Cataract Lake
Discover serene alpine lakes and tranquil waterfalls in Colorado, or peaceful forest trails in Indiana.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Cataract Lake
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serene alpine lakes and tranquil waterfalls in Colorado, or peaceful forest trails in Indiana.
"Stunning alpine lake views and peaceful forest trails offer a perfect escape into nature."
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking at Lower Cataract Lake is very limited; arrive early or consider weekdays.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!
Especially around the water, bug spray is essential for a comfortable experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lower Cataract Lake Loop
Near Heeney, Colorado
An easy, family-friendly 2.3-mile loop with minimal elevation gain, offering lake and waterfall views.
Upper Cataract Lake Hike
Eagles Nest Wilderness, Colorado
A more challenging 10.2-mile round trip hike with 1,650 ft elevation gain, rewarding with alpine lake views and wildflowers.
Cataract Falls
Indiana
Experience the tranquility of these falls and the surrounding forest trails, a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll.
Wildlife Spotting
Colorado
Keep an eye out for wildlife like moose and hawks in the high-elevation areas around Cataract Lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Know Before You Go: Colorado's Cataract Lakes
+1Indiana's Cataract Falls: A Peaceful Escape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking at Lower Cataract Lake is very limited; arrive early or consider weekdays.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!
Especially around the water, bug spray is essential for a comfortable experience.
⚠️ Algae Warning
Be cautious of blue-green algae in Indiana's Cataract Lake; keep dogs and children out of the water.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Trails can be rooty, so wear appropriate hiking shoes for stability.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking at Lower Cataract Lake is very limited; arrive early or consider weekdays.
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must!
Especially around the water, bug spray is essential for a comfortable experience.
⚠️ Algae Warning
Be cautious of blue-green algae in Indiana's Cataract Lake; keep dogs and children out of the water.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Trails can be rooty, so wear appropriate hiking shoes for stability.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
High elevation and hiking require ample hydration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the natural beauty and tranquility of Cataract Lake, highlighting the stunning alpine scenery in Colorado and the peaceful forest setting in Indiana. While some note limited parking and potential algae concerns, the well-maintained trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting are consistently appreciated.
"The trees are the real attraction. Occasionally a train passes, but fast. Back to tranquility.
Love the paths in the forest. Haven't seen elk, or any ants for that matter.
It's tote out your trash in Fall, but a dumpster provided in Summer ."
Robert Medina
"Attention Dog Owners!!!
Beware of the Blue green algae in the lake...keep your dogs out of the water!!!
It can make people sick too!!
Besides that...I Enjoyed hanging out . taking strolls with my dog!!..but only fish I saw being caught was by Hawks .. which was pretty damn awesome!!!"
Twistedhippie
"Clean restrooms, lots of fish, beautiful lake. Host Courtney was very helpful and lovely to visit!"
Tanya “Red” Sprague
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Silverthorne, CO, take Highway 9 north towards Green Mountain Reservoir. Turn left onto Heeney Road, then left again onto Cataract Lakes Road. The trailhead parking is for Lower Cataract Lake.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the more remote Cataract Lake trailheads in Colorado. Driving is the most common method.
The drive to Lower Cataract Lake from Heeney, Colorado, takes about 40 minutes to the trailhead. The road can be rough in places.
Cataract Falls is located in Cataract, Indiana. Access is generally straightforward via local roads, with parking available near the falls and lake.
Roads to Cataract Lake can be affected by snow in early summer. Check local conditions before you go, especially for Upper Cataract Lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The boardwalk at Lake Williams (mentioned in a TikTok) is free. For Colorado's Cataract Lakes, access to the trails and lakes is generally free, but parking can be limited.
For the Lake Williams boardwalk, hours are dawn to dusk. For Colorado's Cataract Lakes, access is typically open during daylight hours, but be mindful of weather conditions.
Reservations are generally not required for day use at Cataract Lake in Colorado. However, due to limited parking, arriving early is highly recommended.
While day-use facilities are available, information on overnight camping at Cataract Lake itself is limited. The Eagles Nest Wilderness offers backcountry camping opportunities.
Cataract Falls in Indiana is generally accessible year-round, but conditions can vary with weather. The lake may have seasonal algae concerns.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Lower Cataract Lake offers an easy 2.3-mile loop, perfect for families. For a more strenuous hike, the ~10.2-mile round trip to Upper Cataract Lake is recommended.
Yes, Cataract Lake in Colorado is known for its beautiful waterfalls, especially visible from the Lower Cataract Lake trailhead.
Reviews suggest Cataract Lake in Indiana is good for fishing, with hawks often seen catching their own.
Swimming is not explicitly recommended at Indiana's Cataract Lake due to potential blue-green algae. For Colorado's alpine lakes, conditions vary, and it's typically cold.
Yes, Cataract Lake in Indiana is described as a nice day-use area with plenty of space for picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
The alpine lake views, surrounding mountains, wildflowers in summer, and cascading waterfalls offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Early mornings often provide the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the serene beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
Drone usage regulations can vary. Check with local authorities or park services for specific rules regarding drone operation in the Eagles Nest Wilderness or Indiana state parks.
Occasionally, trains pass by the Indiana location, offering a unique contrast to the natural tranquility.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It offers beautiful scenery without being too strenuous for younger children. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for limited parking by arriving early. In Indiana, Cataract Falls provides a peaceful setting for family outings. The well-maintained trails are suitable for a relaxed stroll. However, parents should be vigilant about the potential for blue-green algae in the lake and ensure children and pets stay out of the water.
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking a Challenge
The elevation gain of 1,650 feet leads to stunning panoramic views of the Eagles Nest Wilderness. Hikers should be aware of potential snow lingering into early summer and pack accordingly.
The trail can be rooty, so sturdy footwear is essential. 📸 Photographers' Paradise
+1 Early morning light is ideal for capturing the serene beauty and vibrant colors, especially during wildflower season. In Indiana, the tranquil forest setting and the falls themselves offer a more subdued, peaceful aesthetic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Colorado's Cataract Lakes Trails
This trail offers beautiful views of the lake and nearby waterfalls. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the hike to Upper Cataract Lake is a significant undertaking. This trail, accessed via the Surprise Trailhead, is approximately 10.2 miles round trip with about 1,650 feet of elevation gain.
It winds through the Eagles Nest Wilderness, showcasing cascading streams, alpine meadows, and breathtaking lake vistas. Key highlights for this trek include vibrant wildflowers in the summer and stunning fall colors. Important considerations for both trails include the need for sturdy hiking boots due to rooty sections
+1Indiana's Cataract Falls: A Tranquil Retreat
A significant point of awareness for visitors, particularly dog owners, is the potential presence of blue-green algae in the lake during warmer months. This algae can be harmful to both pets and humans, so it's crucial to keep dogs out of the water and exercise caution.
While the lake is noted for having plenty of fish, most catches observed are by hawks, which is considered an awesome sight by visitors.
Wildlife Encounters at Cataract Lake
Beyond larger mammals, the area is also a haven for birdlife. Hawks are frequently spotted, particularly around the Indiana Cataract Lake, where they are seen actively fishing.
When exploring, always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and never feed them. Being prepared with binoculars can enhance your chances of spotting these incredible creatures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit