Discover California’s Hidden Sierra Nevada Treasure: Ethereal Emerald Pools Near Lake Tahoe

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Discover California's Hidden Sierra Nevada Treasure: Ethereal Emerald Pools Near Lake Tahoe

Along the South Yuba River in the middle of the Tahoe National Forest, a collection of ethereal pools makes a worthwhile stopping point in the California foothills. Emerald Pools is a hiking area complete with gorgeous swimming holes that seem to have earned their name based on their sparkling waters. This out-of-the-way recreation area could be a quick pit-stop after visiting Lake Tahoe or a multi-day adventure, depending on your interest in hiking, swimming, and more.



The Emerald Pools are about an hour’s drive from Lake Tahoe’s scenic shores. If you plan to visit Emerald Pools, staying somewhere local might be more convenient. For example, Dutch Flat is a Gold Rush town with easy access to nearby lakes and is less than 30 miles away. Of course, camping is also an option, and either location lets you explore the area more in-depth. 

There is plenty to explore in the Tahoe National Forest and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains, so we highly recommend making time to see (and splash around in) the Emerald Pools before venturing further into the national forest.



Ways to explore the Emerald Pools

Trees and rocks at Emerald Pools in the Tahoe National Forest in California

The highlight of Emerald Pools is, of course, the pools themselves! You’ll have to judge the similarity to actual emeralds in person, but visitor photos showcase the water’s range of gorgeous green hues. Water activities might be the most attractive way to spend an afternoon at Emerald Pools, but recreation in the Tahoe National Forest also includes biking, horseback riding, and even off-road vehicle use in designated areas. If you’re planning on camping, make sure you get a campfire permit for the Tahoe National Forest, which is required for the use of grills, stoves, and fires outside of recreation areas. Visitors should also note that dogs are allowed.

Hiking is a popular activity in the area, with visitors praising the easy trail down to the water and the views. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to pack as much recreation into a day trip as possible, consider hiking to Lake Spaulding. The Emerald Ponds to Lake Spaulding route spans 2.6 miles and is moderately challenging, but the scenery is beautiful. Whether you stop by for a picnic or explore a bit deeper into the surrounding forest, Emerald Pools is worth taking note of. 

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Getting to the under-the-radar Emerald Pools

Emigrant Gap in the Sierra Nevadas, looking toward Lake Spaulding

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.