Lake Tahoe in the spring

A paddle-steamer carries tourists on a lake cruise in Emerald Bay.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Sabrina Cox and brother Tristan play on the sand by Valhalla Pier, on Tallac Historic Site.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Marta Schmitz and Jim Nessi haul a kayak ashore by Camp Richardson.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Scenic Emerald Bay was expertly carved by a glacier.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Pope Estate, part of the Tallac Historic Site, sometimes has programs with players in early 20th century period costumes.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Tourists look over Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, the only isle in Lake Tahoe. Lora Josephine Knight, owner of the nearby Vikingsholm, had a “tea house” built on the island to take her guests to by motorboat.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Wooden boats and outboard motors fill a boathouse at Tallac Historic Site.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

A customized saw identifies the Tahoe cabin at the Rustic Cottage Resort in Tahoe Vista, Calif.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

A couple enjoys elbow room ahead of the summer crowds at Moon Dunes Beach on Lake Tahoe’s north shore.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

A kiteboarder prepares to take wing at North Tahoe Beach.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

A scene worth capturing.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Cottage Inn in Tahoe City has 22 woodsy rooms and cabins.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

If all the nature makes you crave the flashing lights and ringing bells of slot machines, there are casinos in Crystal Bay, Nev.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Lora Josephine Knight’s Vikingsholm mansion by Emerald Bay was finished in 1929. It was built in Scandinavian style and has quirky Nordic furnishings. Tours are available.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

The Hellman-Ehrman Estate, called Pine Lodge by its original owner, financier Isaias W. Hellman, was finished in 1902. It is now part of Sugar Pine Points State Park.  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

A look inside the Hellman-Ehrman mansion. Original owner Isaias W. Hellman founded the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Los Angeles, donated land to help start USC and served as president of Wells Fargo.   (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)