If the best hikes are the ones that reward you at the end, then the trek to Angora Lakes from Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe is a winner. At the end of this steep, roughly one-hour hike, you come to not only two gorgeous and pristine alpine lakes, but also a shop that sells ice cream, sandwiches, treats, and the best fresh-squeezed lemonade around!
Nestled in a glacial valley at 7,450 feet, Angora Lakes is surrounded by granite cliffs that lead to Echo Summit. The north side of the lake is trimmed with a long, sandy beach, perfect for soaking up the sun and swimming. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and rowboats to take to the other side where granite rocks serve as diving platforms for the more adventurous, though caution is advised.
At the lake’s edge are two and four-bedroom Cape Cod-style rental cabins that are part of the almost century-old Angora Lakes Resort. The minimum stay is a week, and they book up at least a year in advance. Many families have made Angora Lakes an annual summer tradition and book their cabin for the next year immediately upon leaving. While I would love to do this sometime, visiting for the day is easier and can be done on a whim.
The Angora Lakes Resort has been around since 1917, and you can rent cabins for 2-4 people on the lake.
How to Get To Angora Lakes
While you can drive to Angora Lakes via Angora Creek Rd. and park for a fee in a lot that’s about half a mile from the lake, the 1.6-mile hike along the Clark Trail from Fallen Leaf Lake will deepen your appreciation for what awaits at the top.
To get to the trail, turn off Rte. 89 onto Fallen Leaf Lake Rd. and drive 2-1/2 miles to a small firehouse and an even smaller chapel. This road, lined on both sides by vacation homes, is narrow – practically one lane at points – and has its rough patches, so drive carefully.
The firehouse and chapel are about half a mile past Fallen Leaf Lake’s marina and general store, and there’s a small parking area. The trail head, which is not well marked, is to the right of the chapel as you’re facing it. The chapel is lovely, so be sure to take a peek inside before you start.
The Clark Trail starts between St. Francis Chapel and the Fallen Leaf Lake firehouse.
The Hike
The Clark Trail is steep and moderately strenuous along its entire 1.6-mile ascent, so could be tough for younger children. Part of what makes it challenging is that for at least half the trail, you’re hiking on loose shale. You’ll want to wear hiking boots or at least sturdy sneakers. This is not a hike for flip-flops, but I suggest packing them, along with towels and lunch, for your beach time at the lake.
As you trek almost 600 feet in elevation, the trail winds in and out of shaded forest, offering several stunning views of Fallen Leaf Lake along the way. After about 45 minutes, you’ll come to the Angora Lakes parking lot (which fills up early for those who are driving), and from there it’s another half a mile or so to the swimming area.
Stunning view of Fallen Leaf Lake as you hike the Clark Trail.
The hike takes you in and out of forest and is shaded most of the way.
After a fun and relaxing time at the lake (don’t forget the lemonade!), you can head back down the Clark Trail the same way you came. If you prefer a less strenuous route, you can return via the fire trail along Angora Creek Rd. You’ll find the fire trail by the Angora Lookout Point near the parking lot you passed coming up. Along this route, you’ll have views of the valley and see remnants of the Angora fire that devastated the area in the summer of 2007. This trail takes you closer to the Fallen Leaf Lake marina, so you’ll have to walk from there to your car by the firehouse.
A quick word about dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash at Angora Lakes, but they may not swim in the lake. If you are planning to stay in one of the cabins at the Angora Lakes Resort, dogs are not permitted.