Hiking Lam Watah Historic Trail (via Rabe Meadows at Stateline, NV)

Hikers on the Lam Watah Historic Trail with a grove of Aspen trees and Jeffrey Pines

The Lam Watah Historic Trail is just east of the casinos of Stateline, NV. The trail is akin to a self-guided city park trail with its meticulous maintained trail and informative placards discussing historic aspects of the area. However, it provides a welcome respite from the insanity of the casino corridor.

You can hike it as an out-and-back trail (roughly 2 miles long) or a loop trail via the Nevada Beach Campground (roughly 3 miles long). Either way, the Lam Watah Historic Trail is perfect for children and elderly adults as it’s flat and easy to navigate.

One of the most appealing aspects of this trail is that it leads directly to Lake Tahoe. From this trail, you’ll access the south end of the Nevada Beach Campground. This also happens to be the dog friendly aspect of the beach.

Another thing I love about this trail is that the pond at the beginning of the trail hosts diverse birds. So, I can make a quick stop at the pond for easy access to watch and photograph birds!


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Lam Watah Historic (Rabe Meadows) Trail Data (approximations):

  • Location: South Tahoe – Stateline
  • Category of Hike: Short Hike
  • Category of XC Ski/Snowshoe Route: Beginner
  • Total Mileage: 2-3 miles (depending on hiking out-and-back or a loop)
  • Total Elevation Gain: n/a
  • Highest Point: 6,275 feet
  • Trail Conditions: Packed sand and paved trail

For other shorter hiking options, visit Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe.


Considerations for Hiking the Lam Watah Historic Trail through Rabe Meadows:

  • Don’t disturb (or let your dog disturb) the wildlife in this area as Rabe Meadows is a sensitive habitat
  • Don’t leave anything visible or valuable in your vehicle at the trailhead to the Lam Watah Historic Trail as homeless people do frequent this parking lot due to its relative proximity to the casinos
  • Dogs are allowed, but keep them on leash and pick up after them
  • Adhere to all Leave No Trace principles
  • There are few trail signs and markers on public lands in the Tahoe region, so unless there are tracks to follow, the correct route may be difficult to identify–when in doubt, turn back
  • Be prepared for inclement weather and carry plenty of warm clothes, food, and water
  • Leave an itinerary of your plans with someone who’ll call emergency services if you don’t return by your prescribed time
Click on the map to enlarge it for better viewing and printing. This map is only for reference and shows the Lam Watah Historic Trail as a loop through the Nevada Beach Campground. For a shorter out-and-back trip, simply hike directly to Lake Tahoe, then return via the same route. Always carry a traditional topographic map and compass when traveling in the backcountry.

Parking for the Lam Watah Historic Hiking Trail through Rabe Meadows:

Parking is fairly limited at approximately 18 spots. However, it’s free and vehicle turnover is relatively high since the Lam Watah Historic Trail is so short.

The parking lot is located east of the Stateline casinos and Kingsbury Grade (SR 207). This is on the lake side of HWY 50, specifically on Kahle Drive (pronounced like the leafy green).

Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen
Mount Tallac covered in clouds. Viewed from Nevada Beach Campground at Lake Tahoe on May 17, 2018. © Jared Manninen

One note about this parking area … it occasionally attracts homeless people and panhandlers due to its close proximity to the casinos. I’ve never experienced any problems other than being asked for a handout. But, it’s best not to leave anything visible or valuable in your vehicle.

Realistically, this should be a standard practice for you when parking at any trailhead.

The trailhead to the Lam Watah Historic Trail is located at the parking lot on Kahle Drive.

Here’s a map to assist you in finding the parking lot and trailhead to the Lam Watah Historic Trail at Rabe Meadows.

Travel along the Lam Watah Historic Hiking Trail through Rabe Meadows:

The Lam Watah Historic Trail isn’t hard-core by any means. Nor, is it a secret Tahoe trail only known by a select few. But don’t let that discourage you from visiting Rabe Meadows.

In addition to its free parking, flat terrain, short distance, and easy access to Lake Tahoe, the diverse area provides a habitat for a variety of birds.

Also, this is a great place from which to watch the sunset. Just be sure you hustle back to your vehicle after the sunset. Rabe Meadows is day-use only (i.e. sunup to sundown).

Again, the trailhead is at the parking lot on Kahle Drive.

About .6 miles (soon after the large wooden bridge), you’ll reach a fork in the trail. Take the dirt trail on the left to hike directly to Lake Tahoe.

The paved trail on the right is where you’ll return if you hike the Lam Watah Historic Trail in a loop.

Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen
The Lam Watah Historic Trail winding through a forest of Jeffrey Pine Trees. © Jared Manninen

Traveling along the dirt trail, you’ll know you’ve reached the Nevada Beach Campground when you see dog-related signs posted near a paved roadway (lined with campsites).

Look down at the road to find paw prints painted in yellow roughly every 20 feet. These prints will lead you to the south end of the campground’s beach where dogs are allowed to play.

You don’t have to follow those paw prints. At this point, you can hike anyway you want through the campground to access Lake Tahoe. Obviously, though, don’t walk through someone’s campsite.

Just know that the route highlighted on the map I’ve provided above is based on following the yellow paw prints to the beach, and then to the entrance of the campground.

No matter where you decide to walk, the shore of Lake Tahoe is essentially the turnaround point for an out-and-back hike along the Lam Watah Historic Trail.

To log an extra mile (for a total of just over 3 miles) and make a loop of this trip, hike through the Nevada Beach Campground to its entrance.

Then, walk along the paved path that runs alongside Elks Point Road. This trail travels in a clockwise direction and will eventually take you back to the fork in the trail that’s .60 miles from the parking lot.

Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen
A grove of Aspen Trees at Rabe Meadow, as viewed from the Lam Watah Historic Trail. © Jared Manninen

There are lots of people who hike their dogs on this trail as it is a dog-friendly trail. So, definitely keep yours on a leash and pick up after them.

The Lam Watah Historic Trail is a favorite of many locals who work in the immediate area. This is because it provides them an opportunity to go for a scenic walk during their lunch breaks.


For other shorter hiking options, visit Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe.


The trail also provides an easy hiking option during low-snow winters because it’s located at lake level and on the eastern side of South Tahoe. For example, it takes a long time for snow to accumulate at Rabe Meadows.

Lastly, if you’re just looking to escape for an hour or two from your family or the business convention you’re attending, the Lam Watah Historic Trail makes for a relaxing and low commitment hike!

Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen
A Bald Eagle spotted flying over Lake Tahoe from the Nevada Beach Campground on May 17, 2018. © Jared Manninen

Do you have other insight, feedback, or trail updates about hiking Lam Watah Historic Trail (Rabe Meadows)?

If so, please post it in the comment section below for the benefit of everybody 🙂