Nature at its best
Tallac Historic Site
Come enjoy the great outdoors and learn about the history of South Lake Tahoe
Trails
The easy trail system surrounding the Tallac Historic Site connects the estates to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Camp Richardson and Pope & Baldwin Beaches via the Lakeshore Trail, Visitor Center Trail and bike trail. Check out the site map for more information.
BIKING
Visitors may bike on designated paths only. No biking is permitted through the gardens, arboretum and paths adjacent to the historic structures. Wooden bike racks are available for use throughout the site.
Why do we have wooden bike racks? As a nationally registered historic place, Tallac must follow specific guidelines to maintain its historical integrity. That means we use a lot of wood.
PARKING & BATHROOMS
Parking at the Tallac Historic Site is free, however there are several spaces with a maximum 2-hour stay. No overnight parking or camping is permitted at the estates.
Two public restrooms remain available for use throughout the open season, one located nearby the parking lot and the other near the Pope House.
BEACHES
Visitors are welcomed to explore the shoreline and enjoy a beach day in front of the Tallac Historic Site. Depending on precipitation, the amount of available sand beach fluctuates yearly. Kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft are permitted for use, and dogs are also allowed to accompany their owners at the beach. Please be aware that dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners should practice Leave No Trace etiquette.
Gardens At Tallac
Spearheaded by South Lake Tahoe’s master gardeners, the community garden at the Tallac Historic Site is set to be completed in 2022. Fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, pumpkins, strawberries and tomatoes are grown each year for public and staff enjoyment. The garden is fully funded by grants, donations and volunteer labor. Visitors are welcome to harvest an item from the garden, so long as it is ready to be picked, and they are mindful of their amount of taking.
Established through collaboration between the Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the Washoe Tending & Gathering Garden is an educational site where visitors learn about the importance of native plants and their tribal uses. The garden consists of 15 species and interpretative pamphlets are available to guide visitors. This garden is planned to be renovated in 2022 through partnership with the Washoe Tribe, non-profit organizations, volunteers and the Forest Service.
The quaint gardens connecting the Pope and Baldwin estates are maintained through the dedicated work of volunteers, with help from local organizations. The South Lake Tahoe Garden Club annually serves at the site, as the high-altitude gardens require regular maintenance. The Pope Estate arboretum is unique in that it houses a gazebo, pond and three Sequoia trees (non-native to the Tahoe Basin). Identification plates are available to help you along the way.
