Taylor Creek Overlook

Partner: US Forest Service
Total Project Cost: $48,000
Funds Granted: $28,000

The Tahoe Fund helped the U.S. Forest Service open a new boardwalk and overlook at the Taylor Creek Visitors Center in October 2017, just in time for the annual arrival of the spawning Kokanee salmon. The overlook was designed to provide a great viewing area for the thousands that visit each fall, while keeping everyone a safe distance from the bears who also visit Taylor Creek that time of year.

The salmon, who are not native to Tahoe, learned to spawn up Taylor Creek each fall because of the consistent flows from Fallen Leaf Lake. Forest Service interpretive rangers estimate between 20,000 to 80,000 fish spawn each fall. Bears have only recently learned to catch the fish, creating a wonderful wildlife experience for visitors but also a potentially dangerous one. With the new overlook, the bears will be left in peace and far away from selfie-taking visitors. Visitors are provided with an educational, meaningful and safe experience witnessing nature firsthand.

A large part of the Tahoe Fund’s $25,000 grant for construction of the project came through a matching donation from Tahoe Blue Vodka. The overlook was built with help from the summer work program, Generation Green, and the Tahoe Heritage Foundation.