Fallen Leaf Lake, lake in California, United States of America
Fallen Leaf Lake is a glacial mountain lake in El Dorado County surrounded by dense pine forests and clear water. The lake covers approximately 3000 acres and is fed by meltwater from glaciers that flows through streams and creeks in the surrounding terrain.
The lake formed during the ice age when glaciers carved the valley, and later meltwater filled the basin during seasonal thaws. The area has long served as a refuge for people seeking natural solitude and remains largely undeveloped compared to nearby Lake Tahoe.
The lake takes its name from fallen leaves that cover the water surface in autumn as they drop from surrounding trees. This natural occurrence shapes how visitors experience and remember the place across the changing seasons.
The lake is easily reached from Route 89 by turning onto Fallen Leaf Road and finding parking along the roadside. It takes about 15 minutes on flat ground to reach the shoreline, with multiple trails offering both easy walks and more demanding routes for different fitness levels.
The lake hosts a local fall running race that attracts runners who value both the course and the peaceful surroundings. This event connects the place to the broader community and makes it a gathering point for outdoor enthusiasts beyond typical hiking and swimming.
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