Susie Lake Falls

Susie Lake Falls

El Dorado County, California

Description

Located in the rugged Desolation Wilderness, this waterfall can be found along one of the best hikes the Tahoe Basin has to offer (see hike description here). Along the way, pass by historic Glen Alpine Springs before climbing up to Susie Lake, or alternatively, walk to Grass Lake for a distant view of the falls (or walk around Grass Lake as described by waterfallswest). Whichever way you decide you will not be disappointed. This waterfall consists of two major tiers with some rapids between dropping around 250' in total (according to topo map). The upper tier drops ~40', followed by some rapids, and finally a gorgeous ~210' drop towards Grass Lake. With the many options for destinations and camping sites you could spend days exploring the rugged beauty of the area. The trailhead can be busy in the summer, so be sure to arrive early.Location

Susie Lake Falls: 38.8798 N, 120.1228 W

USGS Topo: Emerald Bay, Rockbound Valley, & Echo Lake

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. Walk past Modjeska Falls and the old Glen Alpine Springs Resort to the Grass Lake Trail junction ~1.55 miles from the trailhead. From here there are two options: (1) Continue on the main trail and climb up to a trail junction at ~2.8 miles. Stay left here and reach another trail junction at ~3.3 miles. Stay left again and reach the eastern shore of Susie Lake at ~3.65 miles. Follow the trail south from here and reach the outlet to Susie Lake at ~3.9 miles. The topmost tier of Susie Lake Falls can be seen here and a view from the brink can be had by following the creek down. Be careful not to get too close to the creek or the edge of the cliff. (2) Turn left onto the Grass Lake Trail (hike description here) and follow it up to Grass Lake (there are a few creek crossing which may be difficult in spring). Once you are up to the lake follow the western shore to the northwest to the peninsula on the far end of the lake (~1.15 miles from the trail junction). Here, there are great views of the waterfall to the north.

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