Emerald Bay SP

State Park

In 1969, Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier carved granite.

The natural beauty, geology and history of this unique island make it one of the highlights of any visit to the Lake Tahoe area.

The park features Vikingsholm, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. The "Tea House" on Fannette Island, the only island to be found in all of Lake Tahoe.

Emerald Bay was designated an underwater state park in 1994. It is the resting place for many boats, launches and barges used in the lake before the turn of the century, during the heyday of Emerald Bay Resort and used in the construction of Vikingsholm.

Location/Directions
The park is located 22 miles south of Tahoe City.

Vikingsholm can be reached by parking in the Harvey West parking lot by Highway 89 at Emerald Bay. Take the trail, which is one mile in length and drops 500 feet in elevation to the house.

Fannette Island is located in the bay on the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

The Boat Camp is on the north side of Emerald Bay, about 1/2 mile east of Fannette Island located in the bay on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, at the site of the old Emerald Bay Resort.

Boat Camp is closed for the season as of September 7, 2009 due to construction of a new floating pier that meets accessibility requirements. Please check this website in spring 2010 for an update for the 2010 summer season.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
Summer temperatures range from about 75 degrees during the day to the low 40s at night, and winter temperatures average from a high of 40 to a low of 20 degrees; during extremely cold winters Emerald Bay freezes over.

Food Storage Locker Information
Metal bear-resistant food lockers are provided in each campsite. All food, beverages, and tolietries are required by law to be stored in provided food lockers. The inside dimensions of the food lockedrs 36" deep, 43" wide, and 22" high. Violators will be cited.

Aquatic Weed Control in Progress
During the summer of 2009, you may notice a buoy line in a small area along the north side of Emerald Bay. This area is undergoing active invasive weed treatment and removal which could be disrupted by boats anchoring or operating within the buoy line. Please steer clear of these buoys to ensure effective control of the invasive plant, Eurasian watermilfoil. If left untreated, this weed could spread rapidly and form a dense mat of vegetation on the water surface. These thick weed beds are dangerous to swim in, difficult to sail or canoe through, get caught in boat propellers and fishing equipment, and decrease water clarity. Thank you very much for your assistance!


Fannette Island Underwater Park Vikingsholm Brochures Panorama Video Photos State Parks Store Current Weather Map of Location Accessible Features Cities near the park: California Coastline Photos: Sierra State Parks Foundation	Emerald Bay SP State Park In 1969, Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier carved granite. The natural beauty, geology and history of this unique island make it one of the highlights of any visit to the Lake Tahoe area. The park features Vikingsholm, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. The "Tea House" on Fannette Island, the only island to be found in all of Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay was designated an underwater state park in 1994. It is the resting place for many boats, launches and barges used in the lake before the turn of the century, during the heyday of Emerald Bay Resort and used in the construction of Vikingsholm. Location/Directions The park is located 22 miles south of Tahoe City. Vikingsholm can be reached by parking in the Harvey West parking lot by Highway 89 at Emerald Bay. Take the trail, which is one mile in length and drops 500 feet in elevation to the house. Fannette Island is located in the bay on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. The Boat Camp is on the north side of Emerald Bay, about 1/2 mile east of Fannette Island located in the bay on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, at the site of the old Emerald Bay Resort. Boat Camp is closed for the season as of September 7, 2009 due to construction of a new floating pier that meets accessibility requirements. Please check this website in spring 2010 for an update for the 2010 summer season. Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing Summer temperatures range from about 75 degrees during the day to the low 40s at night, and winter temperatures average from a high of 40 to a low of 20 degrees; during extremely cold winters Emerald Bay freezes over. Food Storage Locker Information Metal bear-resistant food lockers are provided in each campsite. All food, beverages, and tolietries are required by law to be stored in provided food lockers. The inside dimensions of the food lockedrs 36" deep, 43" wide, and 22" high. Violators will be cited. Aquatic Weed Control in Progress During the summer of 2009, you may notice a buoy line in a small area along the north side of Emerald Bay. This area is undergoing active invasive weed treatment and removal which could be disrupted by boats anchoring or operating within the buoy line. Please steer clear of these buoys to ensure effective control of the invasive plant, Eurasian watermilfoil. If left untreated, this weed could spread rapidly and form a dense mat of vegetation on the water surface. These thick weed beds are dangerous to swim in, difficult to sail or canoe through, get caught in boat propellers and fishing equipment, and decrease water clarity. Thank you very much for your assistance!	Park Features Icon Legend Max Camper Length: 18 Feet Max Trailer Length: 18 Feet Hours None listed County El Dorado Region High Sierra Telephone Campground: 530-541-3030 Vikingsholm Visitor Center: 530-541-6498 Boat In Campground Map California Reminds Boaters and Water Users: Don't Move a Mussel!