Lakes & Rivers in Incline Village, NV
From the crystal-clear waters lapping Incline Beach and Sand Harbor to smaller lakes and mountain creeks that thread through the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape, lakes and rivers in Incline Village, NV define its outdoor lifestyle.
Lake Tahoe itself offers endless recreation from paddleboarding and kayaking to scenic swims along the Tahoe East Shore Trail shoreline. Whether you’re seeking tranquil water views, fishing access, or lakeside relaxation, the lakes and rivers around Incline Village blend alpine beauty with endless adventure.
Lake Tahoe
Incline Village sits directly on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America and the centerpiece of the region. From Incline’s beaches—like Burnt Cedar Beach, Ski Beach, and Incline Beach—you can easily access swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and boating. In summer, the lake is alive with watersports, while winter brings a quiet, scenic shoreline ideal for walks or photography. Lake Tahoe is the defining feature of Incline Village, and nearly every view in town connects back to its crystal-blue waters.
Sand Harbor
Just 4 miles south of Incline Village along Highway 28, Sand Harbor is one of the most famous access points to Lake Tahoe. This Nevada State Park offers sandy beaches, rocky coves, picnic areas, and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It’s also home to the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which brings culture to the lakeshore. The site has easy access facilities and is a quick drive from Incline, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
Crystal Bay
Located immediately west of Incline Village, Crystal Bay is a scenic inlet on Lake Tahoe known for its dramatic granite boulders and stunning views. It’s a popular spot for photography, kayaking, and boating, with calmer waters in some coves that are great for paddleboarding. While smaller than Sand Harbor, it offers a more intimate way to experience the lake just minutes from Incline Village.
Marlette Lake
About 12 miles from Incline Village, accessible via the Flume Trail or Spooner Lake trailheads, Marlette Lake is a high-elevation alpine lake tucked in the Sierra Nevada. The trail to reach it is a popular mountain biking and hiking route, and the lake itself is a tranquil reward surrounded by forest and meadows. Fishing (catch-and-release only), picnicking, and photography are the main draws.
Truckee River
Roughly 15 miles northwest of Incline Village near Tahoe City, the Truckee River is Lake Tahoe’s only outlet and flows 120 miles down to Pyramid Lake. This river is a hub for rafting and tubing in summer, fly-fishing for trout, and scenic riverside walks or bike rides along the Truckee River Bike Path. For Incline Village residents and visitors, it’s the nearest true river experience and easily accessible for a day trip.