Then and now: Bay View area was not always public property
Photo/Don Lane/USFS
The privately-owned Bay View Resort was located on Highway 89 at the south side of Emerald Bay.
It offered lodging, dining, groceries, souvenirs, and gasoline. This was all very similar to the early nearby Camp Richardson, except it had no beach.
I had dinner there in 1961. This black and white photo is no later than early 1960s.
What is now a stat park, above, was once a private resort near Emerald Bay, top. Photo/Bill Kingman
When the state of California acquired Emerald Bay, it razed the Bay View Resort and now has constructed a fine scenic site park across the street.
— Bill Kingman
Nice Pictures, Don’t see the Totem Poles that were there.
You can enlarge these photos by left-clicking on them.
your trippin bill..
Thanks for the pictures…never knew about the resort but now know how the trail head got it’s name.
great photo, but some mis-info. Bayview was not private (and neither has Camp Rich been private for decades) – they are Forest Service concessionaire resorts, on public land and operated by private entities under term limited permits. There is a difference, especially in what can or can not take place there. Also, the Bayview area is not part of Emerald Bay State park, it is National Forest. The state park lands at Emerald Bay are all below Hwy 89 below the Vikingholm parking lot. What is currently Inspiration Point is also National Forest – interestingly, it used to be located on the other side of the Highway, slightly above and to the north of the entrance to the Bayview Resort. Bayview was also the location of a Forest Service Ranger Station. Hope this helps not havinbg the great photo create some confusion among others writing about Tahoe. There arent too many photos of Bayview from that period, perhaps the owner will consider sharing a copy it with the local historic society so others can see what the area looked like. Thanks for sharing here.
ljames, thank you so much for the clarification. I greatly appreciate it and want to have accuracy!
Bay View Resort!! I’d forgotten about that place. I went up there a few times with the family when we were on vacation here in the 50’s. That was before we moved here permanetly in 62′. Don’t remember much about it really as I was just a lttle kid. Wood floors, fresh made sandwhiches and bottled root beer come to mind.
Thanks Bill for doing this! Old Long Skiis
Jeanne Viljoen spent her early years at Tallac.. ner mother was the telephone operator in the winter in the early 30’s. Her family operated Bay View Resort in the summer and built a lovely summer home nearby. Come visit our museum to learn more.
Thanks for this Bill, love finding out about the “old Tahoe”. It’s changed a lot since we moved here in ’77’ but I had no idea there was a resort in that location at one time.