Modjeska Falls

Modjeska Falls

El Dorado County, California

Description

This smaller of the two major waterfalls on Glen Alpine Creek, near Fallen Leaf Lake, is often referred to as Upper Glen Alpine Falls. However, Modjeska Falls is its official name. This 51' waterfall is named after Madame Helena Modjeska, a famous Polish actress of the late 19th century who performed at Glen Alpine Springs in 1885. Apparently, the people who attended her show were so taken with her performance that they named the nearby falls in her honor. Glen Alpine Springs was discovered by Nathan Gilmore (and later had a nearby lake named after him) in 1863 and was originally called "Soda Springs". In 1884, Gilmore developed a renowned resort, which included a 16-room hotel, around the restorative powers of the springs. He also began bottling and selling the spring’s water. Glen Alpine Springs Resort closed in the 1960s and was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in the 1970s. Today, a non-profit organization manages the property and helps to preserve the buildings. Glen Alpine Springs is open to the public during the summer months, although it can only be reached by walking. A short hike from the trailhead at Lily Lake brings you to this waterfall and then the mineral springs. For a full survey of this waterfall visit the World Waterfall Database.Location

Modjeska Falls: 38.8769 N, 120.0890 W

USGS Topo: Emerald Bay

Directions

Drive to the Glen Alpine trailhead just southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake, near Lake Tahoe by turning onto Fallen Leaf Rd (~3.1 miles NW of CA-89/US-50 intersection), following it for ~4.8 miles before continuing to the left on Glen Alpine Rd for ~0.7 miles to the trailhead parking area. This waterfall is ~0.6 miles up the trail.

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