Stateline Fire Lookout - A person riding a surfboard on a wave in the ocean
1 / 10

Stateline Fire Lookout

4.9
·342 reviews·Kings Beach, United States

Historic lookout offering panoramic Lake Tahoe views and a unique California-Nevada border experience. A must-visit for hikers and photographers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Serene views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Stateline Fire Lookout - A person riding a surfboard on a wave in the ocean

Stateline Fire Lookout

Best Time

Early morning

Serene views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic lookout offering panoramic Lake Tahoe views and a unique California-Nevada border experience. A must-visit for hikers and photographers.

4.9
(342 reviews)

"The views were incredible. It was a gorgeous day with a nice easy trail that was marked clearly. It's a must do if you're in the area."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Hike for the Views

Easy to moderate hike with incredible lake views. Perfect for an afternoon adventure!

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Parking is on the street and can fill up fast. Arrive early or visit on a weekday.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Lake Tahoe Views

Panoramic Lake Tahoe Views

Summit

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Lake Tahoe and surrounding Sierras. A must-see for any visitor.

California-Nevada Border

California-Nevada Border

Summit

Stand in two states at once! A unique photo opportunity and a fun fact to share.

Historic Fire Lookout Structure

Historic Fire Lookout Structure

Summit

Explore the remnants of this historic US Forest Service fire observation post.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Views

Catch the best light for photos and avoid peak crowds by visiting Stateline Fire Lookout during golden hours. Early mornings or late afternoons offer stunning vistas and a more peaceful experience. Check weather forecasts as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking at the Stateline Fire Lookout can be limited, especially during busy seasons. Arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday. The trail is generally well-marked, but wear appropriate footwear as some sections can be steep.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Serene views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Less busy parking
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Stateline Fire Lookout and Speedboat Beach both offer beautiful settings to enjoy views of Lake Tahoe. Follow will and Enrique as they ride to them from Tahoe Multisport.
tahoemultisport
17 likes • 609 views

🎯 Hike for the Views

Easy to moderate hike with incredible lake views. Perfect for an afternoon adventure! InstagramReddit

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Parking is on the street and can fill up fast. Arrive early or visit on a weekday. Reddit

Sunset @ Stateline fire lookout Tahoe Ca. #hikes #tahoe #sunset
rebeccaarguelloart
70 likes • 1.5K views
𝙾𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚍𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎, 𝚢𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚒𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝙻𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚃𝚊𝚑𝚘𝚎, 𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚍𝚊. 𝙷𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝟷.𝟾 𝙼𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚜/ 𝟸.𝟾 𝚔𝚒𝚕𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜. ⛰⛰⛰ 𝙴𝚗 𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚊 𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚊, 𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚘𝚜𝚘𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚜 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚊 𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚊 𝚟𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚍𝚎 𝚎𝚕 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚎𝚗 𝙻𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚃𝚊𝚑𝚘𝚎, 𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚍𝚊. 𝙻𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚊 𝚎𝚜 𝚍𝚎 𝟷.𝟾 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚜 / 𝟸.𝟾 𝚔𝚒𝚕ó𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚜.
diabyclaudiasariah
39 likes • 1.7K views

📸 Two States, One Pic!

Capture a unique photo straddling the California and Nevada border at the summit. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The initial part of the trail is steep, but it levels out. Good footwear is recommended. Reddit

Take me back to that fresh air! From hiking the historic Stateline Fire lookout to dinner on the west shore at @sunnysidetahoe it was an absolute beautiful day 🏔️ Shop this hiking outfit and more. Everything is linked in my profile, at www.rosyascanbe.com/shop and in my shop on the @shop.LTK app. Just search ROSYASCANBE in the search bar to find and follow my profile. Direct URL >> https://like...
rosyascanbe
19 likes • 735 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Hike for the Views

Easy to moderate hike with incredible lake views. Perfect for an afternoon adventure! InstagramReddit

🚗 Limited Parking Alert

Parking is on the street and can fill up fast. Arrive early or visit on a weekday. Reddit

📸 Two States, One Pic!

Capture a unique photo straddling the California and Nevada border at the summit. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The initial part of the trail is steep, but it levels out. Good footwear is recommended. Reddit

💧 Restrooms Available

Basic restrooms are available at the top, though they may not flush. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(342 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Stateline Fire Lookout for its absolutely incredible, breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The hike is described as easy to moderate, child-friendly, and a must-do for anyone in the area. The unique feature of standing in two states at once is also a highlight.

"This was my favorite hike that we didn’t Lake Tahoe. The views were incredible. You have to go around the entire loop at the top. The picture speak for themselves. It was a gorgeous day with a nice easy trail that was marked clearly. It’s a must do if you’re in the area."

