*California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is the largest lake outside of the Great Lakes in the United States, as well as one of the deepest. One of the most popular lake vacation destinations in the country, the shores of Tahoe are home to resorts, casinos and protected wilderness areas. Large numbers of visitors flock to Lake Tahoe year-round (even winter, when skiing in the surrounding mountains is popular).
The area around Lake Tahoe was home to large numbers of Washoe tribes before it was ‘discovered’ by John Fremont in 1844. It was an important stop for prospectors on their way to California, and by the end of the Civil War was attracting white settlers in numbers. It has been a popular tourist destination since the beginning of the 20th century.
Lake Tahoe is one of the largest lakes entirely within U.S. Territory, and the second deepest after Crater Lake. About a third is located in Nevada, the rest in California. It is fed by numerous sources that run down from the surrounding mountains, but most of its water comes from precipitation. It empties into the Truckee River.
Lake Tahoe is a major vacation destination. There are magnificent resort hotels on the California side, and casinos on the Nevada side. A ring road gives access to almost all of the lake, and hiking trails abound. In summer Tahoe is brimming with boaters, while in winter the nearby mountains are swarming with skiers. Lake Tahoe was famously used as a filming location for the Godfather II. Web: www.visitinglaketahoe.com (official website).
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