Lily Lake
Lake · Lake Tahoe corridor
Lily Lake sits at 7,152 feet in the Lake Tahoe corridor, a small alpine lake sheltered by surrounding ridges. Wind typically averages 9 mph, making it calmer than the open Tahoe basin to the east.
Morning calm gives way to afternoon wind funneling off the lake by mid-day. The 30-day average wind of 9 mph masks daily swing; expect 15 to 22 mph gusts by late afternoon on clear days. Water remains cold year-round. Crowds are minimal compared to Highway 89 access points.
Over the last 30 days, Lily Lake averaged a NoGo Score of 13, with temperatures holding near 34 degrees Fahrenheit and winds averaging 9 mph. The week ahead will show whether high-altitude spring warming pushes afternoon wind higher; the rolling 365-day max wind of 22 mph is typical for this exposure. Plan morning visits to dodge the afternoon pattern.
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About Lily Lake
Lily Lake is a small alpine water body at 7,152 feet on the western slope of the Lake Tahoe corridor. Access routes vary by season and snowpack; Highway 50 and Highway 89 serve as primary gateways to the Tahoe basin, with secondary trailheads and forest service roads providing approach options depending on road conditions. The lake lies in a transitional zone between the high Sierra crest and the lower Tahoe valleys. Spring snowmelt often controls access until late May or early June. Summer access is straightforward via established trails and forest roads; fall and winter routes depend heavily on recent weather and chain requirements on approach highways.
Lily Lake's weather follows high-Sierra alpine patterns: cold through winter and spring, brief summer stability, and rapid autumn cooling. The 30-day average temperature of 34 degrees and rolling 365-day minimum of 21 degrees reflect its elevation and north-facing exposure. Wind averages 9 mph over 30 days but peaks in afternoon hours; the rolling 30-day max of 22 mph is typical for spring and early summer when thermal heating strengthens valley breezes. Crowding averages 3 out of 10, making it far less trafficked than Emerald Bay or nearby Highway 89 overlooks. Late September and early October see the mildest temperatures (up to 48 degrees in the rolling 365-day max) and lowest afternoon wind; spring is windy and cold, summer is stable but short.
Lily Lake suits paddlers, photographers, and anglers seeking solitude at altitude. Experienced visitors plan around afternoon wind; morning paddle windows close by 11 a.m. on most days. Parking is limited; arriving before 8 a.m. avoids the small overflow that builds on weekends. The lake is best during stable high-pressure systems when the 9 mph average holds rather than spiking. Water temperature rarely exceeds 50 degrees even in August, so thermal protection is essential for immersion sports. Snow lingers into May most years, closing some approach roads.
Nearby alternatives include larger alpine lakes to the south (Onion Lake, Round Lake) and the main Tahoe basin to the north and east. Those are more exposed to afternoon wind and attract higher traffic. Lily Lake's small size and modest popularity make it a strategic choice when main basin sites are crowded or windy. The trade-off is limited facilities and a shorter usable season.