Eagle Falls

Eagle Falls

El Dorado County, California

Description

Eagle Falls is known as the only waterfall that flows directly into Lake Tahoe (not entirely true since the waterfall ends just slightly upstream of the lake). Situated above Emerald Bay with tall cedars and pines set against sheer granite cliffs, the setting of this waterfall couldn't be much more scenic. Emerald Bay also has the distinction of possessing the only island in Lake Tahoe (Fanette Island). Understandably, one of the first summer homes at Lake Tahoe was on the shores of Emerald Bay. Lora J. Knight built her summer home, known as Vikingsholm, in 1929 just below the waterfall. In 1953, the house and surrounding property was aquired by the State of California from Harvey West. Vikingsholm is considered to be one of the best examples of Scandinavian architecture existing in the United States. The house, now part of Emerald Bay State Park, is open for tours in the summer months. Upper Eagle Falls is located up the trail to Eagle Lake, a little ways upstream (across CA-89) of Eagle Falls.Location

Eagle Falls: 38.9517 N, 120.1113 W

Upper Eagle Falls: 38.9505 N, 120.1152 W

USGS Topo: Emerald Bay

Directions

The parking lot for the Vikingsholm and trail to the base of Eagle Falls is located off the eastern side of CA-89 in Emerald Bay (~8.7 miles NW of the CA-89/US-50 intersection in South Lake Tahoe). The paved trail (no dogs allowed) starts off the northeastern end of the parking lot and makes its way down to the shore of Lake Tahoe (staying right at the major intersection). If you continue south past the Vikingsholm you'll find the trail that leads up Eagle Creek to the viewing platform in front of the base of Eagle Falls (~2.5 miles round-trip). The upper portion of Eagle Falls is also accessible from CA-89 (across from the Eagle Lake trailhead parking area). To get to Upper Eagle Falls find the trailhead off of the western end of the Eagle Lake parking lot. The trail up to the Upper Falls can be done as a loop with the left path leading to the falls and footbridge the quickest (~1/4 mile round-trip).