

The lake was created by at the very least two glaciers that traveled northward down the Glen Alpine Valley. It’s roughly aligned north-to-south and oval in form, measuring roughly 2.9 miles (4.6 km) on the lengthy axis and 0.9 miles (1.4km) on the brief axis. No need to worry.Fallen Leaf Lake is a mountain lake positioned in El Dorado County, California, close to the California–Nevada state border, about one mile southwest of the much bigger Lake Tahoe. The days are usually in the mid 80s but nights can get down to the 50s! Bring your bikes-so many beautiful places to bike and you can head right out to bike around Lake Tahoe if you are a true enthusiast.The beach is long and you will get the beach all to yourselves. Quick tip - the beach can get busy, so when you get there go all the way to the end. There are bbq pits and tables at the beach so bring a picnic and chill out. Day trip out to Tahoe for a swim in the lake at Pope beach.This hike is too much for a stroller, but is doable for our 2.5 year old and 1 year old with a baby bjorn and backpack. To get to the hike, drive up Ridge road past Angora Lookout until you reach a parking lot. In May and June, you can still see snow on the mountains above. The water is ice cold and perfectly clear. We grab our ice-cream, put on our swimming suits and lounge at the beach before we head home. When you get to the top lake, the cute Angora Lake Resort sells fresh squeezed lemonade, sandwiches and ice cream.

Hike Angora Lakes, two fresh water lakes only accessible by foot (2.5 miles round trip).If you are like us, with a 2.5 and 1 year old, this is where we turn around! If you have older kids and are up for an adventure, get a map and head into the wilderness. When you arrive at Lily Lake you are at the base of the Desolation Wilderness. In the early summer, it is really impressive. Take a break and sit in front of the Falls. About half way up the road, you will come to Glen Alpine Falls on your right. Start at the general store, pop by the local church hidden in the garden and walk up Glen Alpine Road. This walk is great when you still have a stroller as you can walk on the paved road. Take the family for an afternoon ice cream at the General Store and then head to the public beach for fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing.Get a picnic, cruise around the lake and pull up on the shore for a picnic. Rent a pontoon or speed boat at the Fallen Leaf General Store.Yummy pulled pork, burgers and you can eat outside.įallen Leaf Lake is at the base of the Desolation Wilderness home to some of the most beautiful hiking and camping country around. Sonny's Bbq Shack Bar and Grill is super casual and great for kids. For lunch or dinner out, head to South Lake Tahoe.Do all of your shopping at Raleys (at Lake Tahoe Blvd and Highway 50) and plan to BBQ/cook at your cabin.

The only store on the lake is the Fallen Leaf General Store that serves ice-cream, lunch, and sells essentials like milk.

My great-grandfather bought property at Fallen Leaf Lake back in 1917, so this year officially marks the 100th year of our family visiting the lake. The homes surrounding the lake range from supreme with docks and boats to tiny rustic cabins with wood burning fires. If you happen to be Stanford alumni, you can also stay at the Stanford Camp (it books out a year in advance). The only hotels near Fallen Leaf Lake are in South Lake Tahoe, but if you want the real experience, rent a home on the lake. VRBO and calling the Fallen Leaf General Store for home listings are your best bet. The homes around Fallen Leaf Lake don’t come up for rent often so do your research early. Pack your car up and go! The drive is about 3.5 to 4 hours from San Francisco.
