A great adventure in the Lake Tahoe area is to visit the tea house on the only island in the whole lake, Fannette Island! This area of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island were previously privately owned, so there is a castle on the shore and a similarly architectured small house on top of the island in the bay. The previous owner used to bring her friends and guests to Fannette Island for tea parties. From just driving around the lake you’ll pass Emerald Bay and be able to see Fannette Island.

With a dream and some research, I made a plan with my friend to hike down to the shore, kayak to the island, and have a tea party in the tea house! It looks like a long paddle from the viewpoint, but it’s less than a half mile one way if you go from the shores at Emerald Bay. 

We timed ourselves on the paddle to the island and it took us between 5-6 minutes for the actual paddle, not including getting the kayaks into a good spot once at the island. Generally, you want to go as early as possible to have the place to yourself before rentals open around 9:30am and the boats start coming around. There is a good spot to dock your kayak/paddle board if you go straight from the pier, see in map above. I highly recommend having dry bags for the paddle if you plan on bringing stuff with you. The lake conditions can change at any time, and even though it is a short paddle between the island and shore, it is easy to get wet.

Once at the island, there is a little trail that includes some scrambling up rocks to the tea house at the top. The trail is easy to find/follow, you can also choose your own trail and climb a bit more. Theres also multiple spots to cliff jump off the island, just make sure you take the necessary safety precautions and have a buddy there just in case (or to film you). The tea house is beautiful, the roof and windows are now gone, but the four walls and fire place are intact. We brought my backpacking stove and Rose Earl Grey tea to relax there for a bit, and after I started making tea, we had the whole island to ourselves.

During the paddle back we had the wind helping us out so it was quicker. Then there’s a mile hike back up to the parking lot, straight uphill with only partial shade. Definitely take a break, take a swim, and relax before going back up – especially if you’re carrying inflatable kayaks in bags that are slowly but surely tearing at the seams. 

Make sure to always check the weather, evaluate the water and wind before getting in and use all safety precautions necessary for yourself and your group.