Anche se solo un miglio a sud del suo vicino molto più grande Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake tiene il suo, scenograficamente circondato da alti pini e montagne. È stato creato secoli fa da un ghiacciaio della Glen Alpine Valley e la mancanza di sviluppo commerciale qui significa un'altissima qualità dell'acqua, la cui chiarezza significa visibilità fino a 50 piedi. Il fondale è spesso visibile anche dalla riva!
La nautica e la pesca sono entrambe attività popolari, con una varietà di piccole barche disponibili per i visitatori a noleggio. Ci sono anche diversi fantastici sentieri escursionistici intorno all'area e, sebbene non ci siano aree designate, il lago è ottimo per nuotare. La vicinanza al Lago Tahoe e il fatto di rimanere relativamente sconosciuti significa meno folle e meno attività. C'è anche un campeggio per chi cerca qui una full immersion nella pace della natura.
To make the most of your time at this small lake west of Tahoe, you can reserve a spot at Fallen Leaf Lake Campgrounds or drive in for the day. The hiking here is hard to beat. There are trails just steps from the campground, plus additional trailheads on the south side of the lake. Serious hikers can drive toward the Glen Alpine and Fallen Leaf Lake Trailheads on the south side of the lake, off Glen Alpine Road.
If you want to enjoy the water, swimming and fishing are must-do activities. Dive into the lake to enjoy visibility up to depths of 50 feet (15 meters), or rent a fishing boat or canoe to glide over the alpine waters.
You can find Fallen Leaf Lake south of Camp Richardson, just a short drive from State Route 89. Take Fallen Leaf Road, and park your car just past the campground—if you want to pull over and hike—or keep driving and after about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) you can see the lake on the right.
Since Fallen Leaf Road is closed in the winter, plan to visit in the spring, summer, or fall. Weekends may be tricky if you're driving an RV or hauling a boat trailer. The drive down the narrow road may be stop-and-go, since you need to let others pass in order to make your way.
For one of the most scenic routes anywhere in California, don't miss Lake Tahoe's 72-Mile Drive. Head north from Fallen Leaf Lake, drive west on Highway 50, and pull over when you're inspired. You can stop for views at the Emerald Bay Lookout, visit Squaw Valley, or detour to Truckee. Then head east on Highway 28 at the top of the lake, and return on Highway 50, hugging the waterfront as you go.
IT
