Bassi Falls, Cascading waterfall in Eldorado National Forest, California

Bassi Falls is a 109-foot waterfall in the Sierra Nevada, west of Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. It lies in El Dorado National Forest at the end of a 1.2-mile trail with about 200 feet of elevation gain. Granite rocks split the water into several stepped drops, and multiple swimming holes sit around the falls.

Bassi Falls lies in the Sierra Nevada west of Lake Tahoe, within El Dorado National Forest in El Dorado County. The falls drop 109 feet over granite ledges, and the surrounding area holds several swimming holes. Access is via the unpaved Ice House Road to a parking area near Union Valley Reservoir, followed by a 1.2-mile trail with about 200 feet of elevation gain.

Bassi Falls sits at the end of a 1.2-mile trail with about 200 feet of elevation gain, and the granite ledges below the 109-foot drop form several swimming holes that visitors use in summer. The falls lie in El Dorado National Forest, west of Lake Tahoe, and the surrounding granite benches serve as places to sit and watch the water.

Reach the trailhead by the unpaved Ice House Road to a parking area near Union Valley Reservoir; a 4WD vehicle is recommended. From there a 1.2-mile trail with about 200 feet of elevation gain leads to the falls. Wear proper hiking shoes for the rocky terrain.

Bassi Falls drops 109 feet over granite, and the pools below the cascade are a short walk from the trailhead at the end of Ice House Road. The 1.2-mile trail gains about 200 feet, so the swimming holes are reached without a long climb.