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The Vitals
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Easy
hiking on the North end. Great place for canine friends.
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Aquatic ecosystem all messed up from Lake
Trout.
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Locals Tips
Great place to start a Tallac hike and
end it with cliff jumping into lake.
Dogs?
Yes, but it's a big lake so there are
some areas where they must be leashed
Links
For
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Fallen Leaf Lake
There are three glacially
carved valleys pouring out of Desolation
Wilderness into Tahoe's southwest shore. Two stopped short of Lake
Tahoe and formed what are known today as Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade
Lake. The third pushed on a bit further and is now known as Emerald
Bay. Fallen Leaf Lake, surrounded by the flanks of Mt. Tallac on the
west and Angora Ridge on the east, is by far the largest of the three.
It is also the most populated. There are developed areas on the south,
east, and west shores and a large campground just north of the lake.
The main road in is Fallen Leaf Lake Road which takes you past the
campground and along the lakes eastern shore, which is the most
developed area. This road is also the access to Glen Alpine Trailhead,
Lily Lake, and Glen Alpine Falls. On the way you'll pass St. Francis of
the Mountains, an Episcopalian Church. The road is not plowed during
winter. Hiking to Fallen Leaf Lake is best found just past the Fallen
Leaf Campground. There are a number of well maintained trails which all
lead to the lake's north shore. These are particularly beautiful in the
fall, when the numerous aspen groves turn yellow. The north beach of
Fallen Leaf Lake is filled with small rocks and the water is shallow
out a long way. If your heading in during the summer, bring some water
shoes so they can play in the water. Just pick one of the turnouts
after you pass the campground. There is also a beach on the south shore
adjacent to the marina and general store. This makes a great stop to
finish up any hikes starting here or at the Glen Alpine Trailhead.
Due to its beauty, the lake is a favorite of Hollywood producers and it
has been featured in both The Bodyguard and City
of Angels.
Fallen Leaf Lake Photos
Directions-
From the 'Y' in South Lake Tahoe head north on Hwy 89. After
passing Camp Richardson (specifically ater passing the stables on your
left) it will be the next left turn. The campground will be the first
thing you come to on your right. Then there will be several pullouts
with trails that lead you to the north end of the lake. Or you can
follow the narrow road around to the south end.
Disclaimer-
Jumping into Alpine Lakes has inherent dangers regardless of water
depth. People break bones every year jumping into Tahoe area lakes
without
ever hitting anything but water. Additionally, water depths can
fluctuate
greatly during periods of limited precipitation.
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