Glen Alpine Fall.

On Thursday after our hike to Fallen Leaf Lake we decided to drive a short three miles up Fallen Leaf Road to see Glen Alpine Falls. We had a good but short hike so we thought we would see the falls as long as we were this close.

Fallen Leaf Road started as a narrow road but as it got closer to the east lakeshore of Fallen Leaf Lake it became a very narrow and rough single lane with an assortment of potholes. The land along this side of the lake is privately owned and the lake is lined with cottages that are close to the road as the road hugs the shore. In addition to the narrow width of the road there were hills and blind corners which made it interesting when you met other cars, and there were a number of other vehicles using the road (we even met a large dump truck); it was a slow trip as we would slow, stop or move aside when we met other vehicles.

 

Another vehicle waits for us to pass on Fallen Leaf Road.

 

 

We found the turnoff for the falls and we parked a short distance off the “main” road. There were a few cars there, and a number of people enjoying the falls; it was one of those spots that we were really happy we took the time to find.

 

John and Sandy at Glen Alpine Falls.

 

The falls.

 

 

We walked up to the top of the falls to see Alpine Creek and look down as the water tumbled to the creek below. We left our trail dog in the CRV so our visit was short but enjoyable.

 

Alpine Creek.

 

The edge of the falls.

 

Looking down into the valley as the creek tumbles down.

 

Fallen Leaf Lake from the road.

 

Using Sandy as a spotter John turned the CRV around (we were parked on a blind corner at the top of a steep hill), and we returned to Fallen Leaf Road and started our slow drive back to Hwy 89. We hadn’t gone far when a full-sized Ford van filled our rearview mirrors, John pulled over and let the van pass then we sped up and followed as it bobbed, weaved and bounced down the road; like magic oncoming vehicles moved over and stopped for this large car and we sped through behind it giving each of them a courteous wave. We made it back to Hwy 89 in less than half the time it took to drive in.