Bowman Lake Falls
Bowman Lake Falls
Nevada County, California
Description
Click to view photo(s)
Canyon Creek tumbles its way down towards Bowman Lake in four distinct steps in the Tahoe National Forest. The Upper Falls consists of a single drop that is shorter (in total) but wider than the tiers just downstream and is split by a large rock. The main section of the falls consists of three steps, the first dropping as the creek narrows before the creek turns north and falls over the second step before turning to the west and falling again over the final step. During higher flows the steps of the main section of this waterfall can get drowned out and become a powerful, white, and frothing deluge.
Location
Bowman Lake Falls: 39.4530 N, 120.6082 W
Upper Bowman Lake Falls: 39.4526 N, 120.6073 W
USGS Topo: English Mountain
Directions
From I-80 take the CA-20 exit near Lake Spaulding and turn right onto Bowman Road after ~3.9 miles. Follow Bowman Road (second half is very rough) for ~14.7 miles to the northwest end of Bowman Lake. Here, turn right onto Meadow Lake Road and follow it as is skirts the northern shore of Bowman Lake to the eastern end of the lake (~3.1 miles). Park off the side of the road and walk to the south down towards Jackson Creek upstream of where it enters the lake. Cross the creek (there should be a rough looking road on the southern side of the creek where you can wade across) and continue to the south-southwest towards Canyon Creek. There are a few light trails leading towards Canyon Creek but as long as you head S or SSW you'll start climbing a ridge just north of Canyon Creek. I would recommend staying close to the western end of this ridge and then making your way upstream to the waterfall. Or, if you are aiming for the Upper Falls, I would recommend staying a little more east. Once you start approaching the creek you should be able to hear the waterfall. It is possible to get directly to the Upper Falls from the main section of the waterfalls but it is difficult and steep. Therefore, I would recommend looping around to the north.