of this coastline. Continue on to Whale Beach, Skunk Harbor, or your personal favorite east shore spot. As you approach Skunk Harbor, you may feel the pace of these beaches slowing down and notice the coastal terrain growing more rugged. Keep a close watch, and see if you can find an eagle’s nest or other signs of wildlife.
If you’re planning on padding back to your car, Skunk Harbor is an excellent turnaround point.
Onward to Cave Rock
If you’re continuing on to Cave Rock, after Skunk Harbor you’ll paddle by some of the wildest and least-visited areas of Tahoe. Take your time and enjoy these last stretches of public land. You’ll pass steep hillsides, overflowing with life, but with few good options to stop and rest. Eventually, you’ll round Deadman’s Point and enter the community of Glenbrook. There are no public beaches here. We found ourselves needing a lunch break here, and got creative with a picnic on these rocks in the middle of the lake.
You’ve almost reached your destination, so keep paddling on. Even with the houses lining this stretch of coast, it feels much quieter here than other parts of the lake. Eventually, you’ll find yourself paddling alongside the highway again. Cave Rock is well within reach, and you’ll spot it long before you arrive.
Take a moment to relax, take in the view, and reflect on your day’s experiences. You will have earned it.
Recommendations for Kayaking Tahoe's East Shore
Kayak Rentals
Kayak and SUP rentals are available at Sand Harbor.
Camping Near Tahoe's East Shore
Nevada Beach Campground and Zephyr Cove Campground are fairly close to Cave Rock. I prefer Nevada Beach, since it’s right on the water and allows for evening beach walks. If you’re paddling the Tahoe Water Trail, I recommend camping here.
Kayaking with Kids
This is a very long paddle – and you know your family better than I do. Be aware that a couple of the east shore beaches are clothing options. If this isn’t your jam, they’re easy to skip.
When to Go
Arrive at Sand Harbor early in the morning to claim your parking spot, especially on summer weekends.
Build Your Tahoe & East Shore Weekend
After a full day on the water, treat yourself to dinner at your favorite restaurant or a night out on the town in South Lake Tahoe.
What's Next?
Continue paddling the “Tahoe Water Trail ‘ – the 72 mile loop around Lake Tahoe, in segments. On your next trip – try beginning from Speedboat Beach or Incline Village. Or, for another natural-feeling stretch of coast, check out Elkhorn Slough or Gold Lake.
