ActivitiesKayakingPope Beach Launch
Pope Beach Launch
South Shore, kayaking
In short: Pope Beach Launch is a launch spot for kayaking in the Lake Tahoe area, on the South Shore. Known for: wide sandy USFS beach; minimal powerboat traffic near shore; south shore central.
Where it is
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Details
- Wide sandy USFS beach
- Minimal powerboat traffic near shore
- South shore central
Go with a guide. Paddle Lake Tahoe with a local guide who knows the launches, the wind and the quiet coves.
Guided kayaking tourConditions today
- Right now
- 72°F, Sunny
- Today
- High 72°, low 48°
- Wind
- 8 mph
- Water temperature
- 65°F
- Lake level
- 6,222.4 ft
- TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
- ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
- FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°
Know before you go
- Wind
- Mornings are usually calm and the wind builds after midday. Launch early and plan to be off open water by early afternoon.
- Cold water
- The lake only reaches 65 to 70°F at the surface in late summer, and 45 to 55°F in spring. Wear a life jacket and stay close to shore.
- Clean, Drain, Dry
- Kayaks do not need a station inspection, but you must clean, drain and dry your boat after every use. Inspectors check at popular launches such as Sand Harbor, Kings Beach and Pope Beach.
- Emerald Bay
- The signature paddle. The bay is a no-wake zone and that is strictly enforced; give tour boats room at the entrance.
- Parking
- Sand Harbor fills by about 10am on summer days. Arrive before 9am.
More kayaking within 5 miles
- Baldwin Beach Drop-In0.8 mi
- Camp Richardson Watersports0.9 mi
- Fallen Leaf Lake Launch2.3 mi
- Emerald Bay Water Sports2.8 mi
- Emerald Bay — Kayak Launch3.0 mi
- D.L. Bliss Beach3.4 mi
Nearest campgrounds
- Camp Richardson — RV Village0.9 mi, 98 sites
- Fallen Leaf Lake Campground2.3 mi, 206 sites
- Emerald Bay — Eagle Point2.8 mi, 97 sites