This past spring, I was assigned to assit with evaluations the Lake Tahoe area. The first thing that came to mind was the crowded casinos and the ‘ding, ding, ding’ of the slot machines! 

I was very happy to find out that I was going to the peace and quiet of Tahoe’s north shore. I had been there years ago, but never really took the time to appreciate the beauty this part of the lake has to offer.

I started in the town of Truckee. Years ago, I inspected the Reno area and always thought that Truckee was just a place off the highway to grab a bite to eat or to visit the memorial of the Donner Party, a pioneer wagon train that  attempted to cross what is now known as Donner Pass back in 1848. 

The historic downtown area offers unique shops and restaurants. and everyone here knows each other! Growing up in a small town, my visit here made me realize how much I miss the little things like that!

I continued south from Truckee down to the north shore of Lake Tahoe. As I came around one curve of the road, the trees seemed to open and the views of the lake were spectacular! As I got closer to Lake Tahoe, the snow-topped mountains came into view. 

I visited the towns of Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay and Tahoe City. Many hotels and restaurants are located right on the lake. Some properties offer kayak and boating lessons or lakeside lounge chairs for those who just want to relax.

While I was in Tahoe City, I asked about a good place to have lunch and was told that at “fanny” bridge there is a restaurant called the Bridge Tender Tavern & Grill. I’d never heard of fanny bridge and was told  it was where Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River meet.” 

Sure enough, as I crossed this bridge, all I could see were the backs of people viewing where these two bodies of water meet; hence, “fanny” bridge! The Bridge Tender was a great stop for lunch— the hamburgers are definitely worth sampling.

My last stop in this area was at Squaw Valley. The drive along the Truckee River was absolutely beautiful as the road twisted through the mountains. There are bike paths along this entire stretch of river and with areas to stop and picnic.

As I entered Squaw Valley (also known as Olympic Valley because the Winter Olympics were held there in 1960), the cascading views of the mountains go all the way down to the valley – it was like paradise! A green meadow with creeks meandering through it was spectacular!

I was warned to be careful because there is a variety of wildlife in that area. Sure enough, as I got out of my car at one stop, a coyote ran past me! I was just grateful it wasn’t a mother bear and her cubs! 

In Squaw Valley, the Olympic Village displays memorabilia of the Olympics and offers shops, restaurants and outdoor activities, including golf, biking, hiking and winter ice skating, and a ski resort that looks as if it reaches to the sky.

North Lake Tahoe is a great travel destination for those who really enjoy the spectacular views of nature. From the lake area to the mountains to the valleys at Squaw, it really is a memorable place to visit.