Although we are sad to say goodbye to Summer, Fall is still a great time to spend in South Lake Tahoe. Although this fall we are facing a unique weather situation: the smoke. The King Fire has currently burned over 90,000 acres and is 43% contained. We have been extremely fortunate here in South Lake Tahoe to have avoided a lot of the smoke from this disaster. With the King Fire, the winds have been in our favor, blowing much of the smoke towards the Truckee and Reno regions. The past few days here in South Lake Tahoe have been the epitome of early fall weather: crisp mornings, hot during the midday, and cooler evenings. No smoke since Monday!
There are many activities and events to take part in during the fall, here are a few of our favorites!
Hike Mt. Tallac
With the cooler temperatures, Fall is a great time to get out and hike some of those trails on your list you have yet to hit! The crowds are gone (especially during the mid-week) and it is not brutally hot on the trail like it is in July. Our fall hike of choice: Mt. Tallac. This is not a beginner hike, as you climb over 3,000 vertical feet to get to the summit. This trip takes usually about six hours round trip (with some stoppage time to take breathtaking photos). There are three trail-heads where you can start this hike, the most common being the Mount Tallac Trailhead off Highway 89. Here you can fill out the required wilderness permit information for a day hike (overnight trips you will need to go to the Visitor Center or Forest Service Ranger Stations). From here you will hike from the trailhead to Floating Island Lake, on to the main trail to Cathedral Lake and then to the summit! The reward at the top of the summit is worth the trek (see photo to the left). From an elevation of 9,735 feet you have unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountain ranges. Don’t forget your camera! Be sure to bring sunscreen and appropriate layers for your hike, it can be very windy at the summit. And always, always bring enough water! See a full trail description and map Here.
Tahoe Bike Classic
Taking place this weekend, is the Tahoe Bike Classic. In this two day event, bikers can participate in a hill climb time trial on Saturday and then the main event on Sunday. The race starts right here in town and then heads towards the ‘Y’ and onto the 
switch backs and hill climbs of Emerald Bay. Bikers continue through Homewood, and bike right alongside the lake to Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Incline Village. Bikers have to try not to be distracted at the gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe while they pass through Sand Harbor and then up towards Spooner and then descends back through Zephyr Cove towards the finish at Stateline. The circumference of Lake Tahoe is 72 miles. For those not interested in that long of a course, the short course starts in Tahoe City and ends at Stateline, total of 36 miles. Last weekend the IRONMAN was schedule to take place in Lake Tahoe. Due to poor air quality from the King Fire the event was cancelled. For the Tahoe Bike Classic, this call will be made on Saturday at 8:45AM, and Sunday at 6:45AM. Please check their website for more details.
Oktoberfest
What is fall without Oktoberfest? Nothing special in our opinion! Oktoberfest returns again to Camp Richardson Resort October 4th and 5th. Event admission and parking is free – however we recommend getting there early as parking does fill up extremely fast. Another reason for arriving early” the beer and ticket line. You have to purchase tickets to get food and beer, and then hop in another line to get into the beer tent. You can opt to pay a bit more for your own glass beer stein that they will fill up at the beer tent. Last year, the beer line was over 30 minutes long, and we are sincerely hoping they have worked out this unfortunate kink. This is truly an event for the whole family, with delicious German food & desserts, craft booths, a pumpkin patch, bouncy castle, face painting and of course music courtesy of the famous ‘Gruber Family Band’. This band will get you out of your chair and dancing and chanting some great German beer toasts! Costumes are not required, but definitely encouraged!
Also going on at the same time, is the Kokanee Salmon Festival. Just down the street from Oktoberfest at Camp Richardson, this event is hosted by the US Forest Service at the Stream Profile Chamber. Walk around and you can see the Kokanee Salmon spawning in the creek. We recommend this as a break in your beer-drinking and schnitzel-eating!
South Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival
Who doesn’t love good food and wine? The Grand Market Expo with Demonstrations by Rocco Dispirito occurs on Saturday October 18th from Noon until 3PM. Here you can taste a wide selection of foods, wines, craft beers and liquors from culinary masters from all over. If you have not consumed too much by the end of this, or are looking for a change in drink head to the whiskey tasting from 3PM – 4PM. 
During this hour Dr. Tom Turner will share his knowledge and his own personal discovery and understanding of whiskey. Continuing the beverage theme, you can then enjoy a wine tasting while listening to jazz music by the famous musician Marcus Johnson (from 4PM – 5PM). Immediately following, is the President Dinner hosted by Rocco DiSpirito with a three course meal and pairings. Once your belly is full, you can then enjoy listening to Chef Rocco DiSpirito as he teaches you some of his recipes and answers your food questions! If you are up and about in the morning, finish the weekend off with a Farewell Brunch Sunday morning at 9AM. Overall, a great day of delicious food and spirits. All events are hosted by Harrah’s and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe. Tickets are needed for each event, see a full list here and to purchase tickets.
As it always does, time tends to fly by! So take advantage of the short fall season and come stay in South Lake Tahoe. One more great perk to fall – our rental rates decrease! Check out our Search Rentals page and find the perfect fall vacation rental for stay. Or, just call us directly and we are happy to assist you!
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