Lake Tahoe, largest mountain lake in California
Big Water is the name given by the Washoe Indians to the largest mountain lake in California. Its 22-mile long and 12-mile wide basin contains a quantity of water great enough to flood the entire state of California up to a level of 14 inches.
The lake, 6,800 feet above sea level, is located in a valley between the Sierra Nevada and the crest of the Carson Mountain Range. During the era of the Gold Rush, trees were cut down in the dense forests around Lake Tahoe to provide supporting beams for buttressing the mines and to supply firewood for trains. In the early part of the 19th century, wealthy Californians began to spend their vacations on the shores of this picturesque lake, and as skiing became popular, the adjacent valleys were turned into ski areas. Since the snow conditions are always good, the 1960 Winter Olympics were held in Squaw Valley. During the summer, the surface of Lake Tahoe’s water warms up sufficiently to attract swimmers, surfers and sailors alike, while the surrounding mountains beckon those who enjoy extensive mountain-biking tours or hiking trips.