Emerald Bay after the tours end
Vikingsholm is closed for the year, but the trail, the views and the rules still apply.
Checked Oct 1, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Vikingsholm tours ended for 2026 on Sep 30. The bay is still worth the stop. Here is what State Parks says about getting down, parking and dogs.
Getting down to the water
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The Vikingsholm trail
Cars cannot drive down to the lake. Access to Vikingsholm is a steep two-mile out-and-back hike from the Harvey West parking lot on SR 89, and the return climbs about 400 feet within a mile at roughly 6,800 feet of elevation. Lower Eagle Falls is a quarter mile behind the visitor center.
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Parking
State Parks lists $10 for vehicle day use or $3 for hourly parking, with special rates possible on weekends, holidays and peak periods. The park and lot are open sunrise to sunset, and overnight parking is not allowed. The Vikingsholm lot takes vehicles up to 18 feet, with no trailers.
Rules that catch people out
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No dogs
Dogs are not allowed on any trails or roads into Emerald Bay or on the beach, and State Parks enforces this year-round.
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No bikes on the trails
No bicycles or motors on the trails, and no swimming to Fannette Island because of boat traffic.
Seasonal status
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Campgrounds closed for 2026
Eagle Point and the Boat-In Campground are closed for the season. You can walk in through Eagle Point to the south Rubicon trailhead; pack in and pack out, with no services. State Parks lists the Rubicon Trail as open.
Source: California State Parks, Emerald Bay SP (updated Aug 24, 2026)
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Eagle Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead
This Forest Service site closes for the season Nov 15.
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Winter driving on SR 89
State Parks says chains or four-wheel drive are frequently required in winter and points drivers to Caltrans for road conditions.
Caltrans highway conditionsroads.dot.ca.gov
All sources for this guide
- California State Parks, Emerald Bay SPparks.ca.gov
- USDA Forest Service, closing dates (Sep 30, 2026)fs.usda.gov
Checked Oct 1, 2026. Confirm before you go.