Lake Tahoe is one of the best areas in California for state parks. Whether it’s Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss, Sand Harbor or Sugar Pine Point, there is so much to explore along this beautiful stretch of California. Sugar Pine Point was one of the last parks I got a chance to see in Lake Tahoe, finally visiting it in late 2018. This park caught my eye with the viral photo that went around the internet of the train tracks leading into the water, but the historic spot has a lot more to offer than just that. Here is all the information.
Details
- Cost: $10
- Hours: 8 AM – 7 PM most days
- Location: 7360 West, Tahoma, CA 96142
Getting There
Sugar Pine Point State Park is located on Highway 89 on the west side of the lake. It is near the town of Tahoma, south of Tahoe City, and it is hard to miss the sign as you are driving around the lake. There is a large parking lot after the pay station.
The Park
The park itself is big, but most of the main attractions are in one small section near the water. That is where I focused my time on this trip.
The property was privately owned up until the 1960’s and it served as a vacation home for one family. Because of that, the property and the buildings are very well maintained, and it serves as an excellent way to step back in time and experience Lake Tahoe’s history.
You can walk into many of the buildings, and plaques tell you about what the structures, family, and the area.
The main building that served as the family home is only accessible via a tour that costs $10.
I highly recommend you take it though as it is only about 45 minutes and it is one of the best-maintained houses I have seen in the state park system. I took the last tour of the day which was at 2:30, and got to visit both the first and second story of the house.
This house even has a makeshift birdcage elevator in it which was cool to see, and all of the rooms look exactly like they would have when the house was in service.
After finishing the tour, a headed out to walk the half-mile trail to the rest of the parks main attractions.
The highlight here was the old boathouse which has some of the boats the family used while they were here.
The pier that goes out from the main house is also worth exploring. It gives you beautiful views of the clear water while looking back at the house.
Lastly, head down to the south boathouse, which is where the famous train tracks going into the water are.
When I went, the water was choppy, so it was hard to take a great photo. Also, you need to have a CP filter to best photograph this area but either way it is cool to see in person.
From here I finished the loop and headed back to my car. It was a great park to explore for a few hours in Lake Tahoe, and I will be back for more photography. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments.
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