Donner Lake

Donner Lake is arguably the most famous spot in Truckee, as well as your first breathtaking sight when you come over Donner Summit on I-80. This convenient, spectacular and historic location is highly coveted by those who want a high alpine feeling that’s close to, well, everything!

The lake is about 328 feet deep and 8 miles around, with plenty of room to paddle board, kayak, sail, water ski and fish. The crystal clear water is renowned as a training ground for endurance swimmers, and adjacent Old Hwy 40 is the high-altitude road bikers go-to when they need a workout. Cliffs and boulders less than a mile away offer a world-class destination for rock climbers, and you’ll discover a lifetime of trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, for hiking.

Winters in the Donner Lake area are great for cross-country skiing, back country skiing and snowshoeing, and you’re close to all the Donner Summit ski areas, including Sugar Bowl and Boreal.

If you’re not a lakefront owner, the north shore of Donner Lake provides easy access to the water with its many public docks for swimmers and boats. Enjoy fireworks over the lake for the 4^th of July or catch the Donner Lake Triathlon in the later part of the month!

When you’ve had your outdoor fun for the day, you’re only moments away from shopping, dining and services in historic downtown Truckee!

For the historically minded, Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Museum provides a great view into the area’s past.