Bassi Falls
Bassi Falls
El Dorado County, California
Description
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A powerful waterfall in the spring and a more gentle tumbler in late summer & fall, the 109' Bassi Falls is a great destination year-round. Located only about 1/2 mile from the trailhead, this is an easy hike that the whole family can enjoy (and many do!), however in some places the path is not marked very well (rock lines and cairns help). In the spring and summertime plan on arriving early or just before sunset to have this waterfall mostly to yourself. Sunset may be the best time for photographs because of the waterfall's orientation. The base of the waterfall is not the only place for a good view. Climb the rough trail up to the brink and enjoy a fabulous view to the southwest. Above Bassi Falls is a long stretch of leaping cascades that are interesting in and of themselves. There is some indication (aerial views) of more possible waterfalls further upstream, but these wait to be "discovered."
Location
Bassi Falls: 38.8923 N, 120.3307 W
USGS Topo: Loon Lake
Directions
To get to this waterfall take the Ice House Rd (~21.5 miles east of Placerville) from US-50 ~16.3 mi. Right after you cross over Big Silver Creek take a right and go ~0.2 mi and take a left (should be a sign that says "Bassi Falls Access"). Follow this somewhat rough road (4x4 recommended) all the way to the end where the trailhead is (or you can walk up the road). Google Maps shows a loop at the end of this road but I don't think that the loop actually exists (trailhead is at the northern end of this "loop"). From the parking area the trail heads generally east and after ~0.5 miles it arrives at the base of the falls. I didn't see any well marked or maintained trails to the top of the falls but I managed (not easy).
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