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Pollock Pines, California

Pollock Pines in California is the perfect spot for top outdoor adventures. The best trails and outdoor activities here include the scenic Sly Park Recreation Area and Jenkinson Lake. These are must-visit locations for hiking and water activities. The hiking trail around Jenkinson Lake is moderately challenging, spanning about 8.5 miles with beautiful views of the water. Another highlight is the Lovers Leap Trail, a 4.4-mile hike that offers stunning views of unique rock formations. For those seeking water-based activities, fishing and boating are popular at Jenkinson Lake. Nearby, the Eldorado National Forest is an extensive natural area for camping and hiking, with its own set of distinct landmarks. Enjoy the best of California's outdoors in Pollock Pines.

Top Spots in and near Pollock Pines

  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Baldwin Beach

    4.5
    Baldwin Beach offers a half mile of views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. People come to this beach to relax and picnic. This is also a popular launch spot for those kayaking or stand up paddling to Emerald Bay.  This beach is on national forest land and has a parking fee of $8.00...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay

    4.0
    Explore Lake Tahoe's southern shores by paddling from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay.  There are many places to stop along the way for photographs, snorkelling, or swimming. The more popular ways to paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay are by SUP or kayaks.  But paddling a foamie can be extra f...
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  • El Dorado County, California

    Photograph Black Bears at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe

    / 30 ft gain
    Lake Tahoe is a tourist attraction filled with spectacular views and a plethora of wildlife. However, one species in particular has made a lasting impression on both locals and tourists - black bears. The area around Lake Tahoe is prime bear habitat and cities in the vicinity are seeing a rising ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Photograph Fallen Leaf Lake's Cascading Falls

    5.0
    This amazing waterfall is right off the road near the Fallen Leaf Campground. Once you enter the campground keep driving straight just a bit further and you will see a pull off on the right hand side. Pull off here and you should see the cascading waterfalls between the trees. Park here, get you...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake

    5.0
    Fallen Leaf Lake is truly one of the more beautiful places in California. Separated from Lake Tahoe by just a one-mile strip of land, it feels worlds away from the crowds and fuss. The campground has over 200 sites that can be reserved here. There are endless hikes nearby including Mount Tallac a...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Photograph the Milky Way over Fallen Leaf Lake

    Fallen Leaf has been my favorite spot in all of Tahoe since I can remember. The beautiful shoreline sits right up against the base of Mt. Tallac with almost zero light pollution. It is one of my favorite spots to go and shoot the stars. There are tons of spots to pick from depending on what you a...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Swim at Fallen Leaf Lake

    4.0
    Lake Tahoe has so many beautiful and breath-taking places to visit, hike, camp, wander around, etc. and Fallen Leaf Lake is definitely one of them. It's free to visit and park too and it is an easy hike from the parking area to the lake. The lake is very tranquil and serene and for those who wa...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 505 ft gain
    The Lighthouse Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located in D.L. Bliss State Park on the lower west side of world famous Lake Tahoe. To get the trail, enter the park through the main entrance ($10 parking fee), the  follow the road until you see two parking areas of the left side with about 6 or 7 spots e...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Rubicon Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 400 ft gain
    The Rubicon Trail is a through hike connecting D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park.  You can start at either point.  I opted to start at D.L. Bliss State Park to avoid the long walk uphill to catch the Nifty Fifty shuttle.  Also, there is more available parking at Bliss.  Park your c...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail

    5.0
    8.1 mi / 859 ft gain
    The Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is located in South Lake Tahoe, California. It is important to note that there is no trail on the east side of the lake. The trail turns into a paved road when you reach the marina after passing the campground. Additionally, lots of small trails jut out from the main tr...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Backpack to Crag Lake

    4.0
    11.1 mi / 1220 ft gain
    Day 1:This trip is a great early season trip while you are waiting for the snow to melt in the high country or it could be a good first backpacking trip because of its proximity to the trailhead and the fact that it's a relatively easy hike.  Also, you get to camp by a beautiful lake with a drama...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Chillin at Lake Tahoe's Kiva Beach

    4.7
    Kiva is a secluded sandy crescent beach flanked by a beautiful meadow and mountain backdrop. This beach is rarely crowded and has free parking unlike other beaches in Tahoe. Kiva is a great place to bring dogs and is actually well known as a dog beach. Kiva is also accessible from the bike trail...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Paddle from Kiva Beach to Emerald Bay

    4.0
    Grab your paddleboard or rent one from Baldwin Beach, and head out along the southwest shores of Lake Tahoe towards Emerald Bay. Enjoy the pristine blue water and keep your head up for the occasional osprey or bald eagle.Once you make it to the bay, there are plenty of places to go. You can relax...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Paddle from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss

    The water at Meeks Bay is perfectly crystal clear, a mix of different blues and greens – you can see the bottom floor in most places. Hug the buoy line to have a clear view to the lake's bottom, or cruise the dark blue waters where the lake falls off from 20ft deep to some of its deepest levels o...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Meeks Bay

    4.7
    Nestled along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay is a great destination offering a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, Meeks Bay is great for swimming especially on hot summer days or after hitting the trails. Whether you're see...
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  • Alpine County, California

    Hike Round Top Summit and Winnemucca Lake Loop

    6.6 mi / 1272 ft gain
    This hike begins near the Woods Lake campground. Start off by hiking towards Winnemucca Lake. You will begin your journey going through the forest beside a crystal-clear stream. Soon the trail opens up to become more open, full of all colours of wild flowers. You follow this breathtaking trail up...
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