Why TEG Loves Fall in Truckee / Tahoe

Can you feel it? The mornings are getting cooler, the days are getting shorter and it’s becoming quite quiet in our neck of the woods. Fall is almost here. It is arguably one of the best seasons in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee for a number of reasons, and we’ve laid out our top reasons why:

Cool Mornings, Warm Days

In Tahoe, you’ll always need layers. Our temperatures fluctuate a lot, and it’s especially true in the fall. It’s not uncommon for us to be bundled up in a puffy drinking coffee in the morning and peeling off layers to a tank top in the afternoon when the temperatures climb to the 70s. For bikers and hikers, though, it’s awesome. It’s a great way to beat the heat and jumpstart your morning with a cool ride. 

Quiet, Open Spaces

With the summer buzz dwindling, fall is a great non-peak time to visit. The kids are back in school, starting up sports. The trails, restaurants and lodging options are usually not busy and offer great rates. All is relatively quiet in Tahoe at this time of year. You might even hear it referred to as “local’s season” with bike trails and paths almost empty. If you haven’t already done so, check out our favorite rides and hikes in the area. 

Eating & Supporting Local 

Since summer is in our rear view mirror, a lot of local restaurants will pick back up their happy hour specials. It’s always fun to share a quick bite and glass of wine with good friends after a day at the office. It’s even better when there’s not a wait to be seated. Check out our favorite places to dine in the area. 

Fall Color Sightings

We’re no Vermont, but the fall colors in our area are still spectacular. Since North Lake Tahoe and Truckee are primarily coniferous trees, you’re going to want to be on the hunt for Aspen trees. Two of the best places to catch the Aspen trees can be found in Marlette Lake in Incline Village and Paige Meadows in Tahoe City. Both are great hikes and offer exceptional views along the way. One other must-see sight are the Kokanee Salmon at Taylor Creek. Every Fall, they spawn and migrate in Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe. If you catch them at the right time, you’ll see hundreds of bright red salmon swimming in unison. 

Less boat traffic

Many have taken their boat out of the water at this point, but September and early October is a great time to get out on the water! The water is calm for waterskiing and the days are still warm to catch some rays. The lake is also the warmest it will be all season long, so don’t pack away that bathing suit just yet. Take the plunge before the snow flies!