Skunk Harbor Beach

Hwy 28, 2 miles north of Spooner Lake (no signage at Forest Service gate to access road that leads to beach); south of Bliss Pond

Skunk Harbor is a scenic beach area popular with boaters and is located on National Forest land adjacent to land under the administration of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. The beach area is marked by a historic structure with stone cabins. Parking area is located alongside Hwy 28 (non-fee), with access down the gated dirt road. Pack out all trash!

The hike to Skunk Harbor can be a challenging one for beach visitors, so be prepared! There are no picnic tables or other facilities at Skunk Harbor. No restrooms/trash bins in parking area or on beach. No campfires or portable charcoal grills on beach; keep dogs under control; pick up dog waste. Dog waste bags NOT provided.

Gate locked at the Hwy 28 access. Must walk down gated road from small parking area located 100 yards north of gate on Hwy 28.

Directions to the trailhead: Take Highway 28 from Highway 50 north approximately 2 miles. Look for an iron pipe gate on the west side of the highway. Park in one of the turnouts along the highway but do not block the gate. Access: Snow free in early spring, this is a great walk through a mixed conifer forest with filtered views of Lake Tahoe along the way. When you reach a fork in the road, you have two options. The left fork leads to Prey Meadows which is blanketed with many varieties of wildflowers in the spring. The right fork leads you to Skunk Harbor, a small picturesque cove which offers great swimming and sunbathing in the summer. Attractions and Considerations: Look for the remains of an old railroad grade along the way, built in the 1870’s as part of the network to supply timber to Virginia City.

GRILLS: The Forest Service requires the use of portable gas grills instead of charcoal. This reduces the risk of fires from hot coals and helps keep the beaches clean from ashes.  Campfire permits are needed outside of a developed recreation site for grills; burn/fire restrictions apply.

KEEP IT CLEAN: Lake Tahoe is recognized as an Outstanding Natural Resource Water. Please, join your fellow beachgoers in protecting this special place! Begin by being an example to others:

• Dispose of trash properly or pack it out.
• Never feed birds, squirrels or any other wildlife.
• Campfires and portable charcoal grills are NEVER allowed on Tahoe beaches.

VEGETATION: Protect Tahoe plants! Keep outside signed or fenced protected habitat.

SWIM and BOAT SMART: Very cold water, sudden storms and unexpected waves deserve respect. Be alert!

PET OWNERS: Pets are permitted only on dog-friendly beaches. Use a bag to pick up after your pet, and use a leash. Protect your pet’s privilege to share the beach!

BOATERS: Aquatic invasive species are a very serious threat – completely clean, drain and dry your boat before launching it at Tahoe.

FISHING: Any person over 16 years old must have a valid California or Nevada sport fishing license. Visit one of the many Lake Tahoe fishing sites to learn more about fishing and the special regulations that are enforced at Tahoe.

THE COAST GUARD AT TAHOE: The station near Tahoe City operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency and give the name of this beach!