There’s a lot to do in El Dorado National Forest. It’s got hiking, fishing, boating, camping, skiing, and more! And just a few miles north of us, sits an area of the National Forest called Desolation Wilderness. Despite the ominous name, it’s actually one of the most heavily used wilderness areas in the entire country. Since there are zero buildings, or roads in its 64,000 acres, it’s perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Once we reach Lake Tahoe, you might wanna keep an eye on the water. If you’re lucky, and conditions are juuuust right, you just might see one of Tahoe’s great mysteries, and a local legend.

According to folklore, there is a massive, mythical creature lurking under the surface. You’ve heard of Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster, or “Nessie.” Well, here in Tahoe we have “Tessie!” 

Many children around here grow up hearing stories about Tahoe Tessie. She’s become woven into the fabric of the culture. Cartoon versions appear in several children’s books, like Monster Hunters, and she’s a popular character in local newspapers and gift shops. 

So, could Tahoe Tessie be real? Well, we can rule out that Tessie’s a dinosaur, because dinosaurs went extinct oh, about 65-million years ago. Tahoe is old, but it ain’t that old.

But through the years, there have been sightings galore of a slithering, monstrous sea serpent. And many who swear they’ve seen Tessie are credible sources. In the 1980s alone, there were reported sightings by an optician, two police officers, two nuns, and ten employees of the Tahoe City Post Office! Can that many people all be lying? Hmmm. They must have seen something, to believe so sincerely that Tessie exists.

The myth is so real for folks, that in 1984, researchers held a seminar in Reno to try and explain the presence of Tessie. They ruled out various species of large fish…except for the sturgeon. According to one scientist, It is possible that someone–accidentally or not–dropped a sturgeon into Lake Tahoe.

A sturgeon is a prehistoric fish–a bottom-feeder that can grow up to twelve feet in length. Yea, It looks like a very long, serpent-like creature with scales on its back.

But that explanation isn’t nearly as fascinating as the tale of a magic dragon that lives by the sea–or under the lake–now is it?!

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