Chimney Beach in Lake Tahoe Nevada

adonisabril (74)in #lake • 6 years ago (edited)

Chimney Beach, Lake Tahoe

There's an obscure area in Lake Tahoe's North Eastern Shores that used be hidden from the masses. Tucked away in azure coves of blue just right off Nevada's SR-28 are hidden gems: Secret Cove and Chimney Beach. Both are well hidden from view off the highway, but if dare to step off your car or bike for a minute, you'll see the amazing wonders that this area has to offer. It's not a long hike either, so are just a few yards and meters from the road.

Lake Tahoe sits above 6,500 ft in altitude making it an Alpine Lake. As such, it does see its fair share of an optical phenomenon called Alpenglow. If you happen to have some clouds in the sky as the Sun sets, look out because you're about to get an eye candy treat! Surrounded by tall mountains, there' no shortage of Alpenglows to witness in Lake Tahoe.

A Popular Spot

This place is swarming with beachgoers and kayakers in the summer. The hot and warm Sun can easily push a lot of people to jump into Lake Tahoe's crystal clear cool blue waters.

If you come during winter, you'll see fewer visitors, and you'll have the place in solitude. During these photos inception, California was in a severe drought which exposed these boulders along the shore. In an otherwise normal wet year, they would be underwater, but it doesn't make the place less picturesque.

A walk down from your car and slogging along the canopy of Jeffrey Pines will open up to Lake Tahoe's famed clear blue waters and boulder-lined shoreline. You'll soon get that itch on your trigger finger because you'd want to start shooting with your cameras as quickly as possible. But walk a little more. Hop over a few boulders, or a few dozens and continue along the shore. You'll soon see a pristine area with rocks you can hop on towards the lake and understand different perspectives for your photos.

Bring Your Clothes Or Don't

By the way. Secret Cove is just south of Chimney Beach, and it's a famous beach just like Baker Beach in San Francisco - that means "clothing is optional." Don't be surprised if you run into some random nudist or be alarmed because there's a naked person in the frame. Aside, from encounters of nude bodies, you'll likely see other beachgoers in the summer since Secret Cove and Chimney Beach aren't as "secret" as they used to be.

This area is called Chimney beach because of the distinctive chimney along the shores that was a leftover from a house from its mining heydays. Somebody had the right idea to build a house here because the place has the best views of Lake Tahoe. Thankfully it's now abandoned and is available for the public to Enjoy.

Where is it?

Chimney Beach is located in North East Lake Tahoe in the Nevada side. It's just south of Sand Harbor off SR 28.

How do you get there?

Drive north on SR 28 if you're coming in from South Lake Tahoe, California from Highway 50 and then park on the Secret Harbor parking lot and follow the trail down towards either Secret Cove or Chimney Beach.

Drive south on Highway 267 and then south SR 28 if you're coming in from State 80.

Here's a map for full reference

READY TO CHECK OUT CHIMNEY BEACH?