SODA SPRINGS, Calif. (BN24) — Three men who vanished after jumping into a waterfall in a remote part of Northern California have been found dead, authorities confirmed Sunday, marking a tragic end to a hiking trip near Lake Tahoe.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said the victims were among a group of six hikers trekking Wednesday through rugged terrain near Rattlesnake Falls, about 30 miles west of North Lake Tahoe in the Soda Springs area.
The three men jumped into the waterfall and did not resurface, prompting an emergency call just before 3 p.m. that led to the deployment of a dive team via helicopter, the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Search-and-rescue crews worked swiftly, airlifting the remaining three hikers out of the remote area on Wednesday night. But efforts to recover the missing men were hampered by treacherous weather, including powerful winds and poor underwater visibility, which forced the suspension of operations on Thursday afternoon.
The search resumed on Sunday under improved weather conditions, allowing divers to safely navigate the fast-moving waters around Rattlesnake Falls, a notoriously slippery and isolated spot.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the bodies were recovered but did not release further details on the victims’ identities or the exact circumstances of their deaths.
The incident adds to a growing list of tragedies involving visitors drawn to California’s scenic but hazardous waterfalls. While picturesque, many such areas—including Rattlesnake Falls—pose severe dangers due to cold, swift currents, hidden rocks, and limited access for emergency responders.
Officials have not confirmed whether the hikers were swept away by the current or struck by debris in the water, but urged the public to remain cautious during outdoor adventures.
“Waterfalls are beautiful but unpredictable,” a Placer County official said. “Even strong swimmers can find themselves in grave danger.”
The sheriff’s office said it will continue to investigate the drownings and work with the families of the victims. No foul play is suspected.
As summer draws more hikers into Northern California’s backcountry, authorities are reminding visitors to exercise extreme caution around fast-moving water—especially in remote, hard-to-reach locations like Rattlesnake Falls.
