Eagle Falls Day Hike

Emerald Bay

Upper and Lower Eagle Falls plunge in separate cascades from the mountainside above Emerald Bay. Lower Eagle Falls drop 170 feet down granite cliffs just east of Highway 89. Visitors making the trek down to Vikingsholm Castle have nice views of the lower falls. Upper Eagle Falls require a short hike from a trailhead parking lot across on the west side of the highway. Although not as dramatic as the lower falls, Upper Eagle Falls make a nice day hike, which includes wonderful views back toward Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. Those feeling a little more ambitious continue on up the trail to Eagle Lake.

Plan your visit for late spring or early summer to see the falls at their best. While the hike to the falls is considered easy, expect many steps. Continuing to Eagle Lake is a moderately difficult hike.

Upper Eagle Falls Trailhead

Parking is the biggest challenge for hikers headed to Eagle Falls. In the summer the small parking lot can fill by 9:00 AM. There is additional parking along the shoulder of Highway 89, but pay close attention to the parking signs. Violators may be towed.

For the trailhead parking lot there is a $5 fee. Free permits are required to enter the Desolation Wilderness for day hikes, but upper Eagle Falls are not in the wilderness and no permit is required. Those continuing to Eagle Lake will need a permit. Obtain the free wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk. Restrooms are available, except during winter months. The trailhead has an elevation of 6,570 feet.

Upper Eagle Falls Trail

Shortly beyond the trailhead parking lot, the trail splits, the right direction is advertised as the Eagle Falls loop and the left a more direct route to the falls. The loop section of trail includes a side-trail to a nice vista point. Either way you choose, granite steps will likely soon have you breathing hard. After only ½ mile hikers arrive at Upper Eagle Falls. Enjoy several view spots.

Those continuing on to Eagle Lake have another ¾-mile of hiking and 400 feet of climbing to reach the shoreline. For some reason this is one of those hikes that seems longer than it actually is. Perhaps that is because of the several stops you will want to take along the way, stepping off the trail to take in the wonderful views back toward Emerald Bay. The trail climbs steadily to a marked junction. Take the right-hand trail and soon find yourself on the shore of pretty Eagle Lake.

Lower Eagle Falls Trailhead

The trailhead for views of Lower Eagle Falls and for Vikingsholm begins at a state park lot off Highway 89. Parking is $10 per vehicle for the day or $3 for an hour. Maximum vehicle length permitted is 18 feet. The parking lot fills quickly in the summer, so arrive early.

Lower Eagle Falls Trail

Lower Eagle Falls can be viewed from the shoreline along Emerald Bay near Vikingsholm, a home constructed in 1928-29 in the Scandinavian style. A 1-mile trail leads from the parking lot off Highway 89 down to the shore of Emerald Bay. The steep trail descends 400 feet and becomes an arduous climb on the return hike. Restrooms and water are available near the mansion in the summer. Tours of Vikingsholm are available: Vikingsholm Tours Tour fees are $15 for adults and $12 for students 7 to 17-year-olds. children under 7 are free. No pets are allowed in the Vikingsholm area or on the trail.

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