Fallen Leaf Lake

About Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is a hidden gem that offers peace and fun to the whole family, but travelers who enjoy the splendor of Lake Tahoe may never be aware of its unique beauty. Fallen Lake, a 1.4km wide, glaciated freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, is located north of the state of Nevada and measures 4.6km in length. There is the Fallen Lake Road, a single lane road, and there is no access to the lake from the road, except for a short section of the Fallen Leaf Road.

Fallen Leaf Lake is fed by Glen Alpine Creek, which flows from the southern end of the lake, and while other small springs contribute, Glen Alps Creek is by far the most significant and responsible for most of the water. Access to this lake is restricted to the general public, but there are still many opportunities to enjoy it.

At the northern end of Fallen Leaf Lake, Taylor Creek is the only outlet that flows into the lake at a depth of 400 meters and flows northward. The depth at the southern end of the lake is rising rapidly towards the shore, but the northern end at the Fallen Lake is much deeper and is for swimming.

The dam is a natural glacial moraine that has settled here and prevents the lake from being just an extension of Lake Tahoe. The average depth of this lake is 72 meters and the maximum depth is 126 meters. Visitors can cross the lake over the dam over a pedestrian bridge and get from the east bank to the west bank.

Fishing at Leaf Lake is a popular pastime year-round, and the Kokanee Salmon Festival attracts many visitors in early October.

Large fish of good diversity are the driving force behind the success of fishing in the lake and its fishing grounds. The current species restoration project involves the reintroduction of native Lahontan trout into the water.

The project is still in its infancy, but appears to be working to replenish a previously extinct species, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's website.

Fallen Leaf Lake is located in the Tahoe National Forest, south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and is located about 1,500 meters above sea level. Spring Creek is located 800 meters from Fallen Leaf Lake, making it the second largest lake in California after Lake Mead. Tahoes City is located just 48.2 kilometers (48.2 miles) north, with a population of about 2.5 million people and an area of 1.7 million acres (2 million square kilometers).

Often in the shadow of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake has a large following and has become one of the most popular campsites in its area. The campsite attracts outdoor vacationers who appreciate the choice of beautiful surroundings for camping. Kiva Beach is the largest beach in the Tahoes National Forest and the second largest lake in California after Lake Mead. Holidaymakers can enjoy a variety of activities with their backpacks, including kayaking, canoeing, hiking and backpacking. This beach is pet friendly and has picnic tables and barbecues for public use.

The water quality of Fallen Leaf Lake is of excellent quality, with a high level of cleanliness and a variety of amenities for all ages.
The Fallen Leaf Marina has a capacity of 60 boats, but large outboard motors are not allowed and the boathouses and docks around the lake remain untouched. There are no houses at Fallen Leaf Lake, but that doesn't stop the inhabitants from enjoying their time at the lakes. Efforts have been made to surround the lake with a variety of amenities including a boat ramp, picnic area, picnic tables and a water park. The lake is surrounded by a series of small lakes, each of which has its own unique characteristics.

Sailing is one of the most popular activities at Fallen Leaf Lake, but strong winds and unpredictable gusts plague the lake for many days.

Hiking in the high Sierras is always an adventure, and the opportunities at Fallen Leaf Lake are no exception. The 12.6 kilometre coastline offers a variety of trails that allow you to walk on flat paths or tough walks, but the rugged and impressive rock formations are an exciting sight and the Hawley Grade Trail is a trek not to be missed. Tallac Point is located on the south bank of Silver Creek South Fork, which is the main source of water for the lake and its tributaries. Sawmill Cove (the Northwest Shore) is a fairly flat moraine trail that crosses the Falls of Lake Dam, following a 6.4-kilometer stretch of the Pony Express Trail, passing Echo Summit and following the South Fork of Silver Creek for 4.5 kilometers. This route can be challenging in the spring months when streams appear on it, but it is a great option for those who want to hike.

Mount Tallac is located west of Fallen Leaf Lake, and the desert landscape is only a bit further west. The lake makes it easy to find your way to a number of hotels and motels in the area, but there is no chain hotel or motel near the lake itself.

Around the lake itself there are many holiday apartments, and many of the larger houses can accommodate 8 to 10 vacationers. Some are fully equipped for long holidays, others are self-catering and provide only the bare essentials. Smaller renovated cottages, cabins and retreats can be rented, and some are restored to their original condition, retaining the beauty of the exterior, which the tasteful rustic furniture brings to the interior. The smaller houses are ideal for single couples, but there are many larger houses that can accommodate 8 to 10 vacationers.