Kayaking Lake Tahoe - from Speedboat Beach
This perfect half-day paddle is punctuated with classic round rocks and – if you’re lucky – reveals Tahoe’s only lakeside hotspring
Paddling In-and-Around Tahoe’s Speedboat Beach
Can I let you in on a secret? Speedboat beach is one of the best places to begin your Tahoe paddle. Whether you’ve being hearing rumors about Tahoe’s only lakeside hotspring, want all the variety in your half-day paddle, or have a much longer trip in mind – Speedboat has it all.
“I’ve never heard of Speedboat Beach. Why’s this one of your favorites?” you may ask.
For starters, at Speedboat, you have free and relatively direct lake access. While parking in this neighborhood can be interesting, I’ve always been able to make it work. When we kayak Speedboat, we drop off our boats and then look for parking. Once our kayaks are inflated and ready to go, it takes just a couple minutes to walk them down a flat, straight wooden boardwalk, leading down to the beach.
The second (and more important) reason to choose this Tahoe paddle is that that it’s absolutely stunning and offers a variety of epic scenery, starting from your very first strokes. Speedboat beach is one of the most eye-catching put-ins along the lake, and varies dramatically from year to year, depending on water levels. When Tahoe is at its lowest, Speedboat is a great place to spend an afternoon. But, when water levels are high, there’s hardly any beach at all. Only the narrowest stretch of sand, looking out at piles of oversized round boulders. On years like this, you’ll quickly want to get in your boat and start paddling around these clusters of rock.
Which is perfect because – hey – we’re all paddlers here.
You can start paddling in either direction. They have very different feels, and you’ll want to explore them both.
Starting out, you’ll probably want to poke around the boulders jutting into the water. And you should. For the most impressive piles, turn left and follow the coast a short distance. You’ll head towards the first point. As you hug the shore, you’ll pass through many of these rocks. Play around in the rocks and see how close to the coast you can get. Depending on water levels, you might find private swimming holes between them. Get out of your boat and scramble around, if you like.
Once I reach this first point, I often turn around. Beyond here, you’ll mostly see empty vacation homes, until you reach Incline Village’s public beaches. It’s not a bad place to paddle (does Tahoe have bad paddling spots?) but you’re likely to prefer the variety of scenery behind you.
Kayaking to Lake Tahoe’s Only Lakeside Hot Spring
Once you’ve returned to speedboat beach, keep paddling. You’ll find yourself once again in that mess of round rocks. Since you’re closer to the main beach, these rocks tend to be more popular than the area you’re coming from. You’ll find beach-goers climbing around and hanging out on many of these piles.
As you round the bend, you’ll start to see some impressive beach-side real estate. Count about a dozen docks down, and you’ll start to smell something interesting. Sulfur. You’ve reached the hot springs. The boldest sulfur smell might be coming from a cement-lined pool. This water is way too hot, definitely not what you’re looking for.
Just a little ways down, you’ll notice a large hotel – Brockway Springs Resort.
You’ve arrived. Maybe.
Depending on Tahoe’s water levels, the springs might get released directly into the lake. So, no pools. And on the biggest drought years, the springs might not be close enough to Tahoe to get the temperature just right. But, on that Goldilocks year, you might be in for a surprise. Look for hand-built stone pools along the shoreline.
If you find a pool, it’s important to keep property laws in mind. In California, any land below the high water mark is fair game. This gives you kayak-up access to some most-unusual soaking. But, do respect the rights of property owners and resist the urge to wander further away from the shoreline.
This could be your turn around point, but I don’t recommend it.
To get a little more variety in your day, continue on to King’s Beach. Once you reach the main drag, look for a safe place to leave your boats and give your sea-legs a rest. King’s Beach is the perfect spot to grab lunch, a snack, or simply browse some shops. If you’re looking for a recommendation – try my personal favorite, The Burrito Window.
From here, the choice is yours. Continue to paddle along King’s Beach, or head back the way you came.
Recommendations for Kayaking Lake Tahoe from Speedboat Beach
Kayak Rentals
Kayak and SUP rentals are not available at Speedboat Beach. If you’re renting, start at King’s Beach and experience this paddle in reverse.
Speedboat Beach Camping
There are no campgrounds near Speedboat Beach. Look to Crystal Bay and King’s Beach for hotels.
Kayaking with Kids
Bring your family. So long as Tahoe’s water are reasonably calm, this variety of scenery makes a great family paddle.
When to Go
Spring, summer, and fall, depending on your tolerance to cold.
Build Your Tahoe & Speedboat Weekend
After completing the itinerary above, head out for dinner at your favorite lakeside restaurant. Then, check out the live music schedule at the Crystal Bay Club.
What's Next?
Continue paddling the Tahoe Water Trail – the 72 mile loop around Lake Tahoe, in segments. Next up: put your boat in the water at Sand Harbor, King’s Beach, or Incline Village. Or, continue exploring geologic phenomena at Lassen Volcanic National Park’s Butte Lake.