TAHOE FALLS TRIP in MAY Pt 3

Discovering Tahoe Falls continues

Glen Alpine Falls, Cascade Falls, Eagle Falls in South Lake Tahoe

Recap part 1 and 2: 
My trip to visit and photograph Tahoe waterfalls began with Bridal Veil Falls off Hwy 50 in Placerville. This was an extra stop or a plus option that only took a few minutes. It was a great way to start the day. Glen Alpine lower falls, seen above, were lovely and worth the bumpy ride. The hike to the upper falls was equally rewarding but photographing them was not quite so easy. However, my peek through the trees rewarded me with some lovely sites.

Upper Glen Alpine Falls in Lake Tahoe requires a short hike to view. This trail is not suitable for anyone with mobility limitations. 

 After hiking on the Desolation Wilderness path and exploring the falls, river and streams, we headed out on Fallen Leaf Road to find the next waterfall. The Cascade Falls trailhead is located off Hwy 89 inside Bayview Campground where there is limited parking. During midweek May, parking was not a problem but, during weekends and summer vacation season, you will most likely be in high competition for a space to park. 

Getting to the falls also offered some great views. Fallen Leaf Road was picturesque.

The beginning of the Cascade Falls trail was fairly easy with the first leg of the trip being flat; however, before long I came across steps and I was on my way up .. and up. The trail took me 'round curves and edges and opened up on beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and Cascade Lake. I could actually simultaneously see both lakes at premium viewing spots along the trail. 

The trail became more challenging the further I went. The hike was consistently upward and also consisted of many rocks, rocky steps and rock ledges. This is not a trail for the faint or the weak-kneed. In fact, with my questionable knee status I discovered the hazard when almost reaching the falls. As I stepped down from one of the higher rocky steps, I stressed my left knee a bit. This led to shortening my trip even though I continued on to find the falls and photograph some bits before turning back.

This photo shows how the trail becomes a ledge on the side of the mountain. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes with good traction. The rocks can be slippery when wet and sliding off this trail would not be a happy highlight!

Once I finally got into the area where I was hearing the rushing of the falls, I discovered that I was actually on top of the part of the falls and not in any position to photograph them or really appreciate the fall. The area was certainly beautiful and I managed to capture some pieces of the cascades.

As I look back upon my visit to Cascade Falls and these images, a Lake Tahoe waitress's conversation remains chilling. Please do not let your dogs near the falls off-leash. Her story was so sad, particularly when the disaster could have been easily avoided. These waters run fast .. very fast … and the rocks are slick. Both dogs and humans should approach with caution. 

Look closely at the photo below and you can see part of Cascade Falls on the side of the mountain. This can give you an idea of what you might encounter as far as hike and views on this trail.

I came across people who were headed both up and down along the fall stream but I knew it was unwise to try to explore much further. My knee was not happy but at least it wasn't swelling .. as far as I could see. I lumbered over the rocky terrain a bit more to see if I could view more of the falls. I gave up quickly and headed back, limping a bit but keeping my spirits up.

If you are reading this blog, you are forewarned. Perhaps do as I suggest and not as I did. Don't hike alone and don't forget your camera protecting gear. I would have been more comfortable with a plastic bag to stick my camera in rather than wrapping my gear in my long sleeved over-shirt when the weather turned. It was not long after I headed down the mountain when it started to rain. I was lucky it was a short-lived, misty shower and not a sudden downpour. I was also blessed to witness a huge rainbow stretching across the vista of the lakes below. WOW! The rain had let up enough to invite a rainbow and also allow me to pull my camera out and snap some images.

I obviously made it out safe because I'm here today to write this blog. I returned quickly enough to keep my mother from fretting and I made little of my sore knee except stating that I needed to take a few acetaminophen to keep it from swelling. I admit I didn't tell her that I was actually slightly limping. "Well, mom, I probably can't hike up the next falls but let's go see what it looks like," I said. We drove out of Bayview Campground and up Hwy 89 a short distance to find the upper Eagle Falls picnic area and trailhead.

The trail was another consistent climb that I couldn't and shouldn't dare try to manage and the hour was getting late.  I took a short walk to the side of the falls trail and discovered a great view of the falls and walking bridge.

 The parking area here was about half full and is also known to be at capacity during peak season and weekends. Several benches were strategically placed and offered an ideal place for a picnic. Picnic hour was over for us, however, and we headed into the town of South Lake Tahoe to have some dinner at My Thai. The restaurant was another winner thanks to my google search that provided reviews totally on point!  

A distant view of the lower falls and the rushing river

This concludes my first blog series: Tahoe Falls Trip in May. I enjoyed almost every moment of this adventure, took hundreds of photos, shared a day with my mother and had a tasty dinner. I hope to return to see more of Eagle Falls and Emerald Bay. Perhaps I'll write a new blog on that return trip someday soon. 

In the meantime, please "follow" my blog and leave your comments or questions. I'd love to hear from you. This blog is designed to be a simple sharing experience and an opportunity to support other photographers in choosing photo destinations. I'm sure friends and family will also appreciate it if they get to take a scenic trip with you!

Walk eyes open,

Heart ready to embrace 
the essence of God's gifts;

Open the mind, breath deep

And remember this Earth 
is both fragile and strong 

and a one-of-a-kind.

Respect the earth,

Respect each other. 

Honor your fellow hikers and photographers. 

Blessings 

from the North, South, East and West, Above and Below.