Glen Alpine Falls is a layered stair-step cascade of roughly 65 feet on Glen Alpine Creek near the south end of Fallen Leaf Lake. It is essentially roadside, viewable a few steps from the road off Fallen Leaf Lake Road.
Its 65 ft drop is taller than about 50% of the 775 waterfalls we track.
The falls are fed by Glen Alpine Creek. It lies in El Dorado, California. The site is on public land managed by Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (USFS).
This is a roadside waterfall: visible from a road, parking area, or a walk of a few hundred feet. Little to no walking is required, so it suits a quick roadside pull-off rather than a dedicated hike. The nearest town is South Lake Tahoe.
When to go: Late spring (snowmelt). Flow usually peaks after snowmelt and heavy rain and tapers through late summer — a quick look at recent streamflow and the managing agency's conditions page can save a wasted trip.
