Patton Landing
Carnelian Bay, CA
Patton Landing, also called Waterman's Landing, is a three acre pebble beach in Carnelian Bay, just west of Gar Woods Grill & Pier on Lake Tahoe's North Shore. It has turned into the lake's stand-up paddle hub. Boards slide in easily off the smooth stones, and the water over them is glass-clear on a calm morning.
The best paddle launch on the North Shore, but pebbles make it a poor pick for lying out.
How we score beachesPaddle west along the shore toward Dollar Point first thing, then come back to the Gar Woods deck once the wind comes up.
Parking near the beach is limited; check posted signs along North Lake Boulevard.
A short walk from the road ends on pebbles rather than sand, which is easy to launch from but rough on bare feet.
Paddlers get the best of it from late June through September, especially before noon. Cold water means a wetsuit or a leash is smart for the first few weeks of the season.
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