Best Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails for the Casual Hiker

Best Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe Trails

Updated April 10, 2026

There are endless options of hiking trails and waterfalls in Lake Tahoe. The best Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails are Eagle Lake and Cascade Falls for the occasional hiker.

I love to go hiking but I would not categorize myself as a “hiker.” I like trails with a mild incline, shade, pretty views, and something more strenuous than just a walk outside. Doesn’t everyone? We spent a weekend in Lake Tahoe and tried a different hike each morning. These trails, Eagle Lake & Cascade Falls, came pretty close to my description. Along the trails, we saw many families with small children and lots of people with dogs ranging from all sizes. Almost anyone can enjoy these moderate hikes!

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EAGLE LAKE TRAILS

Distance: 1.8 miles (round trip)

Elevation Gain: 433 feet

Time: 2 hours if you want some time to explore around the lake or even jump in for a swim!

Parking: There is a very small parking lot off the trailhead but it fills up quickly! You’re better off parking along the road as soon as you see the sign. Try to get there before 10a for a good spot!

This moderate hike trails from the top road along Emerald Bay through the wilderness to a small lake nestled in the trees. Start at the trailhead and fill out a permit which is just filling out some contact info and holding onto a piece of paper.

Start heading Southwest up the stairs to the bridge and enjoy the waterfall.

We hiked up to a ridge, hugged some trees, had some fun, and took a few pictures!

Emerald Bay view along Eagle Lake Trails

SISTER, STAND RIGHT HERE. JK, I LOVE MY SISTER!

From the ridge, we continued down the trail until we hit a fork in the road and the sign had fallen down. Take a right for the lake, it’s another 5 min downhill.

Eagle Lake Trails - Best Lake Tahoe trails for the casual hiker

As we arrived, a group was leaving saying they saw a bear on the opposite side of lake and he jumped in to cool off. They showed us the trail they took so we wandered around the lake and kept our eyes open for the bear across the lake. Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky enough to see the bear but we did have some nice views!

We made some friends too!

After about 15-20 mins sitting on a rock in the serene lake, we decided to head back.

More info:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/eagle-lake-trail

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Cascade Falls Trail

Distance: 1.4 miles (round trip)

Elevation Gain: 236 Feet

Time: 1.5-2 hours leaving plenty of time to enjoy the falls and the view

Parking: There is a very small parking lot off the trailhead but it fills up quickly! You’re better off parking along the road as soon as you see the sign. Try to get there before 10a for a good spot! Unless you’re the Mystery Machine! ——>

The Mystery Machine spotted in Lake Tahoe

We parked fairly close to the spot we did the day before for the Eagle Lake Trail. There was a parking area through the campsite but there were limited spots available so we parked on the side of the road.

Cascade Falls Trail Views

The trail starts fairly easy, walking among the trees on flat ground until you hit the trail along the mountain which is fairly rocky, make sure you watch your step!

Rocky trail along Cascade Falls Trail

Once you make it through the trail, you’ll find the falls and beautiful views!

Cascade Falls Views

Cascade Falls

Of course we found more friends!

Chipmunks!

Do you see the lizard?

More information:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/cascade-falls

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