Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
400 ft
About Eagle Falls
Eagle Falls is a pair of short, scenic cascades that tumble from the granite slopes overlooking Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe’s western shore. Split into Upper and Lower Eagle Falls, the site rewards a brief effort with dramatic views of the bay and surrounding cliffs; Upper Eagle Falls sits a bit higher for a closer look at the cascade, while Lower Eagle Falls provides a broader perspective of Emerald Bay. The falls lie within Emerald Bay State Park, managed by California State Parks (SPR), and are a popular half-day outing for families and day hikers. The trail to the falls is a compact, easy route (about 2.0 miles round-trip with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain). If you want to turn the visit into an overnight stay, Badgers Den at Camp Richardson Resort is the nearest campground, about 6.39 km away.
The Setting
Eagle Falls sits at 6,490 feet within Emerald Bay State Park, in the high mountains of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.0 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~400 feet. Difficulty: Easy. The short, well-traveled route leads from the trailhead into the forest and up to viewpoints for both Lower and Upper Eagle Falls; the upper falls are slightly more accessible for close-up views. Trail type: out-and-back, family-friendly and suitable for casual hikers. (No USFS trail number provided in the available data.)
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Eagle Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A wilderness permit is required for those continuing past Eagle Falls into the Desolation Wilderness. Permits can be obtained at the trailhead or online.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Eagle Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warm weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution. Stay on marked trails to avoid accidents. Be aware of wildlife and do not feed animals.
Current Water Conditions
211 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 51 years of record
5.67 ft
Water depth at gauge
53°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 53 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility.
Water Quality
Water Clarity
Crystal clearExcellent visibility
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Eagle Falls is located off Highway 89 near Emerald Bay State Park in South Lake Tahoe, California. The trailhead for Eagle Falls is well-marked and can be accessed from the Eagle Falls Picnic Area parking lot.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Eagle Falls Picnic Area, but it is limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. There is a small fee for parking.
Elevation
6490 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.951704° N, -120.111238° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be rocky in some areas. Bring water and sunscreen, as parts of the trail are exposed to the sun.
This trail sits at 6,490 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 26% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 2.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
HiMark Hotel
Station House Inn South Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Lodge at Kingsbury Crossing
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Badgers Den at Camp Richardson Resort
4.0 miles away · 84 sites
Overview Badger’s Den Campground provides a Lake Tahoe and Camp Richardson Resort experience unlike any other. Featuring beach access, and all the amenities you can think of within walking distance, guests get to bask in the remarkable beauty of Tahoe without sacrificing the resort experience. The campground has 66 single standard tent sites and 18 standard double tent sites. Each campsite has a bear-proof food locker, picnic table, and fire pit with cooking grate. Tent camping only in this campg
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Nearby Attractions
Emerald Bay State Park, Vikingsholm Castle, and D.L. Bliss State Park are all located nearby and offer additional hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. Bears have also been spotted in the region, so visitors should store food properly.
Cities near Eagle Falls
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