Eagle Eye Surprise

Snowshoe to Eagle Falls in Tahoe

03.28.2019

Granite peaks, a view of Lake Tahoe, and a waterfall—get it all on a 2-mile (round-trip) winter hike to Tahoe’s Eagle Lake. In summer, this trail is busy, but in spring, you can get to the lake without the crowds. The snow is packed enough that you can make it to the lake in good hiking boots, but snowshoes and hiking poles are also good options for extra traction. From the trailhead you’ll reach Upper Eagle Falls just a quarter mile from the trailhead.

Even in the snow people make the trip to see the 50-foot falls cascading through snow-covered granite. This is a good turnaround point for those who just want to see the waterfall. Some people continue on to frozen Eagle Lake—just be mindful of conditions. Cross the footbridge above Upper Eagle Falls (the bridge is packed with feet of snow so the top of the rail only comes to your knees: cross carefully!).

 

Once you cross the footbridge, follow the trail to the south (hiker’s left) away from the creek and start your climb up to the lake. After a steep climb, the trail veers back towards the creek, following it most of the way to the lake. Make sure to stop and take in the spectacular views of rocky peaks and Emerald Bay. The trail will follow the creek through the forest until you reach Eagle Lake tucked in a clearing below granite peaks. You won’t be able to pop in for a swim this time of year, but you can post up on one of the many rocky boulders around and soak up some sun and solitude before heading back. The steep stretches you had to hike on the way in make excellent spots for sledding on your way back down.

From South Lake Tahoe drive northwest on Hwy. 89 towards Emerald Bay, 9 miles from the Hwy. 50/Hwy. 89 junction. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road. There are free parking spots along the highway, just outside the trailhead. It’s best to arrive before 10 a.m. to snag a parking spot; however, most visitors this time of year don’t hike all the way to the lake and are just stopping to take their postcard-worthy shot of Emerald Bay, so spots open up quickly.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

  2. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  3. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View
  4. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

    View
  2. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

    View

  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

    View
  4. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

    View