Lake Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and shared with Nevada, is the largest lake in California by volume and surface area.

Lake Tahoe is California's largest lake by surface area and volume, shared with Nevada in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Renowned for its strikingly clear, deep blue waters, Lake Tahoe reaches depths of 1,645 feet, making it one of North America's deepest lakes. The lake’s stunning scenery and year-round recreation opportunities, from skiing to hiking, attract millions of visitors annually. Lake Tahoe's ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife and lush alpine forests. Though other lakes like Clear Lake, Mono Lake, and Shasta Lake are significant, none match Lake Tahoe's size or natural beauty, solidifying its place as California’s largest lake.