Fannette Island: Emerald Bay’s Charming Little Secret

Fannette Island: Emerald Bay’s Charming Little Secret

Emerald Bay. Just the name conjures up images of shimmering turquoise waters and postcard-perfect scenery. It’s no wonder this spot on Lake Tahoe’s western shore is so beloved! Declared a National Natural Landmark way back in ’69, Emerald Bay State Park is the place to be for hiking, messing about in boats, taking a dip, or even diving down deep. And with cool historical spots like Vikingsholm (a seriously impressive Scandinavian-style mansion) and an underwater park teeming with history, there’s something for everyone. But let’s be honest, the real showstopper? That’s Fannette Island, hands down – Lake Tahoe’s only island!

A Wee Island with a Big History

Fannette Island might be small, poking just 150 feet above the lake, but it’s got a story to tell. Over the years, it’s gone by a bunch of different names – Coquette, Baranoff, even Dead Man’s Island! Eventually, “Fannette” stuck, and it’s easy to see why. Geologists reckon this little lump of granite is a survivor, a tough bit of rock that refused to be smoothed away by the glaciers that carved out Emerald Bay ages ago. Pretty cool, huh?

The Hermit, the Heiress, and a Teahouse Fit for a Fairytale

Fannette Island’s seen its share of characters. Back in the day, a fella named Captain Dick Barter, known as “the Hermit of Emerald Bay,” made the island his home for a decade. Legend has it, he even built his own chapel and tomb up there! Spooky, right? Sadly, things took a turn when his boat was found wrecked in 1873, and he vanished without a trace.

Fast forward a few years, and enter Lora Josephine Knight, a seriously wealthy lady with a vision. In 1928, she snapped up the land around Emerald Bay, Fannette Island included. She then commissioned the building of Vikingsholm (seriously, Google it – it’s amazing!), and, get this, a stone teahouse on Fannette Island! Picture this: a miniature castle, perched on a tiny island, where Knight and her pals would sip tea and soak up those incredible views. Talk about living the high life! The teahouse even had a fireplace, a big oak table, and chairs. Sadly, vandals have had their way with it over the years, and now it’s just the stone shell that remains. But hey, the original trail up to it was restored in 2007, so you can still channel your inner Lora Knight!

Island Hopping Today

Fancy a visit? You can boat out to Fannette Island and hike to the top. Fair warning: it’s a bit of a climb, but those views are totally worth the effort. Just remember, no camping or doggos allowed, and pack out everything you bring in – leave no trace, folks!

Dive into History

But wait, there’s more to Emerald Bay than just Fannette Island! Did you know there’s an underwater state park here? Yep, since 1994, it’s been protecting a bunch of old boats, launches, and barges that were used on the lake way back when. If you’re a diver or snorkeler, you can explore the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail, which has a bunch of dive sites with historic wrecks. One highlight is the Historic Barge Dive Site, where two massive barges rest between 10 and 40 feet deep. These bad boys were used to haul lumber and supplies during the construction of Vikingsholm. There’s also a bunch of smaller vessels to check out, like a metal kayak, a day sailor, and a launch.

Emerald Bay is a total gem, plain and simple. Fannette Island, with its quirky history and killer views, is the cherry on top. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a bit of adventure, Emerald Bay is a place you won’t soon forget. Trust me on this one!