Lester Beach

Forming the northern trailhead of the 20 mile Rubicon Trail, Lester Beach is located on the western shores of Lake Tahoe. Facing roughly northeast, it stretches in a thin ribbon for approximately a mile, with its widest portions being at its south-eastern end. It then links to the much shorter Calawee Cove Beach.

Together, both beaches are sometimes known as Bliss Beach, since they form the shoreline of D. L. Bliss State Park, named after a railroad boss whose family donated the land. It contains Rubicon Point Light, the lighthouse with the highest elevation in the United States.

Although Lester Beach slopes gently into emerald green shallows, there is no dedicated swimming zone, with those taking to the water having to look out for boat traffic. Limited parking also means visitors should aim to arrive before 11 am. Once full, the only other spots to park are a three kilometre walk away, although you are allowed to unload gear and passengers at the beach first.

Backed by forested hills dotted with homes, Lester Beach is divided into sections by short wooden piers used for mooring boats. Made of a coarse golden sand, facilities are limited to public restrooms.