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The Vitals
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Beautiful
sheltered beach
Free!
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1.5 mile hike/walk to get there. On busy times
it is hard to walk across all the boat lines on the beach.
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Locals Tips
Hit this beach on a warm winter day.
Dogs?
Yes, but not much fun when crowded.
Fees
No, but there is not much parking
either.
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Skunk Harbor
Much of the history of Lake Tahoe was shaped by
the gold and silver mining rushes of the 1850's. This is also the case
with Skunk Harbor, if somewhat indirectly. It was originally purchased
by George Newhall as a wedding gift, for his wife Caroline. George's
wealth was derived from his fathers fortune earned as an auctioneer
during the gold rush and subsequent investment in railroads. The site
and buildings were used as a second home or more often a party house by
the San Fransisco wealthy of the roaring twenties. It was then
purchased by George Whittell, another Gold Rush millionaire. It was
still used only as a retreat.
The Forest Service now presides over the site and it is open to the
public although the buildings are not (although the doors were
physically open last time I was there in the winter). You follow the
road about 1.5 miles down
to the cove. The only decision you need make is when the road splits
into three about a half mile in (there is a metal pole here, like a
road reflector). The right fork takes you to some old railroad trestles
if you are interested. The left fork takes you into Slaughterhouse
canyon. Stay on the main trail and go straight. Many switchbacks later
the road ends up with you on the rocks overlooking the harbor. It is
magnificent. This is an easy hike and the road is stroller friendly,
but its always harder to push those things uphill than you think.
We provide these little tidbits of hidden spots as a free service. All
we ask is that you follow these terms
of service.
Skunk Harbor Pictures
   
       
Directions
- Access is gained by parking 2.5 miles north of the juntion of Highway
50 and 28 at Spooner Summit. There is a green metal gate at the access
road and parking nearby. Parking is free but limited.
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