Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in October

Bird watching may seem like too tame an activity for the adventure-loving crowd that tends to vacation in Lake Tahoe. This is not the case in October, however. The fall is when eagles begin to populate the southeastern part of the lake, where the inlets to Taylor Creek and Rainbow Stream begin. There are a few trails you can take if you're hoping to spot the eagles, which tend to roam around a wildlife sanctuary. Rainbow Trail is a half-mile trail that may offer not only a glimpse or two of an eagle, but also numerous opportunities to see some of the area's underwater inhabitants. The trail ends at Rainbow Chamber, a tunnel that allows for floor-to-ceiling views of Rainbow Stream. Kokanee salmon also abound in the fall, so be sure to keep your eyes out for the red-colored fish as you walk along the trail. If you happen to find yourself near Taylor Creek on the first weekend in October, be sure to check out the Kokanee Salmon Festival. Lake of the Sky is perhaps the best trail for catching a glimpse of an eagle. It contains many educational postings that tell visitors where to stand to get the best shot of seeing these creatures. The signs also provide information on some of the area's famous fans, including John Muir and Mark Twain.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Hwy. 89
Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-2674

There are two major Oktoberfest celebrations held in the Tahoe area every October. The South Shore can enjoy German beer, music, food and culture at Camp Richardson. In addition to the normal Oktoberfest amenities, Camp Richardson's Oktoberfest also features a select variety of wines, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, and numerous arts and crafts booths that are perfect for picking up a souvenir or doing some Christmas shopping. Those closer to the north or east shores of Tahoe should visit Squaw Valley's annual Oktoberfest celebration. Less family-friendly than the celebration at Camp Richardson, Squaw Valley's has numerous German-oriented competitions, such as a stein-glass-holding competition, a sausage toss and a race with kegs. Imbibers at Squaw Valley will also receive a stein glass that holds a half-liter of beer, which costs an initial $10 for the glass and one beer. Additional beers in the monstrous stein cost $5.

Oktoberfest at Camp Richardson
1900 Jameson beach Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158
(530) 541-1801

Oktoberfest at Squaw Valley Village
1750 Village East Road
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
(866) 818-6963

The annual Indian Summer Golf Classic is held every year at Jack Nicklaus' golf course, the Old Greenwood Golf Course in North Lake Tahoe. Situated inside the resort community of Old Greenwood near the town of Truckee, the golf course boasts 18 holes and numerous ponds that mirror the beauty of its surrounding scenery. The event costs $200 per person, but it goes toward a good cause, the Tahoe Forest Health System. Although multiple golf courses in Tahoe receive rave reviews, Nicklaus' course seems to do especially well with golf enthusiasts. When it opened in 2005, "Golf Digest" ranked this course No. 4 on its list of new, upscale public courses, and "Golf Magazine" listed the course on its list of the 10 best new courses with public access.

Old Greenwood Golf Course
12915 Fairway Drive
Truckee, CA 96161
(800) 754-3070