What & Where
Chimney Beach sits on Lake Tahoe's East Shore, on the Nevada side, between Skunk Harbor (to the south) and Secret Cove/Whale Beach (to the north). The beach takes its name from the brick chimney standing alone on the shoreline — all that remains of a small cabin that once stood at the back of the beach. The cabin is long gone; the chimney persists, a quiet historical marker on an otherwise wild beach.
The beach itself is small but distinctly photogenic. Sandy strip, granite boulders flanking each end, the chimney standing roughly in the middle. The combination of natural and human-historical elements makes Chimney Beach a frequent stop on East Shore boat tours.
Quick Facts
| Location | East Shore, NV, between Skunk Harbor and Secret Cove |
| From Zephyr Cove | 18 min by boat |
| From Tahoe Keys | 43 min by boat |
| Land access | Steep ~1 mi trail from Highway 28 |
| Distinctive feature | Standing brick chimney from former lakeside cabin |
| Crowd level | Low to moderate |
The Boat Approach
From Zephyr Cove, head north past Cave Rock (8 min) and Skunk Harbor (15 min). Continue 3 more minutes to Chimney Beach — recognizable by the small sandy beach with the distinctive brick chimney standing upright at the shoreline edge. Anchor 100-150 feet offshore in 10-15 feet of water; granite bottom with sand patches.
Why It's Worth a Stop
Chimney Beach pairs naturally with the other East Shore boat-in beaches. On a full-day East Shore tour from Zephyr Cove, the natural sequence is Skunk Harbor (anchor 1) → Chimney Beach (anchor 2 or scenic stop) → Whale Beach (anchor 3) → Secret Cove → Sand Harbor → return. Chimney Beach is the photo-worthy "interlude" stop between the bigger anchorages.
For groups specifically interested in Lake Tahoe history, the chimney itself is the conversation piece — a tangible link to the lake's small-cabin era from the early 1900s, before the East Shore highway connected the area to easier road access.
What's On Shore
- The chimney — a brick stack approximately 6-8 feet tall, set near the beach's back edge.
- Sandy beach 50-80 feet long.
- Granite outcrops on either side, good for scrambling and photos.
- Pine forest backing the beach with hiking trail connections.
- No facilities, no water, no restrooms — pack everything in and out.
The Land Access Trail
If you're considering land-arriving at Chimney Beach, the trail from Highway 28 is approximately 1 mile each way, with significant elevation loss going down (and gain going back up). Trailhead parking is limited and fills early on summer weekends. For most visitors, boat arrival is the easier and more enjoyable option.
Combining Chimney Beach with Neighbors
Chimney Beach is the smallest of the East Shore boat-in cluster, so it works best as a "supporting" stop on a multi-anchorage day rather than the primary destination. Nearby:
- Skunk Harbor — 3 min south
- Whale Beach — 2 min north
- Secret Cove — 4 min north
- Bonsai Rock — 8-10 min north
Chimney Beach FAQs
Is the chimney safe to climb?
The chimney is a historical structure and shouldn't be climbed. It's stable enough to lean against for photos, but heavier interaction risks both damage to the structure and personal injury.
Can I camp at Chimney Beach?
No overnight camping permitted. Day use only.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — standard Lake Tahoe basin dog rules apply.
What's the difference between Chimney Beach and the other East Shore beaches?
Chimney Beach is smaller and has the distinctive historical chimney. Skunk Harbor is quieter. Secret Cove is more famous (and more crowded). Whale Beach is a near-twin of Secret Cove. Each has subtle differences; the East Shore tour is best done hitting 2-3 of them rather than picking just one.
The Chimney Itself
The beach is named for the lone stone chimney that stands at the back of the beach — the only surviving structure from a cabin that once stood here. The chimney is a striking visual landmark and one of the more-photographed beach features on the East Shore. Look for it at the back of the central beach area.
Sandy with Rocky Edges
Chimney Beach is sandier than Whale Beach but has more rocky outcroppings than Skunk Harbor — a middle ground in East Shore geography. The sandy middle is best for sitting and swimming; the rocky edges give kids and adults something to scramble on. Photographically, the rocks-meet-water composition is excellent.
Hike-In or Boat-In
Chimney Beach is accessible by a 1-mile hike from Highway 28 (similar to Skunk Harbor but slightly shorter). On busy weekends, expect both hikers and boaters. The hiker traffic creates the only litter risk — pack out anything you find.
Anchoring Tips
The bottom shoals gradually with sandy patches between rocks. Anchor in 8-15 feet over sand; visible rocks below should be avoided to protect your anchor and the bottom habitat.
Combine with Other Stops
Chimney Beach is geographically between Skunk Harbor (north) and Whale Beach (south). On a multi-stop East Shore day, you can hit all three plus Secret Cove within a 4-5 hour rental window from Zephyr Cove.
What to Pack
No facilities. Bring water, sunscreen, a tarp or beach shade (very limited natural shade), and a trash bag. The lake-level vegetation is sparse; what shade exists is at the back of the beach near the chimney.
Cruise to Chimney Beach
Half-day and full-day rentals from Zephyr Cove Marina — the natural East Shore launch.
Browse Zephyr Cove RentalsRelated Reading
Skunk Harbor (south neighbor) →
Whale Beach (north neighbor) →
Secret Cove →
All Boat-In Beaches Ranked →