![]() ![]() The best time to do this hike is in summer, when the waters are warm enough for swimming and the fish are biting. The trailhead sign is near the parking area. The property is a destination for picnics and relaxation on the shores of the lake while. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right there’s no fee for day use. This park is part of the 119-acre Fallen Leaf Lake Park system. To get to the parking lot, take Highway 89 north to Fallen Leaf Road and continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. At the south end of the lake, the waters are fed by Glen Alpine Creek, and the flow is prime in spring until it tapers off in late summer. Besides the unparalleled views of Fallen Leaf, Moraine Trail offers views of majestic Cathedral Peak and Mount Tallac, which surround the lake. The lake was created by glaciers, and evidence of this can be seen in the northern end of the lake, where you can view a terminal moraine (This is also how the trail was named). Be sure to pack the bug spray, as the shade is a favorite of mosquitoes as well. The trail is also open to bikers and horseback riders. You can let Rover splash around all you want, as dogs are allowed off-leash. There are some little alcoves that would supply a superb area for this. It’s also a fun spot for a midday picnic. The lake has deep waters and the same species of game fish that dwell in Lake Tahoe, including mackinaw trout, browns, rainbows, and kokanee salmon. Beautiful firs and pines provide plentiful shade, and the lake sparkles enticingly through the trees.įallen Leaf is an excellent place to swim or fish. The northern end of the lake is great for swimming, so don’t forget your trunks. The relatively flat trail crosses the dam at Fallen Leaf and goes along the West Shore to Sawmill Cove, where a group of rock chimneys remain to pay homage to the houses that used to be there. ![]() At three miles long, scenic Fallen Leaf Lake is the second largest alpine lake in the Tahoe Basin. Great for bird-watching or simply enjoying the day, the out-and-back 2.5 mile trail should take you about an hour and a half total. Parking at Fallen Leaf Lake is extremely limited. Continue further and you’ll arrive at the parking lot for Desolation Wilderness and the upper falls.Moraine Trail along Fallen Leaf Lake is a great easy, minimal elevation hike that would be ideal for families with children. Continue straight past the firehouse and parking for the lower falls is along the right side of the road. Take Fallen Leaf Road about 5 miles and continue left upon seeing the marina and signs for the falls. You will see Fallen Leaf Road on your left. Take Hwy 89 north from the Hwy 50 junction for about 3 miles. Simply park and stroll down to the already visible rushing waters. The best part of the lower falls is that there is virtually no hike to get there. The lower falls are more impressive, plummeting about 60 feet down the step-like rocks. Tallac and into Desolation Wilderness, but hang left once you see the falls and the trail will take you up to the top. The upper falls is a one mile, round trip hike where the falls drop about 30 feet. Both the upper and lower falls here offer an up-close experience with the rushing water. This is a great destination that is a little off the beaten path. A wilderness permit is required for day hikes into Desolation, (self register at the trailhead.) Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake. Continue 4.5 miles until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and turn left. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. ![]() A third option is a moderate hike to Half Moon, Alta Morris or Gilmore lakes. Another longer, more strenuous hike to Lake Aloha leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow, nd three alpine lakes. Overview of South Lake Tahoe: (trailhead details are below). For a short walk, try the 2-mile hike to Grass Lake. For nearby trailheads, see the Emerald Bay trailhead page. Many different hikes can be accessed from this trailhead. ![]()
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