You can step right inside the black, hollow tree trunk. In short order (and 1/3 of a mile from the start), the trail passes a burnt-out pine tree (and a tall one at that) on the right side of the trail, beside the bank of the creek. The benches are positioned in an L-shape, presenting a sweeping look over the water coursing through the forest.Ĭontinue along the dirt single track, which provides a soft path padded by pine needles. A quarter-mile from the trailhead, come to a pair of benches on the bank above the creek. ![]() Walk along the trail as it finds the shoulder of Taylor Creek. Bleeding hearts flower as the months turn to summer. In the late spring, red spikes of the fungi called snow plant appear on the forest floor. Follow the arrow and turn right on Moraine Trail toward Taylor Creek. The trail to the left goes straight to Fallen Leaf Lake and will be your return route. A sign reading “Moraine Trail” has an arrow pointing to the right. After less than a hundred yards, come to a split in the trail. Walk into an airy pine forest, traveling along the right side of a bump in the terrain. Moraine Trail sets out southward from the parking area. Were it not for the glacier-created terminal moraine explored on this loop, Fallen Leaf Lake might have been a bay on Lake Tahoe. That short distance is all that separates Fallen Leaf Lake from the much larger Lake Tahoe. The campground sits in a stretch of land, about 1 1/3 miles across, in between Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. The hike the the lake’s edge on Moraine Trail begins from a day use parking area within Fallen Leaf Campground, located by the north end of Fallen Leaf Lake. Continue further and you’ll arrive at the parking lot for Desolation Wilderness and the upper falls.The mountain-cradled Fallen Leaf Lake is located just south of Lake Tahoe. 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. For a short walk, try the 2-mile hike to Grass Lake. Many different hikes can be accessed from this trailhead.
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