Lake Tahoe Kayak and Hike

Experience the best of the Tahoe area with this fun-filled multisport adventure. Sea kayak the crystal clear waters and quiet coves of Lake Tahoe’s East Shore, then spend a day on the “quiet side” of Tahoe hiking across open granite country dotted with alpine lakes and cascading mountain streams.  After the day’s activities there’s time to relax at our private 160 acre REI Adventures Eagle Lakes camp, located on the Wild and Scenic South Yuba River. Our secluded camp is completely surrounded by National Forest land, with a private swimming hole, handmade fir and cedar camp furniture, private portable toilets, and expansive views of the granite-tipped Sierra. Our campsite is also supplied with fresh Sierra Nevada Mountain well water, so there is no need to pack water in.

2007 Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Eagle Lakes, CA. Arrive at the REI Adventures Eagle Lakes campsite anytime between 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. this evening. Our camp host will be waiting to greet you and show you to your tent. A cozy campfire under the bright Sierra stars will welcome you and your fellow hikers to the mountains. Dinner is on your own tonight – there are no services at Eagle Lakes so plan on stopping at or before Colfax if coming from Sacramento, or in Truckee if coming from Reno. No meals included.

• Day 2

  Meet your guides and other group members at 7:30 a.m. for a hearty camp breakfast. After an orientation and gear check we travel together by van to Sand Harbor on Lake Tahoe to begin our adventure. We paddle the famously clear waters of Lake Tahoe, gliding among enormous granite boulders near the shore and past osprey nests high in the ponderosa pines. After lunch and a swim in a quiet, sandy cove, we make our way back to Sand Harbor. Return to Eagle Lakes campsite for a BBQ dinner and s’mores by the campfire. Sea kayaking distance: up to 6 miles. All meals and van transportation included.

• Day 3

  After breakfast we’ll hike directly from camp and wade across the Yuba River, where we’ll pick up a seldom-used trail that leads up to wide open granite country of Fordyce Creek Basin. We’ll follow the cascading waters of Fordyce Creek to a series of waterfalls and deep pools, stopping to identify the many wildflowers we’ll encounter along the way. There’s plenty of time for a swim before returning to our private camp. Depart Eagle Lakes campsite for home by 4:00pm. Hiking distance: 5 miles, elevation gain 400’. Breakfast and lunch provided.

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Important Information about Air Travel:

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

What’s included in the trip fee:

Two nights tent camping at REI Adventures Eagle Lakes campsite; professional guiding; all meals from breakfast on Day 2 through lunch on Day 3; campsite and permit fees; on-trip van transportation from campsite to/from trailheads; rental sea kayak, paddle, life vest. Fresh well water is available in camp.  Toilet facilities consist of a private PortaPotty used only by our group.  Bathing is accomplished with a dip in the nearby Yuba River (biodegradable soap only).

Not Included:

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Closest Airport(s):

Sacramento, California: 90 miles, 1.75 hrs
Reno, Nevada: 61 miles, 1.25 hrs

Weather:

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80°F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s and 50s. Early- or late-season trips will experience a wider range of temperatures. Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate raingear a necessity.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80º F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s and 50s. Early- or late-season trips will experience a wider range of temperatures. Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate raingear a necessity.

Gear Checklist