Tahoe’s famous peaks are a perfect place for a fall hike, so we are bringing back a fun fact favorite. These six major peaks in Tahoe stand at over 8,500 feet, so whether in North Lake or South Lake you are sure to be in for a spectacular lake view and an unforgettable adventure. Pick a peak and get out there!

The word Tahoe is a mispronunciation of the Washoe word Daʔaw, which they used to refer to the Lake. The term DaɁaw ɁagaɁ translates to “edge of the lake,” as the tribe enjoyed the warmer months on the shores of Tahoe. The Washoe tribe are the true Tahoe locals having inhabited Lake Tahoe for over 2,000 years!

The aspen trees that you see in Tahoe are called Quaking Aspens. They get their name from the way their flat leaves and lengthy stalks tremble in the lightest of breezes. Aspen leaves turn vibrant yellow due to a decrease in photosynthetic activity as the days get shorter in the fall, causing the green hue to fade as chlorophyll production is stopped. Aspens are also the most massive organism on Earth.

The average daily evaporation of Lake Tahoe is half a billion gallons of water. This would meet the daily water needs of 5 million people, or enough to support the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles! This fun fact comes from our friends at the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center. You can learn more about evaporation by clicking on the article below.

Today’s Fun Fact: The current lake level for Tahoe is 6,226.39 feet, this marks the lowest that the lake has been since 2017. The lake is down nearly two feet from it’s maximum earlier this year of 6,228 feet. Built between 1909 and 1913, the Tahoe Dam helps regulate the outflow of water from Lake Tahoe.