ActivitiesHikingLam Watah Nature Trail

Lam Watah Nature Trail

East Shore, hiking, easy

A flat trail of packed sand and pavement through Rabe Meadow along Burke Creek, ending at Nevada Beach after about a mile. Open all year; snowshoes or skis in winter.

In short: Lam Watah Nature Trail is an easy hike on Lake Tahoe's East Shore: 2.2 mi round trip, 50 ft of elevation gain, a high point of 6,300 ft. It is open year-round, no permit is needed, dogs are allowed.

Distance, round trip
2.2 mi
Elevation gain
50 ft
High point
6,300 ft
Difficulty
Easy

Where it is

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Trail details

  • Rabe Meadow
  • Burke Creek
  • Ends at Nevada Beach
  • Flat, packed sand and paved
Trail
Lam Watah Trail to Nevada Beach
Season
Year-round
Permit
None needed
Parking
Free, Fewer than 20 spaces
Dogs
Allowed

Go with a guide. Walk the basin with a local guide, on a trail matched to your group and the season.

Guided hike

Conditions today

Right now
72°F, Sunny
Today
High 72°, low 48°
Wind
8 mph
Campfires
Metal rings only
  • TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
  • ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
  • FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°

Know before you go

Permits
Desolation Wilderness needs a permit for both day hikes and overnight trips. Most other trails in the basin need none.
Parking
Lots at Eagle Falls, D.L. Bliss and other popular trailheads fill by 9am on summer weekends. Start early or go midweek.
Altitude
Trailheads start around 6,300 feet and the highest summits top 10,000. Carry more water than you would at sea level and take the first day easy.
Weather
Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms. Plan to be off exposed ridges and summits by early afternoon.

Read the hiking guide

More hiking within 5 miles

Nearest campgrounds