Fallen Leaf Lake California Fishing, Boating, Camping

Fallen Leaf Lake, California, is very small in size, but a good spot for camping, fishing and/or boating. In fact, it is home to many summer cottages and private residences, but generally sees very little tourist traffic. Those that do discover the lake find a place that has not been ruined by commercialism, a place where natural beauty and basic camping facilities enable the real outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy one of the few places that afford the real wilderness experience.

Located close to the California-Nevada border, Fallen Leaf Lake is a quiet retreat usually only used by locals from the area for a means of escaping the touristy hustle and bustle found around the larger Lake Tahoe. Though it is fairly easy to reach, the route there involves real country roads and a drive into the backcountry where the pristine wilderness is virtually untouched, save for summer homes and the odd private boat ramps. In fact, very few visitors outside of the locals know much about it, choosing to opt for more amicable and service filled locations. The campground there is basic, but the offerings are well worth a try, including excellent fishing, pleasant boating and so much more.

The lake sits to the south of Lake Tahoe, just one mile's drive away, close to the states' border. It is oval and measures 2.9 by .9 miles. In fact, it was created originally by glaciers that headed northwards through the Glen Alpine Valley. Evidence of this massive Ice Age movement can be seen on its northeastern side, where the remains of glacial debris still sit silently.

Fallen Leaf can be accessed from Highway 89, which follows the route around Lake Tahoe. Just under a mile outside of Camp Richardson, the area's main campground and resort, the road to the lake intersects with it. This road continues southward, a single lane paved roadway with plenty of laybies to allow passing traffic to filter through. It then continues to the lake's campground, and wanders past the Forest Service building, cottages and private meadows to the lakeside.

There is one store and a marina on the southern end, a chapel and a typically American bridge going over a creek. However, some parts of the lake are only accessible via boat, as the road doges mainly amongst the homes.

The lake is fed by Glen Alpine Creek, mainly during the spring when snow run-offs fill it with cool waters. Other streams and creeks also contribute, but do not have the impact of the Glen Alpine. Its surrounding terrain is very scenic. Rocky formations rise up in the west. Mountain peaks tower above, making it look almost like a North American style Alps. There are many trails that have their trailheads by the lake, some leading to the famous Cathedral Peak, and others climbing high up to the famous Mount Tallac Trail. Though hiking these trails is common, many people do not begin their journey anywhere near the lake.

The lake's waterfront homes are fully fitted with boathouses and docks. The local marina houses as many as sixty private craft, including waterski, fishing, sail, pontoon and rowing boats. In fact, some of the properties can be rented for vacations and watersport equipment included as part of the package.

Fishing in Fallen Leaf is very popular, though not necessarily fruitful. With the help of the Forest Service, trout stocks are replenished annually, allowing anglers to defy the odds and at least have something more to tell when they get home than the 'fish that got away' story.

Boating is probably the most popular sport there, especially sailing. However, anyone using a boat on Fallen Leaf must make themselves aware with the ever changing and challenging conditions that make it sometimes difficult to navigate. Winds can gust without warning and shift equally as quickly. Quick thinking and a bit of stamina can make any boating there into a fun experience, though falling into the water is not recommended as the temperatures are very cold.