8 Fall Activities in Lake Tahoe to Celebrate the Season

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 more peaceful. Complete with changing leaves for your seasonal fall colors and crisp air, fall in Lake Tahoe is the perfect time for a fun and relaxing getaway.

Whether you’re looking for scenic hikes, family-friendly festivals, or crisp afternoons spent at a local brewery, Lake Tahoe in the fall has something for everyone. To help you plan, we’ve pulled together the top fall activities—plus a few local secrets that make this season so special.

1. Oktoberfest Celebrations

Palisades Tahoe Oktoberfest returns Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 12–6 pm. Expect authentic German beer and food, Bavarian music and dance troupes, and the ever-popular OktoberGames. Tickets are required (presale/VIP options available); kids 12 and under are free.

2. See the Fall Foliage

The fall scenery in Lake Tahoe is unlike any other. Drive along the Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, or hike one of the many North Lake Tahoe Trails to take in the changing leaves. The crisp air makes this time of the year perfect for outdoor activities because the sun will still keep it from getting too cold.

Local Favorite Hikes for Lake Tahoe Fall Colors

• Sagehen Creek Trail (4.5 miles, easy): Just a few miles north on Highway 89, this popular trail is great for all levels and will boast vivid fall colors. Follow Sagehen Creek all the way to Stampede Reservoir and end with a jump in the lake! Great for kids, dogs, and picnics.
• Mt. Rose Wilderness & Tahoe Meadows (10 miles round trip): Mt. Rose is one of the highest peaks on the North Shore and offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. Explore Tahoe Meadows for a more mellow hike.
• Marlette Lake & Spooner Lake (2–10 miles, easy to intermediate): Take a scenic drive down the East Shore of Tahoe to access the trailhead. Great fall hikes to see the changing leaves of the aspens that grow in the area.

Visit our Hiking recommendations for more great hikes to enjoy this fall!

3. Passport to Dining

The annual Passport to Dining at the North Tahoe Event Center is on Thursday, November 6. This fall gathering is a local’s favorite, featuring more than 25 restaurants, wineries, breweries, and more with unlimited tastings for guests. There’s also a silent auction and raffle.

4. Annual Fall Festival

Looking for a classic fall festival in Tahoe? The annual Fall Festival at Northwoods Clubhouse is a family-friendly activity to help ring in the fall 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. The 2025 dates and ticket prices have yet to be announced, but in previous years, it’s been held in early October, and tickets varied for adults and kids from $10-$25.

5. Hiking and Biking

Fall is the perfect time for hiking and biking in Lake Tahoe. The hiking trails are less crowded, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Popular trails include the Rubicon Trail, Eagle Lake Trail, and Mount Tallac Trail. For mountain biking, the Flume Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail offer stunning views and challenging terrain.

The Rubicon Trail is particularly popular for its breathtaking views of Emerald Bay and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. The trail is moderately difficult and spans about 16.4 miles round trip, making it suitable for experienced hikers looking for a rewarding adventure.

6. Lake Cruises

Take a fall cruise on Lake Tahoe to experience its beauty. Several companies offer scenic cruises with breathtaking views of the fall foliage and surrounding mountains.

Popular choices include the Tahoe Queen and MS Dixie II, which both offer sightseeing cruises, with MS Dixie II also providing dinner cruises for a romantic evening.

7. Visit Local Breweries and Wineries

Fall is a great time to visit local breweries and wineries in Lake Tahoe. Many offer seasonal brews and wines that are perfect for the fall season. Some popular spots include Alibi Ale Works, South Lake Brewing Company, and Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company.

Truckee Beer Gardens Worth a Stop

• Alibi Ale Works – Truckee Public House: This downtown brewery offers a huge taproom plus a beer garden to enjoy the warm fall afternoons. Enjoy 20 beers on tap, plus cider, wine, and kombucha. Check their website for regular events such as Trivia and live music.
• Truckee Brewing Company: This is a local gem tucked away in the Pioneer Center. An extensive beer list is offered in an open-concept space showcasing their brewery equipment and occasional live music!
• The Good Wolf Brewing Company: A small batch craft brewery featuring brews with ingredients foraged from the forest. The cozy taproom feels like stepping into a lush forest or sitting outside in the beer garden.  

For wine lovers, the Tahoe Tastings boat tour is a unique way to sip while cruising around the lake.

8. Fall Events and Festivals

In addition to Oktoberfest and the Fall Festival, Lake Tahoe hosts several other fall events and festivals.

• Wine Walk & Shop (Oct 4, Truckee): Sample wine and bites while shopping downtown with a commemorative glass and event map.
• Made in Tahoe Festival (Oct 11–12, Palisades Tahoe): A free celebration of local artisans, chefs, and performers. Free admission!
• Tahoe City Harvest Festival (Oct 19): Visit the Tahoe City Community Center for fun with pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, and scarecrow contests, plus bounce houses, games, rock walls, hayrides, and more!

Plan Your Lake Tahoe Vacation This Fall with Tahoe Exclusive

Lake Tahoe fall vacations offer the best of both worlds: vibrant colors, peaceful trails, seasonal events, and the warmth of small-town breweries. If you’re planning a getaway, book one of our Lake Tahoe vacation rentals for the perfect home base. 

With Tahoe Exclusive Vacation Rentals, you’ll enjoy spacious homes, mountain views, and easy access to all the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe in the fall. Book direct and save today!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Tahoe Fall

What to do in Lake Tahoe in the fall?
There’s no shortage of things to do in Lake Tahoe in the fall months. Fall is packed with unique activities, from hiking trails bursting with color to Oktoberfest events to brewery hopping in Truckee or scenic cruises on the lake. It’s also a quieter, more relaxed time to experience Lake Tahoe’s beauty without the peak-season crowds.