California has just unlocked a trove of underwater secrets. For the first time ever the public can explore the state’s first heritage underwater trail which is the site of more than a dozen sunken ships, some which date back to the early 20th century.
Divers photodocument wooden barges. Image by Mylana Haydu / California State Parks
This month, California State Parks opened a scuba and snorkel diving attraction along the shoreline of Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe. While divers could previously access two barges located underwater at Barge Dive Site, they now can explore three newly revealed dive sites. Until now, the department has never publicly released the location and information about these secret sites.
The sites include several recreational boats, launches and barges used on the lake during the 1920s and 1930s; the heyday of the Emerald Bay Resort – a family resort that was closed down in the 1950s to make way for the campground. Most of the barges were intentionally sunk after they outlived their usefulness when the resort closed. One of the most exciting finds on the trail is the final resting place of a 27-foot-long launch, Florence M, which is likely the oldest boat in the collection. It’s believed the boat was built in 1915 at the Stephens Brothers boatyard in Stockton and was used to provide day excursions for Emerald Bay Resort guests.
Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. Image by MariuszBlach/Getty Images
This collection is the largest, most diverse group of sunken small watercraft of its kind in its original location, known to exist in the US. The vessels are incredibly well-preserved due to the cold water of Lake Tahoe (so divers should prepare for cold water year-round). Underwater interactive panels have been placed at each site to give divers a greater sense of their findings. Waterproof interactive cards have also been created for trail explorers and they can be found at the park’s visitor centres, local dive shops and on the Sierra State Parks Foundation website.
Fall is recommended as one of the best times to visit the trail, with calmer water and more pleasant temperatures to enjoy. For more information, see here.
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