Crystal Basin Falls
Crystal Basin Falls
El Dorado County, California
Description
Click to view photo(s)
Location
The downstream-most of the three waterfalls shown here is known as Crystal Basin Falls, but there are surely more cascades along South Fork Silver Creek between and below these. The Upper and Middle Falls are easily found just off of the Twin Lakes Trail, but Crystal Basin Falls involves following a use-trail to the inviting swimming hole at its base which we did not do.
Upper Crystal Basin Falls: 38.86698 N, 120.20356 W
Middle Crystal Basin Falls: 38.86654 N, 120.20501 W
Crystal Basin Falls: 38.86637 N, 120.21648 W
USGS Topo: Pyramid Peak
Directions
Drive to the Twin Lakes Trailhead (hike description here) at Wrights Lake. Follow the trail up to the Grouse Lake Trail junction (~1.3 miles), stay left, and continue another ~0.6 miles. The Middle Falls should be visible just off the trail to the left. The Upper Falls are just off of the trail another ~0.15 miles further up. Crystal Basin Falls involves following a use-trail or going cross-country from the northern "loop" junction (follow hike description link above) which should head to the north-northeast to the waterfall.
Video