North Lake Tahoe’s Olympic Legacy and Nature

By Sharon Kurtz
Senior Writer

While the neon lights and casinos of South Lake Tahoe attract high rollers and nightlife seekers, North Lake Tahoe offers a quieter yet equally captivating experience—a retreat into nature and history, rich with eccentric characters, hidden lodges, and an Olympic legacy. Here, skiing pioneers, quirky millionaires, and Scandinavian castles await rediscovery.

During Mark Twain’s visit to Lake Tahoe in the 1860s, he once remarked that “The air up here in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? —it is the same the angels breathe.”

History of Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe is where history and nature intertwine. Long before ski resorts and luxury lodges lined its shores, the Washoe Tribe called this alpine lake “Da ow a ga,” meaning “the lake,” considering it a sacred space for thousands of years.

They lived harmoniously with its crystal-clear waters, fishing and holding spiritual ceremonies along the shores.

In the mid-1800s, the Gold Rush drew European settlers westward, transforming the northern shores into bustling hubs for logging to support booming silver mines in Virginia City. This decimated the once-pristine forests, starkly contrasting the serene beauty that draws visitors today.

As Tahoe City emerged in 1864 as a gateway, the region evolved again in the early 1900s, with railroads bringing adventurers eager for clean air and summer escapes. The 1960 Winter Olympics in nearby Squaw Valley placed the area on the world stage, leading Incline Village and Kings Beach to develop into ski towns and vacation hotspots.

Yet, despite all this, North Tahoe still feels like a hidden treasure. The whispers of the ancient Washoe people linger in the air, and the natural beauty is as stunning as ever. It’s not the flashy resorts that make it special; it’s the rich stories tucked away in its forests and along its shorelines.

What Makes Lake Tahoe Unique

Lake Tahoe is not just a picturesque destination—it’s a geological marvel and the largest alpine lake in North America. Carved by glaciers millions of years ago, the lake sits at over 6,200 feet elevation and plunges to 1,645 feet deep, making it the second-deepest lake in the United States, following Oregon’s Crater Lake.

Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tahoe’s vast, azure blue waters are as clear as a swimming pool.

Its depth is staggering; you could drop a 150-story building straight down without touching the bottom. The lake’s visibility often exceeds 70 feet, revealing a mesmerizing world beneath the surface.

On a recent sunset cruise with Tahoe Sailing Charters, I witnessed this stunning clarity firsthand. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the lake transformed into a palette of vibrant blues and shimmering golds.

The water seemed to glow, reflecting the colors of the sky—a breathtaking reminder that Tahoe’s cobalt hue is real, not just a painter’s dream.

The lake’s stunning color results from a unique basin that traps and holds snowmelt and rainwater. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve Tahoe’s legendary clarity, making it a scientific wonder.

Thunderbird Lodge: The Eccentric Sanctuary of George Whittell Jr.

Thunderbird Lodge, perched on Lake Tahoe‘s eastern shore, offers a glimpse into the eccentric life of George Whittell Jr. Born into wealth, Whittell purchased 40,000 acres of shoreline by 1936, inadvertently preserving its beauty.

Known for his flamboyant yet reclusive lifestyle, Whittell built Thunderbird Lodge as a summer retreat. The estate features secret tunnels, a boathouse for his prized Thunderbird yacht, and even an opium den.

His quirkiest addition? A stone barn for his pet Sumatran elephant, Mingo. Whittell also had an African lion named Bill, who famously rode along in his car around the lake.

The Thunderbird Yacht, launched in 1940, is an elegant vessel made from Honduran mahogany. Originally costing $83,000, the yacht is now considered priceless.

Today, it serves as a floating classroom, used for maritime education programs. Operating the yacht for its short summer season costs over a quarter of a million dollars annually.

Although Whittell hosted lavish parties with guests like Ty Cobb and Howard Hughes, he preferred solitude with his animals. His plans to develop a resort were abandoned, further preserving much of Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore.

Today, maintained by the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society, the estate offers visitors a glimpse into Whittell’s remarkable world.

Seasonal tours by reservation provide a rare chance to explore this unique piece of Tahoe history.

Granlibakken Tahoe: A Hidden Olympic Heritage in the Pines

Granlibakken Tahoe is an historic lodge tucked among the pines of North Lake Tahoe. It carries an Olympic legacy that few know about.

Opened in the 1920s as a small ski resort, its name—Norwegian for “a hill sheltered by trees”—captures the charm that persists today.

In 1932, the property hosted the Olympic trials for ski jumping, marking it as an early player in Tahoe’s winter sports history.

While the 1960 Winter Olympics were held at Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe), the resort remained a key part of the region’s ski culture.

Athletes trained here, drawn to this secluded retreat’s privacy and tranquility. Though today it serves families and adventurers seeking a peaceful getaway, its Olympic history thrives.

North Lake Tahoe’s ski areas remain active in winter, with the hill offering a laid-back experience perfect for beginners.

Stories still circulate about lesser-known athletes who trained in secret before their big moments in 1960, using these quiet slopes as their hidden stage. Today, it’s a place to relive that Olympic spirit, far from the crowd.

Donner Memorial State Park: Where Nature Meets Tragedy

Just outside North Lake Tahoe, Donner Memorial State Park offers a haunting look into a dark chapter of American pioneer history.

Named after the ill-fated Donner Party, this serene park is set against the Sierra Nevada backdrop, where, in the winter of 1846-47, 87 pioneers became trapped by heavy snow.

Misled by an ill-advised shortcut, the group faced brutal conditions and starvation, ultimately resorting to cannibalism. Only 48 survived.

Today, the park stands as a tribute to their resilience. The Emigrant Trail Museum offers fascinating insights into the Donner Party’s ordeal and the broader westward migration.

Visitors can walk along interpretive trails where the pioneers camped or view the imposing Donner Memorial, erected in 1918 to honor all emigrants who journeyed west.

Despite its tragic history, the park’s natural beauty invites reflection. Visitors can hike, fish, or picnic by Donner Lake’s peaceful shores, creating a striking contrast to the past’s grim events.

It’s a quiet yet powerful reminder of the hardships faced by early pioneers, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to uncover North Lake Tahoe’s obscured historical layers.

Vikingsholm Castle: A Touch of Scandinavia in Lake Tahoe

Perched on the shores of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle, a Scandinavian-inspired estate is a must-visit for those seeking beauty and history. Built in 1929 for Lora Josephine Knight, the castle draws inspiration from Viking lore and Scandinavian architecture.

Knight and her architect traveled to Scandinavia to study historic buildings, incorporating elements like a wooden reading nook and antique locks—some dating back to the 11th century.

Nestled among towering pines, the lakeside residence blends harmoniously with its surroundings. Remarkably, it was constructed without cutting down a single tree.

Knight entertained guests at the estate, gazing across the bay at Fanette Island, home to her now-ruined stone tea house.

Part of Emerald Bay State Park, the grand home is open for summer tours. Visitors should prepare for a scenic hike over a mile downhill to the visitor’s center.

Once there, they’ll glimpse a unique chapter of Tahoe’s history, where Viking charm meets lake tranquility. If you’re lucky enough to arrive by boat, you can also explore Fanette Island’s tea house.

North Lake Tahoe, with its hidden treasures and rich history, invites exploration beyond the glitzy attractions of its southern counterpart.

Discover the stories of its past, from eccentric lodges to Olympic legacies, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty that defines this unique region.

North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureau hosted Sharon’s Visit. However, as always, her opinions are her own. For more info, GoTahoeNorth