Top Ten Must-Visit Destinations Near Lake Tahoe

Echo Summit is a mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. It is located on Highway 50, which is also known as the Lincoln Highway, between Placerville and South Lake Tahoe.

Echo Lakes At Echo Summit!

The Echo Lakes are a pair of glacial lakes located in El Dorado County, California, near the town of Echo. The lakes are situated at an elevation of roughly 7,400 feet (2,256 meters) in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and are surrounded by forested mountains and beautiful alpine scenery. The area around Echo Lakes is popular for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking.

There are several hiking trails that lead into the surrounding mountains, including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Lakeside Nature Trail. The lakes are also popular for fishing, and are stocked with rainbow trout and brook trout. 

There are several campgrounds and picnic areas in the area too, making it a great place to spend a day or longer exploring the outdoors.  The area is home to several ski resorts and is a popular destination for sightseeing and photography. People like to visit Echo Summit for the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and engage in outdoor activities.

Historic Echo Summit Station

The Echo Summit Station is a historic station located in Echo Summit, California, on Highway 50. It was originally built in the late 19th century as a stopping point for stagecoaches traveling between Placerville and Lake Tahoe. The station has since been restored and is now a popular tourist attraction. It is a one-story wooden building with a gable roof and a large stone fireplace. The station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historical Landmark. It is open to the public and offers a variety of amenities, including a gift shop, restrooms, and a small museum that displays artifacts from the station's history.

To reach the Echo Summit Station, take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and look for the station on the side of the road. It is located about 18 miles (29 kilometers) from South Lake Tahoe and about 45 miles (72 kilometers) from Placerville.

What Is The Weather Like At Echo Summit?

The weather at Echo Summit can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Since Echo Summit is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it experiences a range of weather patterns throughout the year. In the winter, the area is known for its heavy snowfall from the storms that sweep off the Pacific, with temperatures averaging in the low 30s Fahrenheit (around 0°C).

In the summer, the weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 20°C to 25°C).  Definitely keep an eye out for their infamous afternoon Thunderstorms.  Typically, these storms don't produce a lot of rain, but the ski will blacken, the winds can kick up, and strong rains (even hail) can accompany them.

It is important to be prepared for a range of weather conditions when visiting Echo Summit, as the weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. It is a good idea to check the forecast before planning your trip, and to bring appropriate clothing and gear for the expected weather.

Are There Any Stores Located In Echo Summit?

There are a few stores located near Echo Summit, California. These stores may be able to provide supplies and amenities for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area.  Please keep in mind some of these stores are seasonal as the weather will make some of them nearly inaccessible when the snow flies!

The main attraction is the Echo Summit Store: This store is located in the town of Echo Summit, just off of Highway 50. It offers a variety of convenience items, including snacks, drinks, and other supplies.

Here are some others close by: 

• South Lake Tahoe Gas & Convenience: This store is located in South Lake Tahoe, which is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) from Echo Summit. It offers gas, snacks, and other convenience items.
• Meyers Market: This market is located in the town of Meyers, which is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Echo Summit. It offers a selection of groceries and other supplies. 
• Safeway: This grocery store is located in South Lake Tahoe, about 18 miles (29 kilometers) from Echo Summit. It offers a wide selection of food and other supplies.

How Close Is South Lake Tahoe?

The distance between Echo Summit and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers). The drive from Echo Summit to South Lake Tahoe takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. South Lake Tahoe is a popular tourist destination known for its ski resorts, outdoor recreation, and stunning mountain scenery. It is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, just a short drive down the "hill" from Echo Summit.

 

There are many great places to eat in South Lake Tahoe, California. Here are a few options to consider: 

• Sprouts Natural Foods: This popular cafe serves a variety of healthy and delicious meals, including sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.
• Fire + Ice: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a build-your-own-meal concept that allows customers to choose from a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces, which are then grilled on an open fire. 
• Blue Angel Cafe: This cozy cafe serves breakfast and lunch, with a menu that includes omelets, sandwiches, and salads. 
• Freshies: This restaurant is known for its seafood, with a menu that includes oysters, clams, and a variety of fish dishes. 
• The Naked Fish: This sushi restaurant serves a variety of rolls and other Japanese dishes, including bento boxes and ramen.
• Base Camp Pizza: - This is a popular eatery at the base of Heavenly Valley Ski Resort.  Countless beers on tap and bands playing make this a must.
• Stateline Casinos: Enough said!

Does The Pacific Crest Trail Pass Through Echo Summit?

The PCT is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada through the western United States, including California.

It passes through a variety of landscapes, including deserts, forests, and mountain ranges and it goes directly through as it passes through this area on its way from south to north. Hikers on the PCT can access the trail at Echo Summit, and can continue north to other destinations in California and beyond. Echo Summit is a popular starting point for PCT thru-hikers, as it is easily accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of California.