Skunk Harbor
Glenbrook, NV
Skunk Harbor is a hike-in cove on Lake Tahoe's East Shore, reached by a trail down from Highway 28 north of Glenbrook. The reward is a sandy, rock-framed bay with water so clear it looks shallow when it isn't, plus a historic stone house from the 1920s near the shore. Boaters anchor here too.
A quiet cove with Caribbean-clear water and history on the shore, but it costs a real hike and the roadside parking is limited.
How we score beachesThe walk down is the easy part. Save some energy for the climb back to the highway, and bring more water than you think.
Free roadside parking at a gated turnout on Highway 28; spaces are limited, so go early on summer weekends.
Reached only by a hiking trail of roughly a mile and a half each way, with a steady grade; not suited to strollers or wheelchairs.
Late June through September is the season, since the trail can hold snow into spring. The water here is cold even in August.
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