Cascade Falls Trail - Georgetown, CA
Cascade Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile hiking trail near South Lake Tahoe. This hike was not originally on the itinerary but, it was a breathtaking addition to the day.
Cascade Falls Trail was wonderfully scenic filled with breathtaking views of Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe behind it. While hiking we enjoyed the fun stairmaster-like moments, climbing up and down rocks, and making our way to the falls.
Arrival
We stumbled upon Cascade Falls Trail while searching for a restroom. As usual, Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe was filled with tourism and had no available parking. On a whim, we decided to see if there were restrooms at the day campsite that was across the way.
"Cascade Falls was the best $10 spent this week!" - S.A.
After parking at the day camp spot we selected, we discovered that there is a 1.5-mile hike we can explore. We paid the $10 park fee and were on our way.
We have no problem paying parking fees or money for the various recreational parks, state parks, and national parks that we go to. The money goes towards keeping the park running and beautiful; that is something we all can support.
The Hike
The trailhead has great information about the park, which hikes you need a pass for, and where the trailhead is located.
The trailhead for the hike was easy to locate. As you follow the road down to where the roundabout is located, at the end of that road where the 'Day Campsites' and restrooms are, the trailhead begins.
Though this hike is not severely strenuous, there are parts that could seem rough for an inexperienced hiker. There are portions where you are climbing up and down stairs made from rocks and nature. During those portions, I was glad to of had my hiking stick on me and wore my high ankle hiking boots. After having knee surgery, I try to be kind to my knees, and wearing the appropriate shoes and using a hiking stick helps.
While hiking to the falls, when I looked to the left, I was able to see both Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe. The view was stunning during the hike, and the grounds had accents of wildflowers.
The Falls
"The view of the falls from the trail was a sign that were almost there! " - S.M.
After making it around the bend, the wooden post indicated that the falls were close.
The sound of the water rushing down Cascade Falls was so powerful
that you could hear it from the trail. If watching the video above with headphones, you can hear the falls in the distance.
If you take a peek over the edge of the rocks you can see how powerful the waterfall is.
Would I go back?
Absolutely! I will be coming back to this relaxing hike and making it a part of my South Lake Tahoe experience. The trails were kept up, the restrooms were clean, and the views were gorgeous. The trail is great for someone who wants to step up their hiking game but has some experience hiking various terrain.
On the hike, we came across couples, families, children, and dogs, all enjoying the trail. Even this chipmunk wanted to join in on the fun!
If you have been on this hike before or if there is another hike in South Lake Tahoe that you recommend,
leave a comment below!
Stacey Ann Miller is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Next time I am in the Emerald Bay area, I will have to check out this hike!
Stacey, So happy you and your friend were able to experience the great joy nature brings to ones soul. Thank you for the video of the Cascade Falls, I love the sounds the falls make and it has been a long time since I heard the great sound nature makes. It makes me want to jump in my car and go, I appreciate all the info about the cost etc. about the parks. Thank you again for sharing your journey. My prayers are for you. :) Aunt Kathy