cascade falls trail

I used the reviews below to find the place and was very happy with the hike. The views were absolutely incredible and worth every minute of the hike. The "falls" were not really falls due to the drought, so that was a bit underwhelming, but overall a great hike.As far as difficulty, I had no problem and I don't consider myself a serious hiker by any means. It does get rocky and perhaps a bit slippery at points, but not a super strenuous hike, especially given the fact that you'll be stopping so often to take in the view.Finding it was a bit difficult because all the gates say the area is closed for the season, but I know realize that is just meant for camping, etc., as the trail was very open with multiple people using it. Just following the signs and the instructions from other reviewers and you'll have no issues.Again, the scenery is almost unbeatable and the difficulty level I would call moderate. Highly recommended to check this out if you have a couple hours while you're in the area.

We live at 3800 ft. in the Blue Ridge mountains and hike multiple days every week. Several sources (some outside of Trip Advisor) classify this as an easy hike. It is not! It is a moderate+ hike and the trailheads are not well marked on either end. NyonyaLady gave the best instructions on the trailhead location. It is best to park at the Inspiration Point/Vista parking lot overlooking Lake Tahoe. There are outhouses there to use. Go across the highway and walk on the blacktop roads past the picnic area and camping sites to the very back where the pavement stops. There is a well marked trailhead here. The first half of the trail is even and gradual - the second half not so much. Be prepared to wear good hiking shoes and climb up and down rocks. The trailhead is not marked at the falls and we struggled - along with several others - to find it. I suggest you mark your trailhead well. The view and falls are amazing. Worth it for sure but more strenuous than we anticipated.

Trail gets rocky at few spots but it has a. beautiful view of cascade lake - really worth the hike up the trail.

This was the highlight for our group of nine. We had all ages from 8 to 72 and it was the best example of getting a reward at the end of the trail. Although California is in a drought it proved to be an advantage for this hike fo we were able to see the falls with minimal fear of traversing the wet rocks with our young and elderly. Actually my 72 year old mom is pretty spry for her age so she was a up as tree and over the edge of the rocks before the rest of us! The youngest one was complaining all the way but had a good ole time observing water skimming bugs at the fals and maneuvering over rocks to see how far he could get to the edge. Yikes! Make sure to bring water and stop and look at the scenery every now and then. The photos we captured were some of the best on our trip to Tahoe. It is truly the most blue body of water around and Cascade Falls is a great place to see it!

We selected this hike wanting something moderate to do that morning. It was fairly short and we enjoyed the view of Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe along the way. It is not a shady trail though and the path is quite rocky so be aware that it requires stepping up and down uneven areas and fairly high rocks. We laughed at ourselves for persisting in trying to find "the waterfall" before realizing that we were standing on it. It was August and the water flow was down to a pretty little trickle. We could imagine how majestic it would be in a different season. The whole hike there and back was brief. There is a porta potty available at the beginning where you park at the campground to find the trailhead. We heard this was a popular trail given the easy access and short distance. Since we were on the trail at about 9:00 a.m. we saw very few people but there were several small groups starting as we got back. If you want to avoid sharing the trail, get there early.

The Cascade Falls hike is a great hike for beginners and more advanced hikers. Easy enough for children (but keep an eye on them!) and pets. The terrain does get a bit slippery as others have said. Good shoes are definitely recommended. The views are spectacular, and once you get to the falls, the views get even better. We had a fantastic time, and I would definitely do it again.

One of my favorite hikes ever. We went in August so the water flow was low--apparently it's great high or low, just different. It was an interesting, well marked and easy (although a little vertical) hike over gravel, dirt and even rocks so we felt super adventurous and the kids loooooved it (they're 9). Definitely worth the views and the destination. Both were stunning. Bring water and even a snack so you can lay on the remarkable, smooth boulders at the gentle falls while the kids explore. Don't miss this hike if you're in the area.

