Hike to Cascade Falls, El Dorado National Forest
Added by Brian Walker
This is a short little hike to get out and capture stunning views of the lake and the falls. If you head out at night, you are rewarded with a fantastic night view of the falls, Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe.
Starting out at the Bayview Trailhead you will make your way out through the campground towards the trail. Once you find the trail it is a simple way to the falls. It starts out as a wide trail and winds through the pine and fir trees. You will come to some stone steps as the trail narrows for the next 3/4 of a mile to the falls. The trail makes its way along the hillside of Cascade Lake with views of the lake, Lake Tahoe and the falls. Once you reach a couple cairns you will know you are near the falls. You will be able to hear the water as it moves along. (During the spring and early summer months the falls are raging pretty heavily and calm down over the later months and into winter.) Once at the falls find a great location and shoot away after lining up your shot and getting your settings right.
Go Pro.
We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more!
Join the communityReviews
Rate this Adventure
Did this in the winter
Nice hike. Did it in the winter, so harder to follow a trail but we figured it out! We were the only people out there and had a blast! Beautiful scenery!
4.0
Unique Hike With Killer Views!
From the trailhead it's about a 35 minute hike (up and over some boulders) to the falls. The majority of the hike is shaded, and provides beautiful views along the way. At the falls you can explore several shallow pools or just relax on a nice rock and soak in the amazing view of the lake!! Hands down one of my favorite hikes in Lake Tahoe!
5.0
Awesome!!!
This is a great place to go and hang out. The water is a bit cold but the view is absolutely breathtaking. There were too many waterfalls to count and the granite rocks were beautiful. The jumping was also very fun but a little thought to get to. You have to walk through thick brush to get to the rocks.
5.0
The trailhead is located in the Bayview Campgrounds across from Inspiration Point. Parking can be difficult with those trying to access Inspiration Point. It's an easy but the trail gets pretty rocky and narrow. I didn't find that a drawback. It actually made the hike more fun.
5.0
easy and worth the walk
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Stay Nearby
South Lake Tahoe, California
Luxe Lakefront Gem With 2 Decks & Private Beach
From $175/night
South Lake Tahoe, California
Fallen Leaf Campground
South Lake Tahoe, California
New Build Tahoe Keys Haven By Beach W/ Pool Table
From $141/night
South Lake Tahoe, California
Quiet South Lake Tahoe House
From $116/night
Nearby Adventures
Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake
Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness
Hike to the Velma Lakes in Desolation Wilderness
Swim in Granite Lake
Mobile Apps
© 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy