Cascade Falls

Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder that any of these fun places we may visit, we are a guest at. Please treat both businesses and trails with the utmost respect. We here at Hidden California follow the 'Leave no Trace' mantra, meaning whatever you bring with you comes back with you. If you see trash on a trail, please do your part to help remove it. Remember, we are not picking up trash from another person but instead cleaning up for Mother Nature. Happy adventures!

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Cascade Falls Trail

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

38.934903, -120.101140

Hike:2 miles roundtrip  Level: Moderate

Dog-Friendly: Yes    Kid-Friendly: Yes

Elevation Gain: 305 ft. // Waterfall: 200 ft. high

About Cascade Falls

Parking: Although the trailhead to Cascade Falls is inside the campground, parking here is not permitted unless you are actually camping.  Be prepared to park along the street.

Where To Start: Emerald Bay is located a few miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. The Bayview trail starts at the end of the Bayview Campground opposite Inspiration Point which is the scenic overlook located.

Personal Experience: What a beautiful place!  We did this hike in early July when the snow was melting, creating a strong, flowing waterfall!  Although the waterfall is difficult to photograph, you can sit right beside it while taking in the breath-taking views and meditating to the rhythmic sounds.  Please be extremely careful out here and keep dogs on a tight leash.  You could easily fall to your death if you venture too close as there is nothing separating you from the waterfall.

The hike is not shaded and has a moderate incline.  For this reason I would suggest early morning or evening as the best time to do this hike unless you’re heading out in cooler months.

Cascade Falls hidden ca

The trail was pretty rocky, just an FYI:

It’s so exciting when you finally see it.  This waterfall is massive in real life!

Every step is filled with so much beauty!  That is Emerald Bay with Lake Tahoe in the background:

And we made it!  Don’t be fooled by the photos.  The waterfall has a 200 ft. drop: 

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