We're heading to Truckee for a weekend camping trip in mid-July, and would like suggestions on activities we can do in that area. We're interested in hiking (semi-strenuous with great views/waterfalls), nice swimmable beaches, and other points of interest. What's not to be missed?? (other than just seeing the lake)...

There are bunches of beautiful hiking trails, especially toward the north side of the lake. Also there is an old castle-like house that is on the lake that you can hike down to. My husband goes to Truckee to fly gliders, and if you go to the glider-port there, you can take a ride in one--sometimes for free, depending on who is there. Truckee downtown has some neat old shops to browse in (what I usually do when my husband is flying). Also I would go to Donner Pass--of gruesome historic interest, but also good hiking. I have never liked swimming in Lake Tahoe--too cold even in mid-summer; but my husband usually rents a motor boat and we go out for a day--there is an island where you can picnic.

Nothing like a leisurely raft trip down the Truckee River in the middle of summer! Do a search on Google or some other search engine for raft rental companies in Truckee. Takes a few hours and is a great way to beat the heat.

We go to Truckee every summer for vacation. Some of our rituals are: Boomtown(motion theater for the kids), shopping in Truckee - great candy store, going over to Lake Tahoe to Sand Harbor beach, Ponderosa Ranch Haywagon Breakfast(you have to do it at least once). Last year we did the raft trip on the Truckee River, it was great and fun. We also enjoy Squaw Valley - they have an ice rink, swimming, and hiking trails. One year we did a lake cruise to Emerald Bay.

Lots to do, just depends on how much you want to spend.

I was looking for the same thing for next month, only anywhere around the lake. Found some descriptions of hikes at http://www.tahoe.com/apps/pbcs.dll/s...y=RECREATION12

Thanks for the info...guess we're looking for cheap activities, although rafting could be an option.

Mostly, which hiking trails/parks are not to be missed??

We were recently in Lake Tahoe, and did a nice moderate hike to Eagle Lake, passing the gorgeous Eagle Falls on the way. We had nice views down into Emerald Bay. The hike to Eagle Lake was one mile each way, though there are many lakes past Eagle Lake to hike to if you're looking for something a little longer.

Two great swimmable beaches:

Meeks Bay on the west side. Sandy beach, snack shack. As long as it's not the weekend youshould be able to arrive at anytime for a great spot.

Sand Harbor near Incline on the north east. Very nice and a bit warmer tho that's not saying much!!!

Both have modest entry fees <$10

Hiking out of Squaw Valley to Shirley Lake is a good hike. Also the Hike from DL Bliss south is a great trail.

After hiking, how aboput a scenic cruise on Lake Tahoe? I have taken both the M.S. Dixie and Tahoe Queen and liked each one of them. Be sure that the tour goes through Emerald Bay as the color of the water and the scenary is spectacular.

http://www.laketahoecruises.com/cruises.php

Celine we take our own raft down the Truckee. The year we had only 1 car we took my rollerblades and I skated back to Tahoe City from River Ranch to get the car and go back and pick up the rafters.

Another swimmable beach is the one at Zephyr Cove. There is a parking fee similar to the other beaches mentioned. At Zephyr Cove there is a restaurant, a dock where you can rent boats, jet skis, and water toys, and a bar right off the beach where you can get alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

I second Sand Harbor and Meeks Bay. Sand Harbor is on the Nevada side south of Incline Village. Meeks Bay is on the West shore south of Tahoma. I find there to be less wind on the West Shore. A great hike is the trail to Mt. Tallac. It's just south of Emerald Bay, you don't have to go all the way to get a great hike with beautiful views. This year though we are going to try Eagle Lakes hike for a change, I hope it is as wonderful as Tallac.