Logan Shoals Vista Point

The Logan Shoals Vista Point is one of my favorite stops on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe. Maintained by the forest service, this area has a small paved path for easy access combined with several official and unofficial trails. Parking can be very limited with only a small turnout on the southbound side of Highway 50.
The area is focused on a large boulder outcropping overlooking the lake. You can easily hike around or on top of them for a spectacular view. Some trails head closer to the water, but these are a bit steep and only recommended for good hikers.
This is a great place to stop for those wanting an easy and intimate experience with Lake Tahoe. It is perfect for photography and even a quick picnic. Restrooms are available during the summer only.

Absolutely beautiful. Pictures won’t do it justice or I’d post one. However, to be honest, we drove around the entire lake and every view is amazing — you can’t really go wrong.

One of those places that I’ve driven by a thousand times and wondered why there were cars parked by the side of the road. I finally decided to check it out — nice little trail to a few panoramic vista points looking towards Cave Rock to the south and closer to east Shore to the right. Yes, it has pretty views and is good for people who don’t want to walk very far or work too hard to get a look at the lake, but as a local, I prefer being right at lake level even if it means a bit of a hike. Nonetheless, I can’t ding the lake for its beauty.

My family and I always visit Logan Shoals Vista Point when we vacation in South Lake Tahoe. It offers spectacular views of the lake, and on multiple levels. Very serene and beautiful. Also, parking is very convenient and there are clean restrooms on sight.

Headed out of town to Reno, we took note of this vista point and stopped by later upon our return.
Very nice!
The trail to the viewing decks was a short easy one.
The views were spectacular.
We timed it for when dusk started and got some great pics.
Not bad for a phone camera newbie, eh? :-D

My family and I found Logan Shoals by mistake. Driving up from Carson City a few times during our stay at S. Lake Tahoe, I noticed a lot of cars were parked on the right side of Highway 50. One day, after playing in the snow, we decided to stop and see what was up. I’m glad we did because the views we saw were absolutely stunning! Amazing views of the lake and the snow covered mountain peaks as its backdrop.
After parking the car, we walked up to a paved walkway. Then, we stopped by the first viewing area where you will see a picture of all the peaks of Lake Tahoe. After taking a lot of pictures, we decided to explore some more and followed the paved path. We passed the bathrooms (closed during our visit), and ended up at another viewing area. Behind this viewing area, we found a hiking trail which led towards the lake. It was another great discovery because from here you can go down towards the lake, climb on top of a big rock, and take more pictures.
The hike in itself was easy for the kids (6 – 15 years), easy to medium for my husband and I as we had to take turns going uphill holding our year and half old son.

This is a great lookout point and short walk just north of Cave Rock on highway 50. There is ample parking along Highway 50 in a designated Logan Shoals parking lot. The main path is paved (and probably runs less than a quarter mile in total), there are two outhouse-​style bathrooms, and informative placards about Tahoe’s geography and history.
The best views, however, are if you follow the unpaved paths that go just beyond where the paving stops. In particular, there is a gorgeous panoramic view of the whole lake if you walk just behind the large rock formation in Logan Shoals.
This isn’t really a hiking area… it’s quite a small area. I suppose you could take paths down to water, but they don’t seem particularly well-​marked and may be challenging.

Driving on the highway you would never know this place was here. I ALWAYS pass by it and have to make some illegal u-​turn up the road. My aunt found this great little hideaway.
This place has breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe for FREE!!! I can’t call it a park although it is somewhat set up to be but not for playing. It contains dusty paths that wind down and around a hill. There are lots of trees and boulders here too.
This place stays in my heart, as this is where we spread my mom’s ashes after she passed in 2002. She loved Tahoe so we wanted her remains to be here. I don’t know if it’s legal to do that but oh well.
I came here not too long ago to bring my kids. I was happily surprised to see that public bathrooms have been added. They are fairly clean too. I was shocked!
The path to the right will lead you to somewhat of a cliff so be extra cautious if you are bringing children. This is not a place to let kids just run free.

Logan Shoals Vista is a pull off on the west side of US 50, a bit north of Cave Rock.
It’s a popular spot for pictures. Wedding parties do stop by here and use the back drop of Lake Tahoe for some very memorable pictures. It’s not much of a hike and it is paved. In addition, plenty of off the highway parking so no worries about getting creamed by people flying by. There is also a restroom facilities that is open during the non-​winter seasons.
Getting down to the water is tricky, so most people will simply stick to the paved trail and kids can scramble up some very easy beaten trails for a closer more unobscured view. It is stroller friendly (paved again) and there is no chance of getting lost or hurt if you do stick to the paved portions.
Today, a couple was enjoying the view of the lake sitting about 20′ below between some rocks enjoying a nice picnic with the sun out and the warm rocks to their backs — in January. However in winter, such as last winter, the path will likely be covered with snow — so be careful.
If you have the opportunity and are heading to Sand Harbor or Carson city via US 50, take 5 – 15 minutes to pull over and enjoy some of the nice scenery and backdrop that Tahoe can provide.