If you love waterfalls and Lake Tahoe, get ready because this road trip might just be your dream come true.
We’re talking thundering cascades, hidden forest gems, and trails that lead to some of the prettiest views in all of California (and Nevada).
Some waterfalls you can see from the road, others make you earn it with a hike (don’t worry, we’ll tell you exactly how long!), and every single one is totally worth the stop.
So grab your hiking shoes and let’s hit the road in search of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls around Lake Tahoe.
1. Eagle Falls (Upper and Lower)
Upper and Lower Eagle Falls are two stunning waterfalls right off Highway 89 near Emerald Bay, and they’re only about a 20-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe.
To see both falls, start at the Eagle Falls Trailhead next to the parking lot across from Emerald Bay State Park (get there early—it fills up fast!), and take the 0.3-mile hike to Lower Eagle Falls or go 0.8 miles uphill to reach the top of Upper Eagle Falls.
These falls are best in late spring and early summer when the snow melts and the water is thundering down the cascades, making it one of the most dramatic sights around Lake Tahoe.
The trail also connects to Eagle Lake if you want to keep the adventure going, and you’ll get postcard views of Emerald Bay almost the whole way.
2. Cascade Falls
A few minutes down the road from Eagle Falls, Cascade Falls is your next stop and it’s a total show-off when it comes to views.
The hike starts from the Bayview Trailhead right behind the Bayview Campground, and it’s a super doable 1.5-mile round trip with barely 200 feet of elevation gain.
Cascade Falls plunges about 200 feet down a rocky cliff with giant granite slabs all around and nonstop eye candy overlooking Cascade Lake and even Lake Tahoe in the distance.
Go in late spring or early summer for the best water flow, bring a snack to chill on the warm rocks, and don’t be surprised if you spend way too long just staring at the view.
3. Glen Alpine Falls
Keep the waterfall magic going with Glen Alpine Falls, a wild and dramatic cascade located at the edge of Fallen Leaf Lake.
You don’t even have to hike for this one, just drive to the end of Fallen Leaf Lake Road and boom, the 65-foot-tall waterfall is practically pouring right next to the road.
In peak snowmelt season (usually May to early June), the water rushes down over a wide staircase of boulders so loud and fast it feels a rock concert.
It’s part of the Glen Alpine Creek system, and if you’re up for more exploring, the nearby Glen Alpine Trail leads to alpine lakes like Grass Lake and Susie Lake.
4. Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls is the biggest and boldest stop on this road trip, with water crashing down nearly 800 feet in a roaring, whitewater tumble.
You’ll find the Pyramid Creek Trailhead just off Highway 50 near Twin Bridges, and the hike to the base of the falls is about 3.1 miles round trip with some rocky sections that make it feel more like a scramble than a stroll.
This one is all about epic scale with huge granite slabs, sweeping mountain views, and a waterfall so tall you’ll have to crane your neck to see the top.
Late spring/early summer is the sweet spot for full flow, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, because this trail is no joke (but totally worth it).
5. Van Sickle Waterfall
Next up is the hidden gem of the bunch—Van Sickle Waterfall, located inside Van Sickle Bi-State Park right on the California-Nevada line in South Lake Tahoe.
This one’s more of a local favorite, and the hike to the seasonal falls is about 2.2 miles round trip from the main trailhead, with roughly 570 feet of elevation gain.
The waterfall itself isn’t huge but the real treat is the quiet pine forest, wildflowers in spring, and those peekaboo views of Lake Tahoe along the way.
Since it’s fed by snowmelt, your best bet is to go in late spring after a good snow year, and bonus: dogs are allowed, so your pup can come too.
6. Kings Canyon Waterfalls
And if you’re up for a little off-the-beaten-path action, Kings Canyon Waterfalls near Carson City in Nevada is totally worth the detour.
This 25-foot seasonal waterfall flows best in spring and early summer, and the hike to get there is a breezy 0.6-mile out-and-back from the Kings Canyon Trailhead, just west of town, with about 140 feet of elevation gain.
It might not be the tallest fall on the list, but the canyon setting, basalt cliffs, and peaceful vibes make it totally worth the effort.
7. Galena Creek Falls
Now let’s head a bit north for Galena Creek Falls, a stunning spot high up in the Mount Rose Wilderness in Nevada.
The 4.8-mile round-trip hike starts from the Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead off Highway 431 and climbs about 488 feet.
Galena Creek Falls drops around 70 feet in a graceful ribbon through the forest, with epic views of snow-capped peaks and open meadows that feel straight out of a postcard.
Late spring and early summer are the sweet spot for both water flow and wildflowers, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot marmots or deer along the trail.
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