Forest Service to open some Lake Tahoe recreation facilities early

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will open some recreational facilities on April 1 for the season.

“With the spring-like weather we’ve been having, we’re shifting Forest resources to open gates and parking areas to provide access to our beaches, trails and roads,” said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “We’re not able to fully staff these sites until closer to our typical season, so we’re asking for your help in keeping these sites clean and safe.”

Until sites officially open, there’s no parking, trash removal or restroom facilities available. The Forest Service reminds user to clean up after themselves and their pets. Until parking lots open, park vehicles off the roadway, avoid parking on vegetation, and do not block access gates.

Eagle Falls parking area, Inspiration Point, Kiva Picnic area, Tallac Point day-use area, Big Meadows Trailhead, Logan Shoals and Secret Harbor open April 1. Baldwin and Nevada beaches open May 1. The McKinney Rubicon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area, Sawmill Pond, the Sandpit OHV area, Nevada Beach Campground and Chimney Beach open May 8. William Kent, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Bayview and Fallen Leaf beaches and campgrounds open May 15. Luther Pass Campground and Pope Beach open May 22, and Blackwood Canyon and Watson Lake campgrounds open June 1.

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center parking area, grounds and restrooms open May 15. The Visitor Center and Baldwin Museum at the Tallac Historic Site will be staffed beginning May 23, for Memorial Day weekend.

Before recreation sites fully open to the public, the Forest Service must hire crews and staff to manage the sites, clean up from winter, remove safety hazards and wait for the danger of a freeze to pass before turning on water systems.

For a complete list of opening dates, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/OpeningClosingDates or for more information, call the Forest Supervisor’s office at 530-543-2694, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.