Note: posted 19 days post-outing.
Twice now we’ve gone to the Emerald Bay trailheads on lake Tahoe to hike or climb and instead found ourselves fleeing crowds, mayhem, and full parking lots. A visit from our friend Peter prompts us to get up early on a chilly day to beat the rush and explore the area unmolested. Of course we also get an icy trail to contend with.
Eagle Falls Trailhead Sign
Icy Trail
We brave the ice as far as Eagle Lake, a pretty spot.
Peter at Eagle Lake
The descent is made even more treacherous by distracting views.
Lake Tahoe Peek
Descending
I learn that trees can be huggers too.
Hugger Tree
If you find a tree with a portal to another dimension, you’ll have nothing but trouble until you seal it off.
Wall Tree
We look out at Fannette Island in Emerald Bay with a little stone tea house on top.
Emerald Bay Teahouse Island
Peter and Ann at Emerald Bay
There’s an old Scandinavian-inspired summer mansion known as Vikingsholm here, built in 1929 and now part of Emerald Bay State Park. It’s full of interesting details. There is sod roofing, intricate masonry, stained glass, and detailed wood carving to admire.
Vikingsholm, Lake Side
Vikingsholm, North Side
Vikingsholm Stained Glass
4 responses to “Eagle Lake and Vikingsholm”
Hey, I’ve been to Emerald Bay State Park! I visited a friend at Lake Tahoe many years ago and he brought me there. I remember the huge Jeffrey Pines especially.
I keep wondering why the trees are so big here, but the best answer I’ve been able to find is an attribution to cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
There’s a fun site that registers biggest trees by species. Quite a few are nearby, especially conifers.
Fantastic. I have got to do that hike some day. Beautiful scenery and Vikingsholm looks delightful.
So what is really up with the blocked tree? Were they trying to support it to keep it alive?
Get there early when you go!
Really I have no clue what’s going on with that tree. You’re probably right, maybe it was rotting out and they didn’t want to cut it down.