Lake Tahoe - early to mid October

[steven_sullivan]

<p>I'll be in South Lake Tahoe for 3 or 4 days in October and figured I'd get an early start on planning the trip. Just looking for some suggestions on where/when to shoot.<br>

One place I've seen some great picks of is Bonzai Rock (I think...?) Anybody know how to find it?<br>

Any and all info is appreciated!<br>

-Steve</p>

[yy]

<p>Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake and Cascade Creek Falls is what I would recommend. If you're into long hikes -- make it to the Upper Velma Lake and photograph the Falls following the creek to SW. This areas are all in the Desolation Wilderness, and they're all very photogenic.</p>

[ed mendes]

<p>I would also add a bit of time in Hope Valley for great fall colors depending on when in October you go of course, early October in Hope Valley is normally a good bet. Hope Valley is about about 30ish minutes from Tahoe (stateline at least), and about 20 minutes from the Y.</p>

<p>When your in Lake Tahoe be sure to stop by The Jon Paul gallery, he's a wonderful photographer and friend of mine. The gallery is in the Raley's shopping center on the California side and a couple blocks from Stateline (Harveys, Harrah's and the rest of the casinos). Directly accross the street from Applebee's I believe.</p>

<p>If you like BBQ there is a great hole-in-the wall place just a tad up the street and across from the gallery, I forget the name.</p>

<p>Have Fun,<br>

Ed Mendes</p>

[steven_sullivan]

<p>I'll definitely check out Cascade Lake and Cascade Creek Falls. I'll check and see how long of a hike it is to Upper Velma!</p>

<p>Hope Valley, sweet, I'll definitely check that area out, and I'll be sure to check out Jon Paul's gallery; I know right where that Raley's is.</p>

<p>Thanks Yuri and Ed!</p>

<p> </p>

[rachiddahnoun]

<p>Hi Steven,</p>

<p>You picked a great time to come to Tahoe. October is probably my favorite month to shoot in the Basin. You'll want to check out Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor and Cave Rock. All of those are easily accessed by car. Emerald Bay is great at sunrise. As far as waterfalls go the ones listed above are pretty much down to a trickle. Cascade Falls is almost nonexistent right now. All of the waterfalls mentioned are better photographed in the spring and early summer. If you want to shoot waterfalls in the fall I recommend going to Horsetail Falls which is about a 20 min drive outside of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 50 towards Sacramento (across from Lover's Leap). It's a wonderful hike and the waterfalls are beautiful. As stated above, depending on when you come in October you could be in the middle of all the fall color. If that happens you'll want to check out Hope Valley (Hwy 89 to 88 towards Kirkwood). You'll also want to check out the Taylor Creek area. The fall colors are wonderful there and you'll also get to see the thousands of spawning salmon in the creek. If you're lucky you'll also get to see the bears that frequent the creek to snatch up all the fish.</p>

<p>On the other hand they're predicting an El Nino winter this year so you could arrive in the middle of a snow storm. Either way you won't be disappointed.</p><div></div>

[steven_sullivan]

<p>Great info - thanks Rachid!</p>

<p>Yeah, the last time I was in Tahoe was October 2007 and we just hit the peak of fall colors there by totalchance. Unfortunately, not having spent much time in Tahoe I wasn't sure of the best places to shoot. I'll definitely check out Hope Valley and Taylor Creek.</p>

<p>I haven't heard of Cave Rock - I'll have to check that out.</p>

<p>The other spot I'm going to look for (I've tried and failed in the past, but now I have GPS coordinates!) is Bonsai Rock which I've seen some really great shots of.</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

<p>-Steve</p>

[rachiddahnoun]

<p>Right on Steve,</p>

<p>Bonsai Rock is just south of Sand Harbor. It takes a little poking around but if you've got GPS coordinates you should be fine. Take care and happy shooting!</p>

<p>Rachid</p><div></div>

[daverave]

<p>Seconding the recommendation for Hope Valley. There is a paved road off of Hwy 88 there that takes you up to the higher valleys called, interestingly enough, Faith and Charity. This will increase your odds of finding peak fall colors. Also back on Hwy 88, there is a lot of great hiking at Carson Pass, both on the north and south of the parking area at the summit around 8,200 ft elevation. Head for Meiss Meadows to the north or Winnemuca Lake to the south below Round Top Peak. I spend a lot of time hiking off of Hwy 88 and have lots of shots in my Sierra Nevada portfolio. Have fun!</p>

[steven_sullivan]

<p>Thanks Dave! Hope Valley it is... I'll definitely have to check out that area. I'll also try to squeeze in some time at Carson Pass.</p>

<p>BTW - you have some nice shots in your Sierra Nevada portfolio (though I have to say your shots from Antarctica are my favorites of yours - REALLY impressive stuff!)</p>

[daverave]

<p>Thanks for the kind words, Steven. Carson Pass is just a few minutes from the Hope Valley so it won't be hard to squeeze it in although I think there may be a small "User Fee" for parking there.</p>