Emerald Bay

This bridge supports the traffic on HW89 as it ambles around scenic Emerald Bay.

I like the colors of the stone, the reflection, as well as shadows, laying on top of the calm and cold mountain water and the clear blue skies above. A very tranquil and peaceful photo.

And, the chunk of snow to the left is the only clue that the local ski resorts, such as Homewood Mountain and Alpine Meadows, are still entertaining skiers and snowboarders. Without that snow this photo could have been taken during the summer season.

In contrast to the tranquil Emerald Bay bridge photo, the view looking in the opposite direction away from the bridge. What was calm mountain water now rushing over the edge of the rocks as it plummets down eventually to the Emerald Bay waters edge and Vikingsholm.

Emerald Bay one of the most famous and recognizable places on Lake Tahoe at any time of the year.

More photos posted at Tahoe Photos and Tahoe Photos Gallery.

Mt. Tallac View

Mt. Tallac View

A hike of approximately 9-miles and 5-hours in duration, depending on how fast you hike uphill, from the Fallen Leaf Lake area gets you to the top of Mt. Tallac and back. The panoramic views from this vantage point, of 9,375 feet, are spectacular and it’s well worth the effort if you have never been to the top.

This view is looking north and you can clearly see Cascade Lake and Emerald Bay as well as it gives you an idea of the scale of Lake Tahoe and its 22-miles by 12-miles expanse. I also like how the clouds are casting their shadows.

Another photo, but this time about an hour from the top of Mt. Tallac. It’s a steady climb from here to the top but with scenery like this, who cares!

Mt. Tallac Hike

What I like about this photo is the contrast of colors. The rich greens and yellows of the plants in the foreground and the stark grey mountains in the background, with a couple of remaining patches of snow.

I am not exactly sure which mountain that is in the photo, I should really know so I apologize, but it sure does remind me of Half Dome in Yosemite. Perhaps someone who does know can add a comment and share with all of us?

This will be the last photo of the Summer, we officially go in to Autumn on Wednesday, September 23rd. Autumn is one of my favorite seasons and I hope to capture several photos of the changing colors and first snow fall!

More Tahoe Photos posted at Tahoe Photos and Tahoe Photos Gallery.

Monthly Prize Winner!

Congratulations to Peter from Albany, CA who won the August 2009 prize draw. Peter selected the Emerald Bay photo from December, 2007 featured on the Tahoe Gallery hosted by SmugMug!. Check it out by clicking on the hot-link.

Each month in 2009, Tahoe Photos is giving away a Tahoe Photos Reprint — an order value worth $50. For your chance to win, you must be a registered email subscriber. Please spread the word as the more email subscribers, the better prize we could offer!!

More Tahoe Photos posted at Tahoe Photos and Tahoe Photos Gallery.

Emerald Bay Pass

Emerald Bay Pass B&W

This photo was taken late afternoon on March 8th, 2009.

It gives a clear perspective of how sharp the turns are as you head south on the West Shore, around Emerald Bay, down towards South Lake Tahoe City. As you can see the descent in the road, from the right side of the photo to the left, is significant, there are about 3-4 similar turns on this stretch of the road.

I really like this image in black and white as I feel it accentuates the shadows, and I like the way the sun is represented in a burst of light behind the trees.

Emerald Bay Crystals

Emerald Bay Crystals

This photo was taken on January 31st, 2009.

I took a quick trip down to Emerald Bay earlier this morning and captured some good photos of the waterfall that I have posted on Tahoe Photos Gallery.

However, I thought this was just a cool photo for posting on the Tahoe Photos Blog. In the Summer this would be a freely flowing part of the waterfall but for now, this little pocket is frozen and creates a wonderful photo.

I like how the early morning sunrise is breaking through the shadows and it seems to add a little extra contrast to the overall image.

Jakes Peak

Jakes Peak

This photo was taken on October, 4th, 2008.

The view of Jakes Peak is from beside Eagle Lake, which is accessible from Eagle Falls Trail starting at Emerald Bay.

The photo was taken on an early, wet and overcast morning. I wanted to capture how the trees are changing, I really like this time of the year as the colors are stunning.

And by the way, we had the first snow fall this weekend, albeit a relatively small amount and only visible on the highest peaks, but we did get snow and it looks awesome!

Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake

This photo was taken on August, 16th, 2008, from the small boat launch at Fallen Leaf Lake.

Fallen Leaf Lake is approximately aligned north-to-south and oval in shape, measuring approximately 2.9 miles (4.6 km) in length, and 0.9 miles (1.4 km) in width, as visible in this photo.

The lake was created by at least two glaciers which traveled northward down the Glen Alpine Valley. If the glacier had continued, Fallen Leaf Lake would be a bay similar to nearby Emerald Bay.

Due to its beauty, the lake is a favorite of Hollywood producers and it has been featured in both The Bodyguard and City of Angels. 

It’s a very peaceful and almost deserted place, accessible by a narrow, winding, and often, one-way road. It has a couple of small beaches, one public and one private, plus boating, canoeing, and fishing from the one and only rental hut. 

There is something about this place that reminds me of quaint fishing village that you might find somewhere on the English coast!

Vikingsholm

Vikingsholm

This photo was taken on July 12, 2008, looking down in to Emerald Bay, it provides a different perspective from the last photo of Emerald Bay.

Vikingsholm is situated at the base of Emerald Bay. It’s a frequently visited location by the boating population. However, you can walk down to the Vikingsholm and the beach area from the road if you so desire.

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay

This photo was taken on July 6th, 2008, at Emerald Bay.

July 4th weekend has been very busy here in Tahoe. The whole Lake, on and off, has been inundated by visitors spending the long weekend in Tahoe … and why not!

Fortunately, the recent smoke was favorable to all, and it had virtually disappeared for the duration of the holiday. As a result, it was a perfect July 4th evening for watching the fireworks, while sitting at the West Shore Café, in Homewood, with a glass of wine with some good friends!

However, as this photo shows, the smoke has returned, albeit not as bad, as the result of some new fires in Northern California. But I don’t think it has spoiled anyone’s last few hours of weekend fun!

A little fact about Emerald Bay, in 1969 it was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier carved granite.

It is probably one of the most recognizable and most visited places in Lake Tahoe, well worth the trip.