Cedar Lake Falls is the reward for bushwhacking

This waterfall is off-the-beaten path, but is spectacular in the rainy season.

Olathe’s Cedar Lake is southwest of town, between Olathe and Gardner. Below its spillway is Cedar Lake Falls, which is completely out of sight and earshot from the lake access road. But if you know what you’re looking for, you’ll find it.

Finding Cedar Lake Falls
There is no numbered address to the falls. Take 159th Street to the Access Road, then follow it to its western terminus. There is a gravel loop where you can park next to the lake. An unmarked but visible trail, a few hundred yards in length, will lead you to the falls. This trail is not maintained, so overgrowth is a constant barrier in all seasons. In warm months, insect repellent is essential. Plan on getting wet and muddy in your journey to and from the falls. But it’s worth it.

P.S. As with all waterfalls, there’s more to see after a rain and less to see during a dry periods.