eagle lake

worth going past the falls to see the lake. very shimmery in late afternoon. It was like watching silver dots sparkle. Moderate hike, so be prepared to step over large rocks and roots

Good luck parking. But this is to be expected in the Tahoe area on a weekend. Had to park about 3/4 mile up the road and walk to the trail head.Pretty good elevation gain from the trail head, lots of stairs. We enjoyed the workout even though the trail is only about 1.5 miles. Worth the effort if not a great hiker. We're glad we decided to see it, though there are many more beautiful lakes than this in the Tahoe area. The lake itself is pretty enough. I recommend hiking around to the west end. There's an easy rock slide scramble to some good view points and some nice flat rocks to have a snack.

I visited the Lake Tahoe area at the end of July with my family. It had been over 10 years since my last visit. Prior to the trip I researched on Trip Advisor some places to visit, hikes and places to eat. The Eagle Lake hike was one that got a good review. For good reason. This was a spectacular hike. We parked in the Eagle Falls/ Eagle Lake parking lot. Be sure to get there before 11 or you will have to park on the road. Parking was only $5 and well worth it. From there we took the hike down to Emerald Bay and toured the Vikingsholm and lower Eagle Falls. After that we hiked back up to the parking lot and crossed the road to look at the top of Eagle Falls. It was a nice perspective seeing the bottom and top of the falls. After a break and a picnic lunch at the picnic tables there, we tackled the Eagle Lake hike. The trailhead is right there in the parking lot. The review says that it is a moderately strenuous hike. It definitely is. I have an 8 year old girl and 10 year old boy that have been on many hikes with me throughout Yosemite and the Sequoia's. They were able to do the hike with no problem. If you have been to the top of Vernal Falls in Yosemite, that hike is more strenuous. The key to Eagle Falls hike is to take your time and be sure to bring plenty of water. It is a well maintained trail and has many established steps along the way. Altogether it took us about 45 minutes to reach the lake. We stopped 3 times to rest and hydrate and to take in the views along the way. At the end of the hike you will feel it in your legs and backside since most of the way to the Lake is a moderate uphill trek. At the end of the hike and as the lake comes into view, it is a spectacular picture. We wore our swimming suits and I packed towels in a back pack. That was great planning on my part. Once we got to the Lake we couldn't wait to get in the water. There is a small beach at the open of the lake form the trail. It is not a large beach , but you might be able to find a spot to lay a blanket or towel. We followed the trail around the lake until we found a smaller beach that was vacant. From there were able to get into the water and swim out to the little island in the middle of the lake. Wow it was refreshing. In fact, some of the reviews said that the lake might be cold, but that was not the case. I live near the California coast and the ocean is way colder than that lake. Keep in mind this was the end of July though. The swim and the beauty of the lake made this hike a must for anyone visiting that area.

This little lake was pretty stunning; there is a bit of a hike to get to it - but on a nice day its no problem at all!As you approach it you sort of get glimpses of it through the boulders and then it reveals itself as you get next to it, it looked amazing.

This is a great hike! A short hike to the falls, then a moderate hike to the lake. Totally beautiful and worth the effort!!

Eagle Lake is truly in the middle of nowhere. You can only get to it on foot (meaning hiking about 1 mile from Eagle Falls Trail-head.) It is so worth the effort. The lake is stunning, extremely an experience to witness.

