Placerville residents and visitors have access to an abundance of recreational opportunities all year round. October, however, is an especially great time to enjoy the outdoors in our charming community. Mild, sunny weather makes all your Fall 2015 outdoor adventures even more of a pleasure! Take advantage of the lovely autumn temperatures by exploring these nearby South Lake Tahoe waterfalls:
- Cascade Creek Falls
- Eagle Falls
- Horsetail Falls
- Glen Alpine Falls
- Fontanillis Lake Falls
Make the two-mile round-trip hike to Cascade Falls for a real treat. Even when water is low — a possibility during October — you’ll enjoy stunning views of Cascade Lake. The hike is a wonderful workout with its rocky yet somewhat even terrain.
It doesn’t get much better than the views of Emerald Lake offered by a trip to Eagle Falls. Sixty- and ninety-foot cascades make for lovely scenery when water is abundant. After a relatively easy half-hour hike, unpack a lunch at the on-site picnic area. Bring your dog so he or she can take in the fresh air and abundant nature too.
Visible on the approach to the Twin Bridges from Highway 50, Horsetail Falls provides the perfect Fall 2015 day trip. The challenging 1.4-mile hike should be reserved for experienced hikers and offers views of additional waterfalls en route to the main attraction. At 800 feet, the falls are incredibly powerful and flow year-round. Use extreme caution if you bring children, as the rocks here tend to always be slippery.
Although the waterfall at Lower Glen Alpine Falls is ideally viewed during the spring months, Placerville residents and visitors will enjoy visiting the historic site at Glen Alpine Springs Resort. Bernard Maybeck, the architect responsible for the Palace of Fine Art in San Francisco, designed this early Tahoe Basin resort. Please note that you’ll need a permit for overnight hikes.
The views at Fontanillis Lake Falls are worth the five-mile trek and required permit. The 150-foot cascade can flows during the spring and summer months, but you’ll still find an October visit rewarding.
Whether you’re from Placerville or visiting the area, be sure to plan an Autumn 2015 trip to one of these amazing waterfalls. Pack a picnic basket and don’t forget your camera!
