THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center serves as the informational gateway to outdoor recreation experiences in the Tahoe Basin and as an interpretative center for local flora, fauna, and human and natural history. Since 1964, the USDA Forest Service and its partners have seasonally operated the site to promote education, recreation and environmental stewardship. Visitor services typically start around Memorial Day and end in October; however, the grounds remain accessible throughout the year for winter recreation.
WILDLIFE UPDATES
Kokanee salmon have begun traveling upstream at Taylor Creek and are visible in various sections along the Rainbow Trail, and at Kiva Beach. Do NOT enter the Taylor Creek marsh, and please stay on established trails to mitigate ecosystem damage. In addition, bears are HIGHLY active. Obey posted signage, and maintain your distance. Volunteers and staff are working to avoid human-wildlife conflicts. We ask for cooperation in keeping the area and environment safe for all. (Updated, Nov. 7, 2025)
Did you know? Kokanee salmon don’t spawn exclusively in Taylor Creek. In fact, there are several streams they call “home” around the Tahoe Basin including: the Upper Truckee River, Trout Creek, Meeks Creek and Third Creek. Depending on conditions, the Kokanee may arrive to Taylor Creek as late as mid-November.
CONTACT
Visitor Center
+1 530-543-2674
tcvc@gbininstitute.org
Addresss
Visitor Center Rd, CA-89NSouth Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
HOURS OF OPERATION
CLOSED FOR THE WINTER SEASON
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center will reopen in Spring, 2026.
The Stream Profile Chamber is also CLOSED for the season. Public parking and garbage service will seasonally close Nov. 15, 2025. No potable water is available during the winter months, please plan accordingly.
Stay in the loop!
RECREATING AT TAYLOR CREEK
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is bike-friendly and is accessible from the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path. Several outfitters rent bikes along highway 89. Bike use is not permitted on the Rainbow Trail or along the visitor center patio.
Taylor Creek’s trails are all fairly flat and easy. Due to sandy soils, some are difficult for biking. For longer and more adventurous routes, Visitor Center staff can help guide you to nearby destinations, such as Desolation Wilderness or the Tahoe Rim Trail. (No pack or motorized use permitted at Taylor Creek.)
Visitors may use the established picnic area, the Lake of the Sky Amphitheater, or the visitor center patio for picnicking. Large groups are best accommodated at the amphitheater.
Fishing is regulated by the CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. A valid CA fishing license is required to take fish anywhere in the Taylor Creek region. As a Lake Tahoe tributary, fishing in Taylor Creek is prohibited from Oct. 1 to June 30 to protect spawning trout.