Meeks Bay, Lake Tahoe

Tis the season for weddings, and this past weekend I found myself right smack dab in the middle of one being held at Meeks Bay Resort on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Suffice to say, it was a good wedding. The bride and groom love each other, and friends from all over gathered to celebrate their union with plenty of dancing, drinking, and walking down memory lane. I won’t bore you with the details, however, because I assume you would prefer to hear about Meeks Bay and Lake Tahoe instead.

There are quite a few cabins lining the beach front at Meeks Bay, and at the very end of the road there is also the Kehlet Mansion, which is where the wedding was held and where Julia and I stayed. The property is run by the Washoe Tribe, and let’s just say that hotel management is probably not there favorite thing to do. Nevertheless, the rustic vibe has a certain charm, and it is positioned right alongside a beautiful bay complete with white sand, granite boulders, and mountain views. If you stay in the Kehlet Mansion, recognize that there are creaking doors and floors, thin walls, and shared bathrooms. It is really best to rent out the whole place with a group of close friends.

Meeks Bay was known by the Washoe as magulu watah. It was where they came in the summer to fish, hunt, and harvest wild plants. As the story generally goes, there were superseded by whites, but because of their peaceful nature they persisted, and as reciprocity would have it they eventually acquired the land back. But before that could happen Meeks Bay would go through an era of white control. Talk about a screaming deal, in 1884 the Murphys family bought the Meeks Bay land for $250 in gold eagles.

If you plan to hike in Desolation Wilderness, play in Lake Tahoe, and relax on the beach, Meeks Bay is definitely in a good location. However, if you are price conscious, like privacy, and don’t necessarily mind giving up being right on the Lake, then there are plenty of other accommodations to consider.

I posterized the above picture to protect the innocent. Needless to say, it was nice waking up to that beautiful view of the, umm, lake.

8 thoughts on “Meeks Bay, Lake Tahoe”

  1. Thanks for the insights to this Tahoe location. Sounds like a good place for a wedding. I like character in my desitnations. Meeks Bay has that.

    I should have added it to my “Top Ten” list that I give away. Maybe next edition!

    Cheers

    Kevin

  2. Thanks for posting. We’re headed up this weekend for a wedding and are staying in one of the cabins with some friends and my brother. Good to know that the cabins are a little creaky. 😉 Can’t wait to get there.

  3. Thanks for the info. I am looking in to getting married there but they have some restrictions on music. Did your friends have a band or a DJ? Any idea how late they were able to play?

  4. Thank you for the pictures and story of your experience at Meeks Bay Resort. As the new manager, I am committed to providing our guests with an enjoyable and relaxing stay. We will continually strive to improve the facility and level of guest service. We now accept reservations 365 days in advance of your arrival date. Regards, T

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