​In June of 1859, one of the most significant mining discoveries in American history was made in the Virginia Range of Nevada. The discovery of silver and gold in the area drew people in from across the country, and the town of Virginia City was created almost overnight. (Bureau of Land Management)  

People flocked from across the country to try their luck at mining for gold and silver. The “rush” to dig, pan and discover gold required the building of infrastructure including homes. To do so, the settlers used what was readily available; trees.

As the story goes, the initial gold discovery at the site was made by the brothers Ethan and Hosea Grosh in 1857. When the Groshes died tragically that same year, Henry Comstock and several other men laid claim to the Grosh's sections.  The Comstock Lode gets its name from Henry Comstock. Born in Ontario, Canada, Henry was a gold prospector who was known by many for his larger-than-life personality. Ironically, there is little evidence that Henry Comstock is the person who really discovered the silver-ore deposits that would eventually be named for him.(Bureau of Land Management)  

The Comstock Lode changed the Tahoe Basin area forever. Trains were built, towns developed and mining shafts that were created then are still accessible today. The timber used to build all of this came from the Tahoe Basin. More than two thirds of the trees were removed.  The logging eliminated the native trees, changed the habitat and permanently affected the Tahoe environment.

Gazing upon the Tahoe Basin today, you may think, “What a beautiful forest.” As you learn more of the history, the beauty remains, but can become diminished. Imagine what the Tahoe forest looked like before the gold and silver rush:

The diversity in the trees indicated a healthy forest from floor to canopy.  There was Western White Pine or Silver Pine and Sugar Pine, which grew to heights from 160 to 180 feet, and in diameter from 4 to 7 feet. This was used for building purposes. Western Yellow Pine or Ponderosa Pine was abundant and used for general purposes. The Jeffrey Pine grew in the region in similar sizes and general characteristics. White or Silver Fir was abundant in the Tahoe region. It was cut mostly into firewood, together with the pine tops left in logging. It takes a long time to dry, and as it warps badly, it was not used for building. The diameter reached up to 5 feet. The Douglas Fir, or Douglas Spruce, was found around Lake Tahoe and reached heights of 100 to150 feet. On account of the strength of the wood, it is one of the most valuable of forest trees. Red Fir grows over the entire range, but was not very abundant or accessible. Red Cedar or Incense Cedar was used principally in structures in contact with the ground, the heart wood being resistant to decay. (Forest History Society)

Our forest is far less diverse today because, once the historic forest was gone. The removal of old growth trees opened the opportunity for young, fast growing trees to take over. Today, you’ll notice that most of the trees in the basin, particularly on the Nevada side, are Jeffrey Pines.

You might notice that some Tahoe residents are protective of the basin environment. The more we learn about how the area has been changed by settlers, the more we are reaching out to those who lived here before; the Wá∙šiw (Wah-shoe).  During the California gold rush followed by the subsequent silver rush in Nevada a few years later, thousands of miners and immigrants flooded Wá∙šiw lands in a relatively short time period and they stayed here, disrupting the balance; changing the Wá∙šiw world forever in only a few short years.

Their knowledge of the basin area shared among tribal members provides education for everyone. If we can learn to live with the environment rather than attempt to change it, we can assist in returning the forest to its natural state so it can, once again, be healthy.

Has your perspective on Tahoe shifted?  As you drive the slope to and from the basin or travel through the valley below, imagine the forest as it was before the settlers came, before gold and silver. Can you see the blue lake with clarity down to 100 feet? Envision a healthy and diverse forest. Imagine the Tahoe basin without any houses.

Visit Tahoe with a perspective of protection. Walk the trails in the same way that the people from here did; in search of nourishment beyond food.  Stay on the path and reflect upon how it would have been if the settlers never came.  Do your part to help the basin heal and reduce the impact that we, the new settlers, have upon the area.

Visiting Lake Tahoe during the Fall opens the door to places and experiences often too busy or inaccessible during the Summer and Winter.  Leaf your stress behind when you join Bliss Experiences this Autumn.

Why Yoga?

• Reduce Stress
• Maintain Mobility
• Improve Body Awareness
• Sleep Better
• Induce Relaxation
• Breathe Better
• Increase Focus

​There’s a perfect pairing for every meal, and Dare to Pair seminars will teach you how to find it, whether you’re craving a classic steak au poivre or spicy Thai takeout. In each interactive tasting event, learn the basic science behind food and drink pairings before experimenting with classic and innovative combinations. Discover the nuances of your palate, how childhood nostalgia affects even our most refined tastes, and learn how to create perfect pairings at home to suit any meal or event.

​Taking a walk in an unfamiliar forest, on new trails, with limited time
can be more stressful than relaxing.  
 
Join our guide; Felix.  He knows the way along the path and will manage time so you can wander the woods and truly enjoy our alpine forest.  Relinquish control over where and when you are.  Instead, bathe in the sounds, smells, and energy of the mountains.  Felix will share his knowledge of the outdoors while allowing you the time to reconnect with nature and your Self.

