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Hike to Bassi Falls

Kyburz, California

4.6/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

1.22 miles

Elevation Gain

194 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Beth Young

Scenic views of a powerful waterfall, granite boulders and towering pines. Few crowds. Photographic possibilities abound, including the foliage and boulders at the base of the falls. 1.2 mile hike. 250 foot elevation gain.

109' tall Bassi Falls is located in the Crystal Basin area of the El Dorado National Forest. These gorgeous falls at peak Springtime flow crash over enormous boulders and the water sheets over huge, flat slabs of granite. It is located off a rural, pot-holed dirt road (high clearance vehicles recommended) . Afternoon is a preferable time to photograph here, since the light will be hitting the falls, and if you're lucky, you'll witness rainbows as well.

On Highway 50, east of Pollock Pines, head north on Ice House Road for approximately 15 miles, until you cross Big Silver Creek, east of Union Valley Reservoir. Turn right onto the first dirt road, heading left at the first fork. After approximately 1.5 miles, the dirt road terminates to a dead end parking area where the trail is clearly marked, and you will hear the powerful falls from the trailhead approximately 1/2 mile away!

There is also a steep climb to the top of the falls, to (carefully) witness Bassi Creek hurtling over the edge.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike to Bassi Falls Reviews

This is a beautiful waterfall that is best seen during the spring and early summer. It is an easy hike and is great for families.

The great thing about the area is there are multiple parking areas and multiple trail heads. This leads to accommodating more people which does take some of the quaintness out of the hike, but the great part is a few of those parking lots allow for a bit longer of a hike. If you forego the last left hand turn and stick straight once you turn off Ice House Rd, take that until you reach the dead end and there is parking there or down the hill at a second parking lot. These lots have trail heads for a 2 mile hike to the falls, which we loved so much more than the small hike the author talks about. The longer hike lets you see more of the falls that are downstream of the main falls. The hike is easy with all elevation changes being gradual. We went in July and it was 80* out, so out water packs helped out immensely, but the ability to stop at multiple points on the river and stick your head/feet in really helped, and added to the hike. The falls are probably best to see in the April/May timeframe as the water was a little low today, but nonetheless, still a fun, worthwhile hike

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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