How to keep a teen male entertained? CASCADE FALLS TRAIL. At each turn, he had to stop to record to pretty views; the mile up wraps around Cascade Lake and you see Tahoe (east) the whole way. We timed it at sunset so it wouldn't be so hot, BUT TAKE WATER it can get very very warm and there are many rocks to scramble (NOT just a flat walk).FEELS LIKE HEAVEN to stand in the water and listen as it rushes down to Cascade Lake. I'm 55 and need knee replacements and I made it so we'll call it Easy, but young children returning were dragging and requesting to be carried. Dog-friendly, lot's of dog walkers. In July, you can leave at 6:30pm and return at 8pm and it's cooler and less busy and the bears were still snoozing. ENTER at the back of Bayview Campground. No permit just to walk to the falls and back.

Of all the hikes we had made in Nevada and California at Lake Tahoe, this was the most scenic one. It was absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking and enchantingly beautiful!There were severaL trails in this camping ground at BAYVIEW TRAILHEAD and we opted for the Cascade Falls Hiking Trail because no permit was required and it appeared to be decently moderate. It started with a walk through the small camping area and the trail began immediately behind the parking lot to the far right. In a single line trail (we had to step aside to let others past us occassisonally). It may appear flat at first but as we progressed it got rocky and we had to rough it out ..... the terrain and the altitude. There was a GREAT flat rock area that had a BREATHTAKING view of the lake. It was also a lovely spot to take a breather or snap some pictures. We kept going higher and higher till we reached the top where the cascading waterfalls was located. The view at this point was really spectacular...... upwards was the majestic rock formation and downwards was the gushing waters into the clear blue lake! The added bonus was this friendly chipmunk darting in and out of the crevices of the rocks looking for food.This hike was quite exerting and required hiking shoes or good walking shoes for all terrains. The trail to the falls and back would take about 2 hours with sufficient time for catching ones breath and snapping pictures!

The Cascade Falls Trail provides numerous images of unspoiled nature at its best. The hike requires some moderate exertion and It's best to wear hiking shoes or boots. The trail begins from the very back of the campground across from Inspiration Point. There is parking for approximately 20 cars, so go early. The hike starts out flat, then you encounter some stair like climbing over rocky paths. The trail bends around Cascade lake and finishes at the Falls. The vantage point allows views of Lake Tahoe as well. The backdrop of the Lakes, Falls, and soaring Pines are truly awe inspiring. The trail is about 1 mile each way. Bring a bottle of water, and Treat your eyes to Nature's Beauty.

After stopping to see Inspiration Point, on a whim we crossed the road and walked to the back of the little campground there to the Trailhead for Cascade Falls. It starts out nice and flat through some sparse trees, but quickly starts to moderately climb for about one mile. Quite a bit of foot traffic (Memorial Day weekend).... But everyone was friendly and shared the trail. The rocks are moderate.... Tennis shoes or hiking shoes are adequate .... I actually had on flip-flops (unplanned hike).... And navigated the trail just fine. The Falls had quite a bit of water.... Some snow still on the local peaks, and rain a few days ago must have helped. A great hike to just unwind and enjoy the beautiful vista at the end of the trail.

Easy hike, gorgeous views. Be careful in the last section of the hike though, trails are not clearly marked.

Gorgeous hike that's not too far or difficult. Just be careful because the trail ends at the falls send finding it again is not easy. I got lost and ran into some others also lost. We called out nod others helped us out. Being a city slicker was part of it I suppose. All our trails are very well marked back east. This was more wilderness. Beautiful.

You just have to go.. we left this to the last day and we could have spent many, many more hours there! Hike to the falls takes about 20 minutes from carpark, very wide open and you can find a place where no one is and just sit and look at the view.. amazing and we will definately go back..

Agree with other reviewers that this is a more moderate hike. It's not long -- about a mile each way, but the terrain is pretty rough. Don't ask me how, but it seemed like it was uphill both ways! There were areas where we felt like mountain goats because we were so close to the edge, so keep that in mind if you bring little ones along with you.Having said that, the end result was simply beautiful. We went on a particularly hot day, and it felt so nice to touch that cool water and splash some of it on our faces! The views were awe-inspiring. I would love to do this hike again and would highly recommend it. Just make sure to have the proper footwear, and if you're going in the Summer, get on the trail early in the morning to beat the heat.