Eagle Falls/Eagle Lake – Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

The trek up to Eagle Lake from Eagle Falls Picnic Area is one that’s as easy as it is gorgeous, and is one of the most popular hikes in the South/West shore. The trail to the lower falls is an easy to moderate 1 mile long, taking about 20 to 30 minutes, with fabulous views of tall granite peaks and famous Emerald Bay the whole way. A great hike for the family and definitely a good one for the kids; you can hit the lower falls for the white sand beach at Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm, plus of course visit the breathtaking waterfalls themselves. There are two large cascades – the first one is about 60 feet, and the second is about 90. The falls flow from around late June until the beginning of July, but even if you don’t get the opportunity to witness them, Eagle Falls is a truly spectacular hike on its own.

Although the upper falls hike doesn’t feature quite as grand a fall (upper falls is around 20 feet tall), it’s a shorter hike; only about a quarter mile. If you go up another steady 3/4 mile, you’ll get to beautiful Eagle Lake and the Velma Lakes Basin, a Tahoe jewel, and yes, you’ve earned that swim. There are incomparable views up there, the cliffs of Eagle Point to the north, and Maggie’s Peaks looming from behind the lake. From there, you can cross the steel footbridge and continue into desolation wilderness later on in the season when the falls are dormant. The trail starts at the picnic area on highway 89, 8.5 miles northwest of highway #50 junction, across from Emerald Bay, and there’s an easy self-registration station for permits at the trailhead. Dogs are also allowed on leash. Make it into an afternoon of fun – also at the trailhead are plenty of picnic spots with both tables and grills. Parking is available at Vikingsholm State Park or along the highway.

For any hike into desolation wilderness, users can also get a visitor’s permit at the US Forest Service Office. Call (530) 525-7277 for further information.

Meek’s Bay to Eagle Falls Backpacking

 

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