Tammera Lindsay

"Beautiful view all times of year! Only downside is limited parking"

Jenna

"When I visited Lake Tahoe, I visited the farthest north first. That place is called the historic #HistoricStatelineFireLookout
Located near the Nevada-California border, this lighthouse overlooks Lake Tahoe. Located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe near Crystal Bay, it offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This area was originally used by the US Forest Service to protect local forests from wildfires. Now no longer used for fire viewing, it has become a popular spot for tourists and hikers as a sightseeing spot.
#hymovlog"

HYMO Vlog

What People Like

Incredible lake views
Easy to moderate hike
Two-state photo op

What People Dislike

Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Stateline Fire Lookout is located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, near Crystal Bay, on the California-Nevada border. Access is typically via a well-marked trail from a parking area on the street. Many visitors arrive by car, but be aware that parking can be limited. Instagram+1

Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity of Stateline Fire Lookout can be limited. It's best to check local Tahoe transit schedules for bus routes that might get you close, followed by a walk or short ride. Instagram

The trailhead is generally accessible by car. Follow signs for the Stateline Fire Lookout. Parking is available on the street near the trailhead. Reddit+1

Yes, some visitors combine biking with the hike. Tahoe Multisport mentions riding to Stateline Fire Lookout as part of a scenic route. Instagram

The drive from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe is typically around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point. This makes it a feasible day trip or part of a longer itinerary. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit the Stateline Fire Lookout. It's a public access point for hiking and sightseeing. Reddit

The Stateline Fire Lookout is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, trail conditions can vary with weather, especially in winter. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for the Stateline Fire Lookout trail. It's a free public access area for hiking and enjoying the views. Reddit

While the area is generally accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. The best views are during daylight hours, especially sunrise and sunset. Instagram

No specific permits are required for hiking the Stateline Fire Lookout trail. It's a public trail managed for recreational use. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike is generally considered easy to moderate. The initial part can be steep, but it levels out, offering a manageable trek for most fitness levels. InstagramReddit

The hike is typically around 0.9 to 1.5 miles roundtrip, making it a relatively short but rewarding excursion. InstagramReddit

Expect stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, the surrounding mountains, and the Nevada-California border. It's a prime spot for photography. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are basic restrooms available at the summit. They are functional but may not have flushing water. Reddit

Yes, the trail is considered child-friendly, though the initial steep section might require some assistance for very young children. The views at the top are a great reward. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Golden hour, both in the early morning and late afternoon, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding landscape. Instagram

The summit provides the best vantage points for panoramic shots. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph yourself straddling the California-Nevada border. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary by location and time. It's advisable to check current FAA and local park rules before flying a drone in the Lake Tahoe area. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the distant mountains. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant lake colors. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking trails or viewpoints. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Stateline Fire Lookout hike is a fantastic option for families. It's described as child-friendly, with a manageable trail length that won't exhaust little legs. The initial steep part might require a helping hand for the youngest adventurers, but the incredible views at the top are a huge reward. Reddit

Bring snacks and water, and take advantage of the picnic spots and benches available at the summit. The unique experience of standing in two states at once is also a fun talking point for kids. Remember that parking can be tight, so an early start is beneficial for families. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers

For those seeking an active adventure with a significant scenic payoff, the Stateline Fire Lookout is highly recommended. It offers a rewarding hike that's not overly strenuous, making it perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary. The trail provides a good workout with a stunning payoff at the summit. Instagram+1

Experienced hikers might find it a pleasant, shorter excursion, while beginners will appreciate the accessibility. The panoramic views are consistently praised, making it a must-do for anyone exploring the Lake Tahoe area. Consider combining it with other nearby activities for a full day of exploration. InstagramReddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Stateline Fire Lookout is a prime location for capturing breathtaking photos of Lake Tahoe. The summit offers unobstructed, 360-degree views that are particularly spectacular during sunrise and sunset. Photographers rave about the golden hour light and the vibrant colors of the lake and mountains. Instagram+1

Bring your wide-angle lens to encompass the vast landscape and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water's clarity and the sky's depth. The unique California-Nevada border marker also provides a fun and memorable subject for your photography portfolio. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Significance

The Stateline Fire Lookout is more than just a scenic viewpoint; it's a piece of history. Originally established by the U.S. Forest Service, these lookouts were crucial for monitoring forests and preventing wildfires. While no longer actively used for fire spotting, its structure stands as a reminder of that era. Visitors can appreciate the historic structure and imagine the important role it once played in protecting the surrounding natural beauty. InstagramReddit

This location also offers a unique geographical marker: the border between California and Nevada. Many visitors enjoy the novelty of standing in two states simultaneously, a fun and memorable experience that adds another layer to the visit. It’s a simple yet engaging aspect that draws people to this spot. Instagram

The trail itself is often described as a rewarding hike that doesn't demand an entire day. Its accessibility and relatively short length make it a popular choice for those looking for great views without an arduous trek. This blend of history, unique geography, and accessible nature makes the Stateline Fire Lookout a compelling destination. InstagramReddit

Capturing the Perfect Shot

Stateline Fire Lookout is a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The soft, warm light dramatically enhances the colors of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. Many visitors share stunning sunset photos, highlighting the magical atmosphere. Instagram+1

For the best results, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panoramas. This will allow you to fit the vastness of the lake and sky into your frame. Additionally, a polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and deepen the blue hues of the lake and sky, making your photos truly pop. Instagram

Don't forget the unique opportunity to capture yourself straddling the California-Nevada border. This quirky photo op is a popular highlight, and many visitors share their creative shots online. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and the environment while seeking out the perfect angle. Instagram

Navigating the Trail and Parking

The hike to the Stateline Fire Lookout is generally considered easy to moderate. While the initial ascent can be steep, the trail soon levels out, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers. The total distance is typically under two miles, making it a perfect option for an afternoon outing or a quick scenic stop. InstagramReddit

Parking is a key consideration for visitors. The lookout area has limited street parking, which can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. To avoid frustration, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning or visit on a weekday. Reddit+1

While the trail is usually well-marked, wearing appropriate footwear is advised due to the initial steep grade. Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers will provide better traction and support. Basic restrooms are available at the summit, though they are noted as being non-flushing. Reddit

You may also like