Float the Truckee River and Explore Emerald Bay

Lake Tahoe is the most known body of water for recreational activities, however, the Truckee River is another popular spot to cool off. Starting in Tahoe City, the river runs north for several miles through a beautiful forested canyon.
Floating the crystal clear waters will take you through lush meadows and mountainous views. It is mostly flat water with a few light rapids. You can bring your own float and shuttle yourself, or hire a raft and shuttle from a local outfitter like Truckee River Raft. If river floating isn't for you, there is also a paved riverwalk trail that is a wonderful alternative.

The Dam Cafe offers farm-fresh meals along with real-fruit smoothies, bakery items, Illy coffee, and ice cream. Some lunch favorites are the Tasty Turkey with melted gouda cheese and pesto sauce on your choice of freshly baked bread. The Dam Burly Rito is also delicious with Costa Rican-style black beans and rice, cheese, avocado, and pico de gallo wrapped in a large flour tortilla.

Head south on the lake to explore the Emerald Bay area for the afternoon. The Emerald Bay Overlook, an off-the-road viewpoint, provides one of the most iconic scenes of Lake Tahoe. You will look down 600 feet into the gorgeous bay with dramatic cliffs and the scenic Fannette Island in the middle of the bay.

Put on your hiking shoes to start walking down to the bottom of the bay to explore the Scandinavian-inspired castle called Vikingsholm. This structure was built by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight who had purchased the property in 1928 for $250,000. She built her castle there as the scenery reminded her of the fjords she had seen while visiting in Scandinavia.
You can tour Vikingsholm during the summer months, which offers 30-minute tours. On the tour, you will see the many influences of Scandinavian architecture, including spikes on the gutters to ward off evil spirits, roofs with growing grass and flowers, and carved dragon heads.
Hours (End of May-September) Tours begin every 30 minutes from 10:30am – 4pm
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Fannette Island was also owned by Mrs. Knight who had built a small stone teahouse on it. You can still see part of the structure today. You can even visit the island yourself! The best way is by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, which you can rent at the beach by Vikingsholm.
When you get to the island, you'll hike up a short rocky trail to the top to enjoy the teahouse with its magnificent views. This is a unique site to visit as it is the only island in all of Lake Tahoe.

You must have built up an appetite with all your water activities today! Fuel up at Base Camp Pizza Company in a bustling part of South Lake Tahoe.
You can choose from gourmet pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes. They also serve cocktails, draft beers, and wines. Try the Thai Chicken Curry pizza or the Pear and Gorgonzola pizza for something different.

End your journey back in Reno. From here, you can spend a night at one of the many hotels in the area. The next day you could fly back home or to your next destination. Or continue your road trip by heading west into California.
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