Skunk Harbor
Skunk Harbor is one of North Lake Tahoe’s hidden beaches. It can only be accessed by hiking or biking the 1.6-mile long trail or of course, by boat. The “trail” is actually an old road with a lot of history. As you hike, see if you can spot the remains of an old railroad grade built in the 1870s to supply timber to Virginia City. The road winds through a mixed conifer forest with wonderful views of Lake Tahoe and eventually splits into two directions. The left fork leads to Prey Meadows, where you can picnic next to a creek among fragrant wildflowers in the summer. Take the right fork to discover the picturesque cove and Skunk Harbor Beach. This stunning spot, as the photos show, offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded beaches of Lake Tahoe.
A popular summer spot for sunbathers and swimmers, Skunk Harbor features a large, gray stone building constructed in the 1920s. It was built by the Newhals, a prominent San Francisco family, who used the cove as a secluded party home and picnic location. The Skunk Harbor hiking trail is good for kids and dogs. I plan to pack light with a backpack and not many heavy, bulky items. The trail down is fairly easy and quick, but be sure to plan for the hike out since it can be a bit of a climb for the little ones. Good shoes are recommended, even though the decomposed granite trail is fairly smooth. The trail is open from March to November, and dogs are allowed off the leash. There are no picnic tables, restrooms, or trash bins, so please come prepared. Please keep dogs under control and pick up dog waste.
Directions to Skunk Harbor Trailhead
Skunk Harbor is located on Highway 28 about two miles north of Highway 50. Look for an iron pipe gate on the west side of the highway (view gate photo in the gallery provided). Parking is limited to the turnouts along the road. There is no parking fee, just make sure you don’t park in front of the gate or you might get fined. If you don’t mind a little hiking, this is definitely a must-see beach.
Hiking Trail to Skunk Harbor
Unlike many Lake Tahoe beaches with direct parking access, Skunk Harbor requires about a 1.5-mile hike down a gated dirt road through pine forest and historic railroad grades. The trail itself is relatively wide and manageable, though the return uphill hike can feel moderately strenuous during warmer summer afternoons after a day at the beach. Because of the hike required to reach the shoreline, Skunk Harbor tends to feel less crowded than many other Lake Tahoe east shore beaches.
Things to know before visiting:
- Parking along Highway 28 is limited
- Arriving early is highly recommended during summer
- No restrooms or trash service are available
- Pack out all trash and belongings
- Dogs are allowed but should remain under control
- No fires or charcoal grills permitted (tahoepublicbeaches.org)
Why Visitors Love Skunk Harbor
Skunk Harbor is often considered one of the best secluded beaches in Tahoe thanks to its combination of turquoise water, smooth granite shoreline, and quieter atmosphere. Morning hours usually bring calmer water conditions, making it a great location for paddleboarding and kayaking along Tahoe’s east shore. The view up the shoreline offers some wonderful photo opportunities as well. Locals also love these nearby beaches: Secret Cove, Chimney Beach, and the Lake Tahoe’s popular Sand Harbor. If you want other beach options nearby, visit our Lake Tahoe beaches map.
Skunk Harbor Beach Photos
As the photos of Skunk Harbor beach show, it is an exceptionally peaceful location. Like most of the east shore beaches, Skunk Harbor is picturesque, to say the least. From the access gate off Highway 28 to serene beach snapshots, our image gallery offers a sneak peek into your upcoming adventure at Skunk Harbor.
Photo Gallery
