The parking lot for Vikingsholm overlooks Tahoe's Emerald Bay and is almost a destination in itself, with its scenic overlook and granite boulders to climb. The lot is small and fills up quickly. My husband dropped the kids and I off here while he found parking, about 1/4 mile away. 

After lathering the kids in sunscreen until they were both a greasy white, we stepped off. The walk down the gravel road was easy, short and beautiful. This combination made for a very happy go lucky four year old and he was able to walk the entire way with out any complaints. 

Our destination was to an old home tucked at the end of the mile long road called Vikingsholm. There is no vehicle access to the lakeshore of Emerald Bay or to the home. Mrs. Lora J. Knight had Vikingsholm built as her summer home in 1929. With strict instructions not to cut down any of the property's trees, Mrs. Knight's home is now nestled amongst beautiful old growth and untouched wilderness. During the summer months that she and her guests lived there, she planted wildflowers on the roof of the home!