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Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake

Tahoma, California

4.8/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

5.29 miles

Elevation Gain

725 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jake Young

Head out to Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake by starting at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Lily Lake for an amazing hike to Glen Alpine Falls. This trail offers easy access to branch off to other parts of Desolation Wilderness.

Park your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpine Falls. 

Break out the camera, get the kids ready, and start snapping the photo for the family holiday card. After everyone has taken in the sites, head about another mile west to Grass Lake. Grass Lake is a serene setting to relax, refuel, and enjoy yourself. If you're doing a day hike, simply head back to the car the way you came. If you're on a longer backpacking trip, you can head north on the Glen Alpine Trail, which will circle around Susie and Heather Lakes, eventually arriving at Lake Aloha.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Waterfall

Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake Reviews

Trying to pull up directions to this place can be tough. Google maps can't find it, and Apple maps will take you down the road to some neighborhood close by. We drove down Fallen Leaf Rd. to get here. Fallen Leaf HOA has a gate locked, so we couldn't actually park at the trailhead. We parked at the gate and hiked 3 miles up the road to the trailhead. From there, Alpine Falls was less than a mile in. Gorgeous view, and relatively quiet in the late winter/early spring. Great place to take photos, and enjoy a picnic.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness

Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness

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