I climbed up to Eagle Falls for the first time last month so with a few words of encouragement from the friendly ranger, I decided to go further up to Eagle Lake this time. He said the first "400 yds" was a steep rocky climb but it's fairly easy after that. Well... easy for him and yeah... well, many others passed me with ease. For me, it was a hard climb. The trail had uneven rocks and some spots, a bit slippery. The lighter air in the higher altitude made me huff and puff, and turn beet red, on a very hot day. There were moments that I muttered that I regretted we found a parking space this second day of trying. Parking was near impossible because of the large 4th of July visitors. We gave up the first day. Many cars were parked illegally on the road. I've seen them give out tickets before, so we didn't think it was worth the risk. OK, the good stuff...Even though the path can be a bit narrow, there were plently of spots to just stop and rest before going on. People are friendly and will go around you. The view, the clear beautiful water, was well worth it. I did not jump it like some for a swim... but it felt very good to pour the cool water on my head, neck, arms, and face. Yes, perfect for a small picnic but the weight of the water bottle was already killing me during the climb. My little 7 y-o and 12 y-o nephews led the climb carrying their hydration packs with no difficulty at all. They stopped to munch on energy bars and suck on their Gatorade, to wait for me. My 20 y-o son stayed back to keep on eye on me and his father. Would I do it again? maybe, on a cooler day... I would try the easier loop trail.The website says 1 mile.... but I think that is a mistake.

A moderate hike up the stone paths and definitely worth the hike! The scene of the lake is really surreal - like out of a movie or painting! Went on a Sunday and parking was hard to come by and people were about. Would definitely make the trip back, but on a warm weekday so I can swim in the lake and hike more around the lake with less people around. Bring a lunch and swimming gear and wear comfortable shoes!

Take the loop part of the hike to the vista point, worth the couple extra feet walked for the view. The trail was more rocky than we were expecting so I was glad we work actual hiking boots. I'd think on a busier day the trail could get crowded in places as there are some spots where there is only one good path over the rocks etc.Great views of hills and lake along most all of the trail which makes it more enjoyable.

This hike is good for most. I would say kids 6+ and adults who can handle a medium level hike. The trail is easy but uphill to the lake and rigorous because of the elevation. Watch out for people with their dogs off leash. If it is warm pack your swimsuits and towel. Eagle lake refreshing on a hot day. Hit the bathroom at the trailhead before heading up. Also parking can be a pain.

You need to be fairly in shape for this gradual climb, this is not an easy access scenic vista for elderly or anyone not good at balance. I am not a regular hiker of back country, but am in shape, and found this to be a fair workout. The alpine lake at the end of the stone steps and rocky walkways was lovely but in my opinion, not worth the walk. My husband loved it, so there's two different opinions right there. I thought the other hike down to view the lower falls was much more rewarding.The lake was too cold to swim. Bring a lunch and find a spot to enjoy the scene. Quite a few folks about, dogs, kids made it active and noisy.

This is one of the very best shorter hikes we've ever done at Tahoe. Very easy to get to and worth the trip. The trail head is in the rear of a large parking area off hwy 89 near Emerald Bay. (Eagle Lake parking area.) It costs $5 (self pay drop box) to park in the larger lot, but parking is free in the two smaller lots adjacent to hwy 89. The hike up to Eagle Lake is 2 miles round trip, and is moderate with a steady elevation gain following the river up to the lake. Lots of rough hewn stone stairs, forested and very beautiful. The views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay and the surrounding mountains are stunning. Eagle Lake is pristine. A truly fabulous hike.

My wife and I took a hike to the beautiful Eagle Lake on our Lake Tahoe honeymoon in 2008. The trail head is near Emerald Bay on the main road across the street from Emerald bay. It is about 2 miles round trip. The trip out to to Eagle Lake takes you up in elevation on along a rock carve stepped path. It is well marked and a relatively easy hike. Eagle lake would be a beautiful place to have a picnic lunch. We also saw people enjoying a nice swim (we did not have suits with us) in the lake. The trip back has some great views of Lake Tahoe from a couple of the plateau's along the way.

Very crowded on weekends.. get there early..

Depuis quelques années nous faisons le trail qui va a Eagle Lake, c'est une marche de montagne magnifique, un peu difficile, mais il suffit de faire des poses, en ce qui nous concerne mon épouse et moi partons du parking vers 10 heures le matin avec notre casse croute et de la boisson et mangeons le midi sur les bords du lac de montagne, c'est magnifique avec un silence exeptionnel, la descente se fait tranquillement avec la vue sur Lake TahoeNous conseillons