Lakes
Union Valley Reservoir: Crystal Basin’s Biggest Lake and Things To Do
Union Valley Reservoir is one of those Sierra lakes that feels like it was built for the perfect summer getaway. Set in the heart of Crystal Basin in El Dorado National Forest, it is the largest lake in the area, with multiple boat ramps, a long campground-lined shoreline, a paved bike trail, fishing, and enough …...
Gerle Creek Reservoir: A Quiet Crystal Basin Lake for Fishing, Paddling, and Relaxing
Gerle Creek Reservoir is one of the quieter corners of the Crystal Basin, and that is a big part of its charm. While bigger lakes like Union Valley, Ice House, and Loon Lake often get more attention, Gerle Creek offers something different: a smaller, calmer mountain reservoir with a hassle-free pace. From quiet picnicking and …...
Ice House Reservoir: A Crystal Basin Escape with Classic Sierra Scenery
If you want a Sierra reservoir that still feels like a true mountain getaway, Ice House Reservoir is one of the better escapes in El Dorado County. Set in the Crystal Basin of El Dorado National Forest, this multi-purpose lake combines boating, fishing, camping, and easy day-use access with the kind of pine forest and …...
Loon Lake: Crystal Basin’s Gateway to Boating, Camping, and Wilderness Adventure
Loon Lake is one of those Sierra places that feels a little more adventurous the moment you arrive. Set high in the Crystal Basin, it mixes boating, fishing, camping, granite scenery, and access to bigger backcountry-style experiences in a way that makes it feel more rugged than the more family-friendly reservoir stops. Loon Lake is...
Cascade Falls in Lake Tahoe: What to Know Before You Go
If you are looking for one of the best short hikes in Lake Tahoe, Cascade Falls Trail belongs near the top of the list. In fact, this hike rivals Eagle Falls Trail as a short distance trek to a fantastic payoff. Cascade Falls Trail feels accessible enough for casual visitors but scenic enough to …...
Cascade Lake in Lake Tahoe: The History of a Private Sierra Lake
Cascade Lake is one of the most intriguing bodies of water in the Lake Tahoe basin because most people see it without really being able to visit it. Hikers admire it from the Cascade Falls Trail, photographers frame it with Lake Tahoe in the background, and curious readers keep asking the same question: why is …...
Eagle Falls Trail to Eagle Lake and Beyond: Hiking Guide Near Emerald Bay
Eagle Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake Tahoe area, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many visitors know it as the trail to Eagle Lake, and that short alpine hike is easily the route’s biggest draw. But the trailhead is more than just the start of …...
Emerald Bay State Park: Why It Is One of Lake Tahoe’s Most Unforgettable Places
There are beautiful places all around Lake Tahoe, and then there is Emerald Bay State Park. This is the one stop that tends to steal your breath. The water looks impossibly blue-green, the granite walls drop sharply toward the shoreline, and Fannette Island rises from the center of the bay like it was placed there …...
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...
