Donner Lake

After summiting Donner Pass and beginning the steep downgrade towards the town of Truckee, we are greeted with one of the more phenomenal views in the area, specifically, Donner Lake. Whether one is coasting down the smooth curves of Interstate 80 or conquering the hairpin corners of Old 40, we are all welcomed to the area by what many call “The Jewel of the Sierra”. The lake and much of the surrounding area is rightfully named after the harrowing and fateful journey of the Donner Party’s trek West, which is properly memorialized on the eastern shore at the Donner Memorial State Park. Donner Lake is well known for picturesque hiking trails, great sunny beaches, fantastic fishing and mostly calm waters for water sports. During the colder months, visitors and locals alike, enjoy relatively easy access to the four peaks at Sugar Bowl and the increasingly rare opportunity to night ski at Boreal Mountain California. Donner Lake is truly a special area and is well deserving, both in appearance and amenities, as being known as “The Jewel of the Sierra”.

Additional Area Photos