Camping at Fallen Leaf Lake with Dogs
Cinnamon-colored black bear at Fallen Leaf Lake
Bear photographed at safe distance at Fallen Leaf Campground with my Sony 6400 with a 70-350mm Telephoto Lens
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada off Highway 89, Fallen Leaf Lake is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Best of all, it is dog friendly! Whether you love to hike, kayak, or paddle board with your dog, Fallen Leaf Lake offers a quieter alternative to the bustling shores of Lake Tahoe. There are over 200 sites including a handful of yurts (no dogs inside the yurts), flushing toilets, coin operated showers, and a store for camping essentials such as firewood and ice. Of course, like much of California, in the summer and especially on weekends, it can be hard to reserve a campsite. So plan early, go during the week, or be flexible and look for those last minute cancellations.
HIKING
Fallen Leaf Lake is surrounded by miles of trails, many of which are dog-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll along the lake’s edge or a challenging hike up to the surrounding peaks, there’s something for everyone! The campground is also close to the Glen Alpine and Mt Tallac trailheads which are part of Desolation Wilderness. Although we come across other dogs and people on these trails, they never feel overly crowded. There are still plenty of peaceful solitary moments to savor the the mountain air and sounds of nature.
Here are a few dog friendly hikes we’ve enjoyed:
Fallen Leaf Lake Trail-This relaxing mostly flat trail through the forest starts from the campground and follows the shoreline. It is about 3.5 miles out and back with many spots for dogs and people to dip their toes and paws or go for a swim.
Glen Alpine Trailhead-This trailhead leads to many moderate to challenging hikes. The parking lot can fill up on weekends, but there are also pullouts along the road to park. From Glen Alpine, we’ve hiked to a few lakes-Grass Lake (a moderate 5.4 mile out and back hike), Susie Lake (a moderate 8.5 mile out and back hike), and Gilmore Lake (a more challenging 8.7 mile out and back hike).
PADDLING
Fallen Leaf Lake is a serene and picturesque spot for paddle boarding and kayaking, especially during the mornings when the water is calm and glassy. In the afternoons, however, the winds often pick up creating choppy waters. Keep an eye on the wind, or you might end up paddling hard to avoid being blown to the far side of the lake!
REACTIVE NOTE
As mentioned above, Fallen Leaf campground is popular and well visited, however, there are some steps to help make camping with a reactive dog easier. One of the most helpful things for Linus (our reactive pup), has been bringing his crate and place cot with us. Because we’ve worked on crate training and the place command at home, he knows that his crate is a safe place for him to rest and relax. It also helps, whenever possible, to get a campsite with the fewest neighbors like ones on the ends or around the perimeter. Check out our other tips for camping with a reactive dog.
Also with all the physical activities at Fallen Leaf for dogs and people-the challenging hikes, cold water swims, and long paddles around the lake, our dogs have been quite tired and fulfilled at the end of each day!
A fulfilled Luna on her “place” cot
Fallen Leaf Campground closes in mid-October, so there's still time for a late summer or early fall getaway. If you can't make it this year, now is the perfect time to start planning next year's adventure! Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. If wildlife sightings, hiking, paddling, and camping are on your list of must-do activities, Fallen Leaf Lake is the ideal destination. Whether you're exploring the scenic trails, enjoying a peaceful paddle on the lake, or camping under the stars, Fallen Leaf Lake provides an unforgettable experience for both you and your dog. We can’t wait for our next trip!
