6 Fall Activities in Lake Tahoe to Celebrate the Season

Lake Tahoe in the Fall

Lake Tahoe in the fall may even be better than summer (yep, you heard that right). The crowds thin out this time of the year making the trails and roads a bit more peaceful. Complete with changing leaves and crisp air, fall in Lake Tahoe is the perfect getaway for a fun and relaxing getaway. Get out into the beautiful wilderness, celebrate the best food and drinks of fall, and have a haunting good time in Lake Tahoe this fall.

Here are a few of our favorite fall activities in Lake Tahoe.

Taylor Creek Kokanee Salmon

You may not think that a salmon migration is a must-see thing to do until you see the kokanee salmon swim upstream in Lake Tahoe. Taylor Creek is used by 95 percent of the kokanee salmon and is the best spot to view their great migration in the fall. In fact, the Rainbow Trail along Taylor Creek offers a Stream Profile Chamber underwater viewing area to see the fish.

On October 5-6, 2019, the Fall Fish Fest is the pinnacle celebration of the migration. Hosted by the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management, the Fall Fish Festival features giant inflatable fish, children’s activities, food, educational booths, face painting, and more. There is also a 5K, 10K and half marathon race. 

Oktoberfest Celebrations

What’s fall without Oktoberfest? There are several Oktoberfest celebrations, including the Alibi Oktoberfest in Truckee on October 5 from 12 - 11 p.m. The outdoor area is transformed into a seasonal oasis featuring the brewery’s German lagers and ales as well as food, games, and custom German Steins. 

Another big Oktoberfest event is the 25th Annual Oktoberfest at Camp Richardson’s. This free event is October 5-6 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Come check out the beer and brat boil, brat-eating contest, pumpkin patch, face painting, beer and wine garden, peeps & pups costume contest, rock wall, bounce house, and much more. 

Tahoe Terror at the Tallac Historic Site

 Hosted by the South Tahoe High School, Tahoe Terror is a family-friendly, yet spooky show. The Tallac Historic Pope Estate is transformed into a ghoulish experience inspired by the unsolved historical mysteries that took place at the location. Tahoe Terror takes place October 18, 19, and 20 and tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under.

See the Fall Foliage

The fall scenery in Lake Tahoe is unlike any other. Drive along the Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, hike through to Cascade Falls, or bike the famous single-track Flume Trail to take in the changing leaves. The crisp air makes this time of the year is perfect for outdoor activities because the sun will still keep it from getting too cold.

Passport to Dining

The 15th Annual Passport to Dining at the North Tahoe Event Center is Thursday, November 7, 2019. This fall gathering is a local’s favorite featuring 30 restaurants, wineries, breweries, and more with unlimited tastings for guests. There’s also a silent auction and raffle. Advance tickets are $40 and day of event tickets are $60.

10th Annual Fall Festival

Looking for a classic fall festival in Tahoe? On October 12, the 10th Annual Fall Festival at Northwoods Clubhouse is a family-friendly event to help ring in the autumn season. This event features a kids carnival area, a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts vendors, seasonal food and drinks, pony rides, a costume contest, live music, and more. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $25 for kids 2-15, and free for toddlers and infants.

Plan Your Lake Tahoe Vacation This Fall with Tahoe Exclusive

Tahoe in the fall offers pristine weather conditions, smaller crowds, and plenty of events and things to do. If you’re planning a vacation to the High Sierra, book one of our Lake Tahoe vacation rentals today.

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