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Fall is a short yet vibrant season in the Tahoe-Truckee region. It’s still relatively warm throughout the daytime, but there’s a crisp air of change in the morning and late afternoon. Daytime hours become shorter, the trails see less foot traffic, and the leaves begin to change color as the region prepares for the coming winter months.
There’s a quick window of time when you can view the leaves in shades of golden yellow, orange and sometimes red. But it doesn’t last long, and that’s part of the adventure! Typically, you can expect to see the best showing of foliage between late September and the second or third week of October.
Below, I’ve created a list of five of my go-to spots to view the fall foliage. Make sure to bring warm layers and your camera!
The Vikingsholm Trail comes to life in the fall with shades of goldenrod. Photo credit: Kirsten Alexis.
1. Spooner Lake
Probably the most popular location for foliage on Tahoe's East Shore region, Spooner Lake puts on a colorful show for a few short weeks. You will not want to miss out on experiencing fall on this stunning nature walk, fun for all ages and levels. At just 2.5 miles around the lake, this easy hike packs a punch. With views of Spooner Lake, vibrant yellow aspens and sprawling meadows nestled amongst the mountains, you could spend all day here! And I highly suggest you schedule enough time here to enjoy it fully. Bring a camera, sketchbook or picnic to maximize your adventure, and keep an eye out for some wildlife. There are quite a few species of birds out here. The Spooner Lake Loop Trail is accessible from Highway 28, and there is a parking lot. You must pay a $10 fee for a day-use parking permit here.
2. Vikingsholm
One of the South Lake Tahoe region's most sought-after trails, Vikingsholm truly comes to life in the fall as the leaves turn shades of gold and orange. Vikingsholm offers stunning views of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, majestic mountain peaks and a Scandinavian castle down at the shore. It’s an easy out-and-back trail that the whole family can enjoy.
From my time on the trail over the years, I have found that the best fall colors are located about halfway down the trail. Here, the vibrant goldenrod leaves seem to illuminate the trail when the sun hits them at just the right angle, which is in the early morning or mid-afternoon.
Getting to the trailhead is easy, as there is a parking lot right there. You must purchase your pass. If the lot is full, try your luck near the Eagle Falls Trail or on the side of the road where it is permitted. Keep in mind that many spots along the road are not permitted, and you will be fined, or even potentially towed, for parking there.
Reds and oranges brighten the landscape near Fallen Leaf Lake.
3. Fallen Leaf Lake
Another South Lake Tahoe gem, Fallen Leaf Lake is an easily accessible lake with trails that take you around the lakeshore. With stunning views of the sparkling blue alpine lake, surrounding mountains (including the iconic Tallac) and a variety of tree species, Fallen Leaf Lake is the perfect spot for adventure-seekers and those looking for a relaxing respite.
There are plenty of spots to witness the fall foliage around the lake, so I highly recommend wandering the trails to see the variety of colors and landscapes. It's a beautiful spot for photography, and if you're brave, a swim in the lake!
Fallen Leaf Lake is a quick drive from South Lake Tahoe, and there is a parking lot near the campground that you can use. Make sure to arrive early to secure a spot, as it can get quite busy, especially on the weekends. Enjoy your stroll through the colorful forest!
4. Hope Valley
Just about 20 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley is a photographer's paradise. Here, you'll find a network of trails and photo ops, so I highly recommend planning to spend a good chunk of your day here. The main trail begins at the Hope Valley SNO PARK, which has a small parking lot. You can access this from Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road.
One popular spot for photos in Hope Valley is near the charming cabins at the Desolation Hotel Hope Valley. You will most likely see some wedding or family photoshoots going on here, so make sure to be mindful of the space. There are plenty of pockets of photo spots here, and it's perfect to get the creative juices flowing!
5. Martis Valley
Between Tahoe and Truckee is a gorgeous marshland called Martis Valley. The trail here is magical in the fall, with the contrasts of greens, yellows, oranges and burnt reds against a dramatic backdrop of the backside of Northstar and surrounding peaks. This place is especially beautiful during sunset, where a soft golden glow shines a spotlight on Northstar's summit and colorful treetops.
Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot, as Martis Valley has become a popular place to view the foliage over the last few years. You can easily access the trailhead from Highway 267, where you will find a public parking lot.
I hope you have a great time exploring the Tahoe-Truckee region during the fall and find some colorful foliage. Enjoy!
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
