Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake

Glen Alpine Trailhead
4.8
5 Reviews
Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake
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Details

Distance
5.29 miles
Elevation Gain
725 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Family Friendly
Forest
Waterfall
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Jake Young

Head out to Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake by starting at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Lily Lake for an amazing hike to Glen Alpine Falls. This trail offers easy access to branch off to other parts of Desolation Wilderness.

Park your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpine Falls. 

Break out the camera, get the kids ready, and start snapping the photo for the family holiday card. After everyone has taken in the sites, head about another mile west to Grass Lake. Grass Lake is a serene setting to relax, refuel, and enjoy yourself. If you're doing a day hike, simply head back to the car the way you came. If you're on a longer backpacking trip, you can head north on the Glen Alpine Trail, which will circle around Susie and Heather Lakes, eventually arriving at Lake Aloha.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Selenne Martinez
10/26/2025
The google maps took me to a random spot in the road - keep following the road up and yiu will eventually finding a ...
Well Maintained
Amazing Views
Easy To Park
Not Crowded
Well Marked
Great Conditions
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Adam McGrew
6/16/2017
Awesome day hike
This is the PERFECT day hike. There are tons of cool things to see along the trail including the waterfall, historic Glen Alpine Springs ...
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Zan Kavanah
6/27/2016
Epic Beauty!
Wow. This Was An Amazing Trail With Epic Water Features And Rivers And Waterfalls. I Wish I Could Post Pics It Was So Beautiful!
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Justin Richter
6/17/2016
Perfect afternoon Hike
Took this hike out to Grass Lake with my wife and it is officially one of our favorites. Every corner you turn holds ...
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Roxanne Meneses
3/2/2016
Great laid-back trek
Trying to pull up directions to this place can be tough. Google maps can't find it, and Apple maps will take you down the ...
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