Reiki & Sound Healing is offered as a virtual experience you can tune into from anywhere.  With the provided link you can attend from the comfort of your home and don't need to worry about logging out.  If you drift away into a peaceful place you can remain there knowing you don't have to leave.  

Harpist Anne Roos, longtime resident of South Lake Tahoe, follows the Siddha Yoga meditation path and has improvised live music to accompany relaxing yoga classes. Each session includes mindfulness instructions followed by relaxing harp music, and then a closing reflection. 

​Confident Paddlers can enjoy the glassy waters of Tahoe all year long during our Stand Up Paddle Board Tours.  Private Tours are available as long as the winds and weather permit.  Experience Tahoe without boats and experience bliss on the water.

We Create Custom Curated Experiences for Renewal and Reconnection
 
Our mission is to connect you with the best small businesses and professionals we can find who are passionate about Lake Tahoe, nature, and self care.  Before you travel to the basin check out our curated experiences, customizable retreats, and connected providers.

We look forward to sharing Bliss Experiences with you.  

Seeking bliss while vesting the basin?  We recommend checking out these things to do in Lake Tahoe in Summer.  They include opportunities for exploration of our outdoor playground as well as peaceful moments for reflection and connection.

Become one with the lake when you join a tour with Clearly Tahoe.  Their kayaks are designed for exploration.  Take a slow tour around Sand Harbor, the south shore, or Bonsai Rock, as well as other locations.  Soak up the morning sun or watch the water change color as the sun sets over the West Shore.

Their specialty lies in protecting, transporting, and managing these unique boats that offer an experience that gives you the sense of feeling as though you are truly one with the lake.  Take advantage of this opportunity to view all of Tahoe from sky to lake bottom.  Gaze down into the depths of the lake and sit back to ponder the the height of the mountains.  Spend time listening to the surrounding sounds.  Allow yourself a few moments of peace as you float among giant boulders on peaceful water.

When asked what time of day is the best for visiting the beach we recommend two: early morning and late afternoon.  Summer days in Tahoe are long and we recommend taking advantage of the entirety of the day. 

Beach Yoga classes are offered during the more mild parts of the day; at 9am and 5:30pm.  Private Sessions can be requested for just about anytime, but Lake Tahoe Yoga recommends avoiding the heat of the day.  These classes include so much more than poses.  Your guide is trained in varying the practice using the surroundings as tools.  You'll be challenged to focus upon the practice instead of the happenings around.  The sand will move beneath you creating new experiences in balance and steadiness.  Listen carefully to the cueing and may find yourself attempting postures you never have before.  Considered the second best savasana in Tahoe, the final resting pose includes a special trick for creating comfort while you rest on the sand, soak up the sun, and relax on the beach.

Early birds definitely get the best experiences when it comes to things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer.  Lake Tahoe Balloons offers a truly unique way to experience the basin.  After traveling on their custom balloon boat to the perfect launching spot, you'll embark on a hot air tour high above the lake.

You'll receive refreshments and food to energize your body and mind for the flight.  Climb into the basket and launch up into the endless blue skies above Tahoe.  Your captains are highly trained professionals who keep the boat and balloon afloat while you gaze upon the beauty of the glassy waters below you.  With the exception of the sound of the burner and your fellow travelers, the silence of the morning draws your attention.  Soak in the scene from your bird's eye view.  

Did you know that Tahoe has trees that smell like vanilla or maple syrup?  Falcons, Eagles, and Mountain Chickadees reign the skies.  Tiny creatures hide in every crevice and crack waiting for the moment to spring into action gathering supplies for the Winter.  If you take your time to experience the space around you, your senses will become more refined and you'll notice so much more.

Take a walk with a guide who will show you how to truly appreciate the sounds, sights, smells, and even tangible aspects of the trip.  Forest Bathing is more than walking through the woods.  It is a mindful experience and connection with the natural world.  Felix Brosch of EarthKraft is our recommended guide for these blissful strolls through the woods.  In his words, "Forest Bathing is a chance to allow someone else to hold space and time for you so you can let go and be on Forest Time."  

In my opinion, there is no better variation on savasana than the one offered during Paddle Yoga with Lake Tahoe Yoga.  The studio has been guiding practices on the water since 2011.  Most likely the first to do so in the Tahoe basin, they are the most knowledgeable and offer the most robust experience.

Your Paddle Yoga session includes all of the tools necessary for accessing the water.  Beginners are welcome.  Everyone receives a mini-lesson that includes instruction in paddling as well as what to expect once out on the water.  You'll participate in a leisurely paddle well beyond shore to a peaceful spot with 365* views.  Every posture is an opportunity to take in a new perspective and soak up that Tahoe magic.  Your movements are complimented with floating restoration as you relax in the corpse posture being rocked by the water.  This experience wouldn't be complete without complimentary photos that you can download for use on all your social media apps.

As you can see if you're looking for bliss the list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer are almost infinite. For more ideas on what to look for check out Tahoe South's things to do homepage.