Kayaking Fallen Leaf Lake
Surround yourself with dramatic Sierra scenery (and none of the crowds) just outside of South Lake
Shh. Don’t tell. I finally found a quiet Tahoe paddling spot.
Fallen Leaf Lake’s vistas are just as jaw-dropping as your more popular put-ins. Find yourself surrounded by Sierra splendor – in the shadow of Mt Tallac’s 9735 foot summit, just below Echo Pass, well out of earshot of all major roads. While some of Fallen Leaf’s shoreline is lined with barely-visited cabins, much of it still feels like natural forest.
It sounds absolutely perfect. But “What’s the catch?” – you might ask.
There are two.
The first, is the wind. Since you’re just below Echo Summit, you may find yourself in a bit of a wind tunnel. Plan your day accordingly, and you’ll still have a great time. There’s plenty to explore here, but you shouldn’t expect to paddle the whole lake in one day, unless conditions are just right.
The second catch is access. Fallen Leaf Lake is harder to get to than other paddles. You have a couple options for getting your boat in the water.
You could drive to the far side of the lake. Fallen Leaf Road isn’t maintained in winter and you might only be able to drive a short distance before reaching a barricade Once the road opens, you’ll have a narrow window to get through and actually find parking before the tourist season picks up. There are almost no legal parking spots on the far side of the lake, and it would be a shame to drive 30 minutes down this narrow, windy single-land road without getting a good paddle in.
Alternatively, you can get creative on the closer end of the lake. Park along Fallen Leaf Road and be prepared for a 15 minute hike in. Road 1212 will be your easiest path. Or, if the campground is open, reserve a spot. It’s a beautiful place to spend the night and offers a shorter walk to Fallen Leaf’s shores.
Was that a lot to take in? Perhaps. But, once you’re out on the water, you’ll know you’ve made the right choice. Fallen Leaf has a peaceful, natural, local feel that’s hard to find anywhere else.
I chose to start my paddle from the far side of the lake. On a late spring morning, I followed the Fallen Leaf Lake’s shoreline on the Tallac side. I marveled at Mt Tallac, watched the snow melt off into dozens of tiny creeks, and promised myself I’d hike to the top real soon. I met one other group of paddlers on the trip, a friendly group of mid-20s locals relaxing on a dock (that wasn’t theirs). I kept on paddling, eventually deciding to head out towards the center of the lake, perhaps heading back to my car along the opposite shore.
This didn’t last long. It was incredibly windy, and I knew I’d be coming back the way I came. No matter. Fallen Leaf Lake was the perfect start to my day and I would definitely be coming back for more.
Recommendations for Kayaking Fallen Leaf Lake
Kayak Rentals
Visit the Fallen Leaf Store & Marina on the far side of the lake.
Fallen Leaf Lake Camping
Fallen Leaf Campground is a stunner and you’ll be glad you booked your spot in advance. If it’s full, try Camp Richardson or one of the Emerald Bay area campgrounds.
Kayaking with Kids
Depending on conditions, this might not be your top pick.
When to Go
Access varies by season, snowline, and where you’re trying to put your boat in the water. My description of Fallen Leaf Lake as “quiet” is usually true. However, motorboats are allowed and a holiday weekend visit might make for a somewhat different experience.
Build Your Fallen Leaf Lake Weekend
After your paddle, continue on down Fallen Leaf Road until it turns to rough dirt and veers left, away from the lake. Take your time, and keep watch for oncoming traffic. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot a giant waterfall – Glen Alpine Falls. Stop and take a picture before heading onward to Lily Lake. Both of these stops require minimal effort and round out your day nicely. Don’t forget to pop by one of South Lake’s many beer gardens on your way out.
What's Next?
To continue paddling mid-sized lakes, visit Silver Lake (near Kirkwood) and Gold Lake (somewhat North). Or, hop on Lake Tahoe and explore a section of the Tahoe Water Trail.