![]() In the late 90s, an experienced scuba diver and a professor first “discovered” these underwater trees and began documenting their locations. There are two theories as to how these trees ended up standing perfectly upright underwater as if they magically grew from the lake’s bottom: a megadrought or a landslide. Screen capture of the video from Undersea Voyager Project How did an Underwater Forest Grow in Fallen Leaf Lake? The cold, potable water has become a perfect mechanism for preserving early 19 th century items and ancient trees found in the depths below. Instead, we have a picturesque alpine lake that’s 152 feet higher in elevation than Lake Tahoe, nearly three miles long, and nearly 415 feet deep at its deepest point. If the glaciers didn’t stop, they would’ve continued into Lake Tahoe and formed another bay just like Emerald Bay, which is roughly three miles northwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. A terminal moraine, which marks the end of the glaciers’ movements, is noticeable on the north end of the lake. Fallen Leaf Lakeįallen Leaf Lake was formed out of two glaciers that are believed to have traveled north and stopped roughly one mile south of Lake Tahoe. In addition to the intriguing examination of how the lake got its name, is an even greater mystery that sets this alpine body of water apart from any other lake in the state – the underwater forest of Fallen Leaf Lake. I’m sure for some of you, the thought of a forest at this particular location doesn’t sound all too interesting.īut, what if I told you that this forest is underwater? I bet that’s grabbed your attention. Worth a photo for the gram, a picnic for the ambiance, or even an icy soak for the thrill.At 6,300 feet in elevation, and located at the base of Desolation Wilderness, sits a forest unlike any other. Allegedly, there is a seasonal second waterfall before Glen Alpine Creek.Īll of this is worth it. Websites claim there is parking left at the Glen Alpine trailhead sign across from Lily Lake.įinally, I am not sure if there are two viewing spots, one lower or higher, based on the variety of pictures I find online. I am not sure if it is legal to park there. Third, instead of a parking lot, there are dedicated spots for a few dozen cars. Second, if you plan to climb to the falls (assuming a safe water flow, as found in summer and fall), the short climb is potentially dangerous, requiring you to be nimble and careful, so I don't recommend it for people with mobility or attention issues. (Don't mix that up and drive up with low patience and a little speed). There are occasional wider sections of the neighborhood road that allow people to separate and pass, so with low speeds and a little patience, you can squeeze up and down the hill. The cascades are like rows of staircases running icy, rushing water 65 feet down to a small terrace before continuing down the slope.Īccessibility is "easy", but not effortless.įirst, though the falls can be seen from the roadside, you must first GPS the Fallen Leaf Fire Department and essentially drive up a one-way road with two-way traffic. ![]() This is a pretty set of waterfalls that seems like a movie set, like being on a tram somewhere between Jaws and the Psycho House. ![]()
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