Upper Fourth of July Lake Falls

Location

Upper Fourth of July Lake Falls: 38.6503 N, 120.0216 W

USGS Topo: Caples Lake

Directions

To get to the trailhead turn onto the Blue Lakes Rd from CA-88 ~2.5 miles SW of the intersection with CA-89 and follow it for ~14.5 miles to the intersection with the Upper Blue Lake Campground Rd. Be sure to stop for views at Lower and Upper Blue Lakes (with the views at Upper Blue Lake being better in my opinion). At the trailhead there is a sign marking the start of the "Evergreen" trail. From the trailhead follow the trail that stays on the eastern side of the creek instead of crossing it as the USGS map shows. As the trail comes to another small creek to the right cross the creek (on some rocks) before continuing up the hill on the eastern side of the main creek (trail not marked very well here). Continuing up to the shoulder the trail then descends down to Summit City Creek where the trail crosses the creek ~1.3 miles from the trailhead. After a further ~0.1 miles the trail intersects with another trail coming in from the right that leads up to the Forestdale Divide. After you pass the viewpoint for Devils Corral Falls (~1.9 mile mark), continue down the trail. As the trail continues to descend you reach a junction with another Forestdale Divide Trail coming in from the right (right after you cross through two seasonal washes) at ~2.8 miles. At ~2.9 miles you come upon the Fourth of July Lake Trail to the right. Shortly after continuing on this trail the views open up all around you. As you climb the views get better and better. At ~3.7 miles there is side-view of Fourth of July Lake Falls. At ~4.1 miles you reach the eastern shore of Fourth of July Lake with a nice view of this waterfall across the lake. It is possible to get a closer view of this waterfall by walking around to the other side of the lake (no trail).