Lake Tahoe, Pacific Crest

Lake Tahoe is a true natural wonder.  This ancient lake is at least two million years old.  It’s the second deepest lake in the U.S., plunging 1,645ft (501m) with a 72mil (116km) shoreline.  Straddling the California-Nevada border, this stunning body of water has had quite the identity crisis over the years.

Originally called Lake Bonpland, the name never caught on.  It cycled through Mountain Lake, Fremont’s Lake, and ever Fallen Leaf Lake, (a name now given to a nearby lake).  In 1862, it was dubbed Tahoe, but controversy kept it bouncing between Tahoe and Bigler for decades.  It wasn’t until 1945 that California’s State Legislature finally settled the debate – Lake Tahoe it was.