Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Hike: A Short and Stunning Trail in Lake Tahoe

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Sarah Puckett

If you’re looking for a hike that delivers jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada scenery without taking up your entire day, the Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake Trail is one of the best. In just 2 miles round-trip, you’ll see a powerful alpine waterfall, climb through fragrant pine forest and granite slabs, and end at a peaceful glacial lake surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Desolation Wilderness.

Tim and I squeezed this hike in after work on our Lake Tahoe trip, and it turned into one of our favorite trails of the entire trip. For such a short hike, the scenery is nonstop.

Why Hike Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake?

This trail is one of the most rewarding short hikes in Tahoe for several reasons:

• Accessibility: Located just 15 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, right off Highway 89 across from Emerald Bay.
• Big Reward for Little Effort: Two iconic Sierra Nevada landmarks (a waterfall + alpine lake) in under 2 miles.
• Perfect Combo with Emerald Bay: You can hit this trail and visit Inspiration Point or Vikingsholm on the same day.
• Family-Friendly: The short distance and well-maintained trail make it doable for most hikers.
• Photography Heaven: Between the waterfall mist, granite peaks, and alpine reflections, every corner begs for a photo.

Trail Stats

• Distance: ~2 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: ~450 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trailhead: Eagle Falls Picnic Area, Highway 89 (across from Emerald Bay State Park)
• Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours (longer if you linger at the lake)
• Permit: Required for Desolation Wilderness (free, self-issued at trailhead kiosk)
• Dog-Friendly? Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
• AllTrails Link: Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake Trail

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What You’ll See on the Trail

1. Upper Eagle Falls

You’ll hear it the moment you step out of the car. Upper Eagle Falls is just a few steps from the trailhead and plunges dramatically through a granite chute. In early summer, snowmelt turns it into a roaring torrent; later in the season, it becomes a gentler cascade. There’s a short overlook spur that gets you right up to the falls.

The trail to Eagle Lake continues past the scenic bridge spanning the waterfall.

2. The Climb

After the falls, the trail starts to climb steadily. The path is well-graded and passes through dense pine forest before opening onto smooth granite slabs.

Every so often you’ll get a peek of Emerald Bay behind you. If you’re hiking at golden hour, the light filtering through the trees is magical.

3. Eagle Lake

After about a mile, the trail tops out and suddenly you’re at Eagle Lake. Tucked into a granite basin with the jagged Desolation Wilderness peaks behind it, the lake is shockingly clear and perfectly still on calm days. We arrived in late afternoon on a weekday and had the lake almost entirely to ourselves. There was one other couple on the other side of the lake from us, but that was it! It was incredibly peaceful and serene.

It’s also a popular fishing and swimming spot in summer if you can brave the alpine chill.

History & Wilderness

Eagle Lake sits within the Desolation Wilderness, a federally protected area of 63,000 acres known for its granite peaks and more than 130 alpine lakes. The self-issued permit you fill out isn’t just a formality – it helps manage impact and maintain this fragile high-altitude ecosystem.

The granite cliffs surrounding Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake were carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, which also formed nearby Emerald Bay. Hiking here really feels like stepping into a slice of Tahoe’s geologic history.

Tips for Hiking Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake

• Arrive Early or Late: The parking lot is small and fills quickly in summer. We recommend before 8:30am or after 4:00pm for best chances.
• Footwear: While the trail is short, sections of granite can get slick when wet. Wear shoes with decent traction.
• Bring Layers: Even in July, the lake can feel 10–15 degrees cooler than the parking area.
• Take the Permit Seriously: Fill it out at the kiosk. It’s free and required.
• Combine with Other Stops: This trail pairs perfectly with Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle, or a scenic drive on Highway 89.

Optional Add-Ons

• Lower Eagle Falls: Across Hwy 89, a short path leads to Lower Eagle Falls, which drops right into Emerald Bay.
• Longer Hikes: Eagle Lake is a jumping-off point for Velma Lakes, Bayview Trail, and other longer Desolation Wilderness adventures.

Best Time to Visit

• Late Spring: Peak waterfall flow from snowmelt, but expect lingering snow patches.
• Summer: Clear trails, warm granite for lounging, and prime alpine lake vibes.
• Fall: Crisp air and fewer crowds.
• Winter: The trail is accessible but often snowy/icy. Bring microspikes and be prepared for winter conditions.

How to Get There

• From South Lake Tahoe: ~15 min north via Hwy 89.
• From Tahoe City: ~50 min south via Hwy 89.
• Parking: $10 day-use fee at the Eagle Falls Picnic Area. There are also a few pull-outs along Hwy 89 but they fill fast.

What to Pack

• Water + snacks (perfect spot for a trail picnic!)
• Sturdy shoes
• Light jacket or fleece
• Camera/phone
• Swimsuit & towel (if you’re brave enough for a dip)
• Bug spray (mosquitoes can be intense early summer)

Final Thoughts

If you only have time for one hike near Emerald Bay, make it this one. Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake are the perfect combination of accessibility and reward, showcasing the granite cliffs, alpine lakes, and wild beauty that make Lake Tahoe unforgettable.

Check out more Lake Tahoe guides!

• Best Things To Do in Lake Tahoe in Summer
• Ultimate Guide to Visiting Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe
• Is Clear Kayaking in Lake Tahoe Worth It?
• How to Hike to Eagle Lake and Eagle Falls in Lake Tahoe
• Outdoorsy 3 Day Itinerary for Lake Tahoe
• Best Hikes in Lake Tahoe
• What to Pack for a Summer Trip in Lake Tahoe