This hike gives you Falls, Vistas and Wildflowers and is just an incredibly beautiful day hike that begins 8,990’ at the Mt. Rose Trailhead and Parking Plaza off of Mt. Rose Hwy. Begin your journey by reading the fantastic interpretive signs near the restrooms to learn a little more about how the Tahoe Basin was formed. As you walk behind the restrooms, you will see the trail. Almost immediately, you will need to take a sharp right, so that you end up on the trail that leads toward Mt. Rose and not on the old fire road trail. Make sure you just look around as you hike this trail, and notice the beauty that exists in an alpine environment. You will begin to see dwarf lupine hugging the ground, whitebark pine, and rugged terrain that remains from the volcanic activity that once shook up this area. The treat of the trail is cascading Galena Falls! At 2.5 mile from the trailhead you arrive at the base of the falls, and this is a great photo spot. Please respect the delicate environment of the falls, and do not climb up the side of it. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is beginning a trail project that will create an official trail that climbs next to the falls. Leave No Trace is a beautiful thing because it ensures that future trail users will get to enjoy this special place. Source