Lake Tahoe: Sacred Waters of the Washoe People

Incline Village & Crystal Bay Real Estate Market Update | November 5, 2025

Lake Tahoe, a breathtaking jewel of the Sierra Nevada, has long inspired awe in all who gaze upon its shimmering depths. Yet, long before explorers and settlers arrived, the Washoe Tribe knew this place by another name—“Da ow ga,” meaning “The Lake.” To the Washoe people, it is not just a landscape, but a living, spiritual being that has shaped their culture, nourished their bodies, and guided their way of life for thousands of years.

Digital Rendition Lahontan Cutthroat

For the Washoe people, Da ow ga was a source of sustenance in every sense. The lake’s crystal-clear waters teemed with fish, including the Lahontan Cutthroat trout—a vital part of the tribe’s diet and economy. Families would gather along the shores to fish with woven nets and bone hooks, sharing the bounty in a spirit of balance and gratitude. The Lahontan cut throat trout is the only trout species native to Lake Tahoe.  Although it is not present in the waters today, there are local efforts to reintroduce the native species.  (Photo above is a digital rendition of the Lahontan Cutthroat)

The lake also served as a natural pathway of transportation, connecting mountain valleys and seasonal encampments. Washoe families would travel on foot and by tule reed boats—ingenious canoes crafted from the marsh plants growing near the shore. These vessels carried people and goods across the lake, linking communities and enabling trade with neighboring tribes.  Modern day projects teach surrounding community members how these tule boats were constructed, a program organized by Tom Dayberry who worked directly with the Washoe Tribe’s Project Venture. 

Above all, Lake Tahoe has always been a place of spiritual renewal. The Washoe people regard its waters as sacred, a mirror of the heavens and a bridge to the divine. Tribal elders tell of ceremonies held along the shores and in the high mountain meadows, where songs and prayers would rise with the morning mist. Even today, Washoe descendants return to Da ow ga to honor their ancestors, seeking peace, reflection, and reconnection with the sacred waters that have sustained their people since time immemorial.

There are some things in life that never change much. For the locals of Incline Village and Crystal Bay and for the many who visit these shores, that timeless reverence endures. The beauty of Lake Tahoe still invites reflection, gratitude, and respect—values that echo the Washoe people’s ancient teachings. In every ripple of its water and whisper of pine along its edge, Da ow ga continues to remind us that nature is not something to be possessed, but something to be cherished and protected.

Today, the Washoe Tribe and local communities remain committed to preserving the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. Local agencies and schools work in unison to educate visitors and new arrivals about the importance of respecting the land and its resources.  With the many visitors who visit the Incline Village and Crystal Bay areas, discovering the history can play a significant role in deciding to move to the area.  We invite you to discover the beauty of home ownership in our coveted community and learn the ways of the locals who are devoted to preserving our lake’s beauty and her surrounding creeks.    

✅ 7 New Listings

✅ 7 In Escrow

✅ 5 Price Adjustments

✅ 3 Closings

This Week's Market Stats for Incline Village and Crystal Bay

	Home	Condos	PUDs
For Sale	74	63	12
Under $1 million	0	37	2
Median Price for Sale	$3,749,000	$949,000	$1,525,000
YTD Sales 2025	94	97	31
YTD Sales 2024	77	99	21
YTD Sales 2023	88	95	28
New Listings	7
Price Reductions	5
In Escrow	7
Range in Escrow	$650,000 - $4,200,000
Closed Escrow	3

Please keep in mind that these numbers are based on data from the Incline Village Board of REALTORS® or its Multiple Listing Service as of 11/05/2025