Outbound Collective logo

Walk to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout site

Incline Village, Nevada

Details

Distance

1.8 miles

Elevation Gain

340 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Neonconflagrations

A short path climbs steadily before opening up to a series of panoramic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of north Lake Tahoe.

The hike up to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout above Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay area is somewhat of a misnomer, as the fire lookout no longer exists. Instead, the path, which follows a paved forest road, up to the site where the tower once stood will bring hikers to a panoramic viewpoint that looks out over wide swaths of the northern Tahoe lakeshores.

Start off by parking in a neighborhood that lies in the state of Nevada, though by the time you've made it up the semi-steep walking path to the lookout site, you've crossed an unsigned boundary into California. The tower site has a small cement platform with a rock-lined wall. It's a great spot to sit down and look west over the shores and seasonally busy waters of Kings Beach. Interpretive signs explaining the history of the lookout site and tower, as well as some of the lodges below which provided retreats for wealthy vacationers, are dotted throughout the area, appearing on paths that circle the tower site. 

A short path leads from the upper parking area, which has a small bathroom, down to picnic tables in a shaded forest area. And if you look closely a short ways before reaching the top, you'll notice some cement paths that veer from the road and circle the area. This path leads to several other interpretive signs and benches where one can sit and take in the calming blues of the lake and sky.

While paved, the trail to the lookout area is relatively short and steep. Parking is free and available along the road around the trailhead, which begins behind a green forest service road gate.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Scenic

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Quick Hike and Photo Op at Stateline

SUP from Kings Beach

Bike or Take a Stroll along the Tahoe East Shore Trail

Monkey Rock

Explore Carnelian Bay

Surf Lake Tahoe at Sand Harbor