BHN_Reno-46

Wind through alternating meadow and open Jeffrey pine forest from Stateline’s busy casino district to sunny Nevada Beach. Artifacts of the Washoe Indians lend the trail its name: “Lam” refers to the grinding stones used in food preparation, and “watah” refers to the water flowing through a portion of the meadow.

Start: At the signed trailhead on Kahle Drive in Stateline

Distance: 2.3 miles out and back

Hiking time: About 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Trail surface: Decomposed granite trail, asphalt, sand

Best seasons: Spring, summer, fall

Other trail users: Mountain bikers, trail runners

Trailhead amenities: Parking. Restrooms, water, and trashcans are available in the campground at Nevada Beach.

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted; no dogs (other than seeing-eye dogs) are allowed on Nevada Beach. Dogs are permitted in the “boat-in” picnic area at the south end of Nevada Beach.

Fees and permits: None

Schedule: Sunrise to sunset daily

Maps: USGS South Lake Tahoe CA

Trail contact: US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Forest Supervisor’s Office, 35 College Dr., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; (530) 543-2600; www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu

Finding the trailhead: The trailhead is just northeast of Stateline’s casino district at the corner of US 50 and Kahle Drive. Turn left onto Kahle Drive, then immediately right into the small parking lot with an informational signboard. GPS: N38 58.251' / W119 56.151'

The Hike

The Lam Watah Trail is a relatively peaceful interlude between always busy Stateline and the mostly busy campground at Nevada Beach. The trail’s setting alternates between swatches of meadow and open pine woodland, a wide and gentle walk-and-talk route perfect for a sunset stroll or a break from the gaming tables.

The route never wanders far from civilization—houses are visible along Kahle Road along the trail’s first section, and the towers of casinos and Heavenly Valley Ski Area’s gondola rise against the mountain front on the return. Still, the trail showcases Tahoe’s primary draw: the natural world, where wildflowers light the grasses in spring, and evergreen trees provide shade and a distinctive windblown song.

As the trail begins its gentle descent toward the beach, a variety of birds sing from the brush along a willow-bordered stream and pond to the right (north). Social trails cut right to the pond and left toward the homes through fragrant silver-leaved sages; stay straight on the obvious path. More birdsong emanates from a copse of aspen at the far edge of the pond—a bird magnet.

Cross the stream below the pond via a curving boardwalk, then enter the first stand of evergreens. The well-composed trail drops through meadows and rises through the woods in gentle undulations as it descends gently toward the lake. Benches placed along the track provide opportunities for rest and contemplation. In the distance the craggy peaks of the Desolation Wilderness cut the horizon.

The route ends at a signed trailhead in the Nevada Beach Campground. To reach the beach, follow the campground road around to the right (north, then southwest) to sandy access trails near the restrooms. No dogs are allowed on the beach, but it is the perfect place to cool your feet before retracing your steps to the trailhead. You can also follow the campground road to the left, to the Nevada Beach “boat-in” picnic area, where leashed dogs are permitted.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start by heading down the wide dirt track.

0.1Pass the pond. Ignore social trails that break right and left, staying on the main track.

0.3Cross the boardwalk.

0.4Trails merge in the woods; remain on the main track heading west toward the lakeshore.

1.0Arrive at the Lam Watah trailhead in the campground. Follow the campground road around right (north), then left (southwest) to the sandy beach access by the restrooms.

1.15Reach the beach. Retrace your steps from here.

2.3Arrive back at the trailhead.

Hike Information

Local information: For details on lodging, restaurants, and activities in South Lake Tahoe, check out the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce. The chamber is located at 169 US 50, 3rd Floor, Stateline, NV 89449; call (775) 588-1728; visit www.tahoechamber.org. Or visit www.tahoesouth.com.

Camping: The Nevada Beach Campground has fifty-four sites, both for tent camping and RVs. The campground offers a variety of amenities, including barbecues, restrooms, and easy access to both Nevada Beach and the attractions of Stateline and South Lake Tahoe. Reservations are available through reserveamerica.com; call (775) 588-5562 for more information.