Lake Tahoe

The sapphire-blue and emerald-green waters of Lake Tahoe stand in stark contrast to the snow on the peaks that surround the lake, the same snow that feeds what is the sixth largest freshwater lake by volume in the country.

"The first thing that struck me was just how clear the water is," said Susan Shingledecker, who spent time cruising and paddleboarding on the lake last August. "Looking down, I could easily see a pair of sunglasses dropped by a fellow paddler. I thought I could reach them. But in reality, they were so deep that I'd have needed fins and a snorkel to retrieve them!" Located more than 6,000 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe, with an average depth of 1,000 feet, is bisected from north to south by the California/Nevada state line. Approximately two-thirds of the lake is in California. The line travels from Crystal Bay, in the north, to the aptly named Stateline, in the south. Fishermen need to be keenly aware of the state line, as each state requires a different license. Casting a line in the wrong spot could earn you a ticket. Fishing is allowed year-round on the lake, with rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon in abundance.

Interestingly, due to water depth and other environmental factors, the lake never freezes, so year-round boating is possible — for the brave. Surrounded by mountains, the area offers lots of hiking and biking trails. All kinds of watercraft are found on the lake, and with the large open areas, there's plenty of wind for sailors. If you decide not to take your own boat, rental choices abound, from PWCs and pontoon boats to ski boats, canoes, and kayaks, all available by the hour or day. Campsites and launch facilities surround the lake; just be aware that many of these may be closed to all but the smallest craft if lake levels are low. It pays to check first.