Author: Rick Rockwell
Modjeska Falls in South Lake Tahoe: Hike, History, and What to Know
Modjeska Falls is one of those South Lake Tahoe waterfalls that can be easy to overlook if you only know the lower falls along Glen Alpine Creek. Positioned above the more frequently photographed Glen Alpine Falls, this upper waterfall sits near Lily Lake and the Glen Alpine Trailhead, where the road narrows, the forest closes …...
St. Francis of the Mountains: History of the Hidden Chapel at Fallen Leaf Lake
Tucked among the trees near Fallen Leaf Lake, St. Francis of the Mountains is one of those places that feels easy to miss and impossible to forget. The little chapel does not announce itself with size or grandeur. Instead, it draws people in with its quiet setting, rustic character, and deep ties to the early …...
Glen Alpine Trail: Guide to Hiking, Waterfalls and Wilderness Adventure
If you are looking for a South Lake Tahoe hike that gives you a little bit of everything, you would be hard-pressed to find an option better than the Glen Alpine Trail. This trail starts opposite of Fallen Leaf Lake near Lily Lake, quickly delivers waterfalls and serene creek scenery, passes through the historic Glen …...
Glen Alpine Falls in South Lake Tahoe: How to Visit, What to Expect, and Why It’s Worth the Drive
If you are looking for a South Lake Tahoe waterfall that feels dramatic without requiring a long hike, Glen Alpine Falls is one of the easiest waterfall-stops in the basin. Nestled near Fallen Leaf Lake at the edge of Desolation Wilderness, this wide, rushing cascade delivers granite scenery, spring runoff, and that classic Tahoe mix...
Stateline Lookout Trail: Easy Lake Tahoe View Hike
Stateline Lookout Trail is one of the easiest scenic hikes in North Lake Tahoe. Starting near Crystal Bay on the Nevada side and climbing to the site of a former California fire lookout, this short uphill walk delivers wide-open lake views, interpretive stops, and a surprisingly big payoff for such a brief trail. For visitors …...
Angora Fire Lookout: History, Views, and How to Visit This Lake Tahoe Lookout
Angora Fire Lookout gives you a little bit of everything that makes this corner of South Lake Tahoe interesting: a high ridge above Fallen Leaf Lake, a surviving fire-lookout site, a road with seasonal access, and a natural connection to Angora Lakes. Also known as Angora Ridge Lookout or Angora Lookout, the site is no …...
Angora Lakes California Travel Guide: Hiking, Kayaking, Camping, and When to Go
Above the busier stretches of South Lake Tahoe, Angora Lakes feels quieter, steeper, and more intimate than many first-time visitors expect. Reached by a punchy, uphill trail, these alpine lakes sit in a granite basin above Fallen Leaf Lake, where cold clear water, mountain views, and a tucked-away setting create one of the most...
Fallen Leaf Lake California: A Guide to Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, and Visiting
If you’re searching for Fallen Leaf Lake, California, you’re probably looking for a quieter, less crowded alpine lake near South Lake Tahoe that still offers scenery, easy access, and plenty of things to do. Fallen Leaf Lake delivers exactly that, and more. Just southwest of the main Tahoe shoreline, this mountain lake sits near...
Convict Lake, California: Things to Do, Hiking Trail, and Travel Tips
Convict Lake is one of the most visually striking lakes in the Eastern Sierra, along with having the kind of name that immediately makes people want to know more. Some travelers discover it while driving U.S. Highway 395 near Mammoth Lakes. Others are searching for an easy scenic hike, a classic trout-fishing spot, or a …...
Yankee Jims Bridge: A Walk Through Placer County History
At first glance, Yankee Jims Bridge looks like a quiet backcountry crossing suspended above the North Fork American River in the Auburn State Recreation Area. But this narrow bridge in Placer County stands on a route with roots deep in California’s Gold Rush era, when the nearby mining camp of Yankee Jim’s helped turn the …...
