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Donner Lake

One of the shimmering jewels of the Sierra, Donner Lake is a refreshing mountain getaway for activities from boating in the summer to snowshoeing in solitude in winter. Although it’s a fraction in size to its bigger sibling Lake Tahoe, it offers a more relaxed alternative and just as many options of things to do on and off the water.

Why You Should Visit

Tucked neatly against the eastern side of Donner Pass, it’s 2.7 miles long and a little more than half a mile wide. There’s world-class fishing, miles of hiking trails, easy public access to its water, and its eastern side is arguably one of California’s prettiest state parks. What makes Donner Lake special though isn’t just these facts or even the scenery. It’s everything combined from the quaint restaurants to the public piers and its people. As you take in the pine forest surrounding it and rows of picturesque mountains rising in the distance, you’ll realize why people return year after year to enjoy this slice of alpine heaven.

Easy To Get To Without A Car

Donner Lake is located just three miles from Downtown Truckee and can be easily accessed without a car. Get to the lake by using Truckee's sustainable transportation options and avoid the hassle of parking and traffic. Take Truckee's FREE on-demand shuttle (TART Connect) that operates from 6:30am to midnight in the summer and winter and 6:30am to 10pm in the fall and spring. Or use the TART fixed routes buses and shuttles. Or make a day of it by hopping on Truckee's electric bikes (must purchase single ride or monthly pass) located at docking stations throughout town, available May - October weather dependent.

Donner Memorial State Park

If it’s your first time visiting Donner Lake, we recommend starting with a visit to Donner Memorial State Park. Wrapping around the eastern and southern shores of the lake, you gain easy access to its beaches, hiking trails, and an opportunity to learn about the area’s history.

Guide to Donner Memorial State Park

All Things Water - From Boating To Paddling

If there’s nothing better than getting out on a lake via motorboat, then you’re in luck. The boat ramp to access Donner Lake is on the northwest corner and is open from roughly May through September. Please note that the lake has a 35 MPH speed limit.

Protect Donner Lake from Invasive Species

Be aware that watercraft self-inspections are mandatory for all motorized and/or trailered watercraft launching on Donner Lake and must be submitted to the town of Truckee. Make sure your boat is clean, drained, and dry to help protect Donner Lake from harmful invasive species. Invasives such as invertebrates (New Zealand mudsnails, quagga mussels, and Asian clam), plants (Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla, and curlyleaf pondweed), and warm water fishes degrade aquatic ecosystems, inhibit recreation, and damage infrastructure.

Boat Rentals

Near the boat ramp on the northwestern end of the lake is the Donner Lake Marina, which offers boat rentals. You’ll find everything from stand-up paddleboards, single and double kayaks, hydrobikes, jet skis, motorboats and paddle boats. These are all available by hourly, half day, and full day rates. There are also rentals available at the eastern end of the lake inside Donner Memorial State Park.

Other Watersports And When To Go

All water activities are enjoyable on Donner Lake. The key fact is WHEN to go. Windsurfers will enjoy the lake in the afternoon as the winds pick up. While for water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding, you can enjoy a glassy surface if you head out before 10 am.

37 FREE Public Docks

One of Donner Lake’s more unique aspects are its 37 public docks. Owned and operated by the Truckee Parks and Recreation district, they're available to the public on a first come, first serve basis. They’re perfect to launch a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Or soaking in the sun and even a bit of meditation.

Learn more about public piers here!

Donner Lake Fishing

If you enjoy fishing or would like to try, Donner Lake is a must do. The lake holds some of the largest Mackinaw trout in California, and its waters abound with Brown trout, Rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon.

California Fishing License

Before even throwing a lure into the waters, be sure to pick up a California fishing license. Support the local businesses that provide valuable info on how they’re fishing and pick one up in person from an authorized fishing license retailer such as Trout Creek Outfitters and Mountain Hardware & Sports.

Purchase a fishing license at Trout Creek Outfitters or Mountain Hardware & Sports in Truckee (Donner Pass Road) or at their Soaring Way location. Or, buy online from the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Livin' That Beach Life

Something else that sets Donner Lake apart from Lake Tahoe is that its waters are much warmer. Due to it being hundreds of feet shallower, it has an average temperature in the summer of 76 degrees, which is six degrees warmer than Lake Tahoe. Great for beach goers looking for a warmer dip!

Donner Lake Beaches

There are two main beach areas at the west and east ends of Donner Lake where you can access sandy shores and shallow water. West End Beach on the western end of the lake and Donner Memorial State Park to the east which includes China Cove, a scenic beach with a swimming area, picnic tables, bathrooms, and shaded areas for lounging out of the sun. And for those that are club members of Tahoe Donner, you can access the private Tahoe Donner Beach Club Marina, located right off of Donner Pass Road.

Family-Friendly Vibes

If you want to enjoy the waters with your kids the gorgeous 12-acre West End day-use beach is your best bet. It has American Red Cross Certified Lifeguards supervising the designated swim area in the summer.

Dog-Friendly Beach

Truckee is a tail wagging kind of town as in dog friendly. If you bring your pup you’ll want to head to the east end of Donner Lake within the park. You’ll identify the dedicated pet friendly beach as the area closest to the Tahoe Donner Beach Club Marina.

More Truckee-Tahoe Beaches

Take a dip into all the alpine lakes in Truckee-Tahoe! Keep reading about the area's best beaches.

Where To Stay

Truckee Hotels, Inns, Lodges, and Mountain Homes

Located in Truckee, Donner Lake is within reach of an abundance of lodging options. Browse Truckee hotels, lodges, inns, and mountain homes to find accommodations minutes from the lake and close to shopping, dining, and Truckee's historic downtown. Under the Popular Features & Amenities filter, check the box for "Walk/Ride to Donner Lake Beaches and Piers" to view nearby lodging. From boutique hotels to spacious vacation rentals, there are convenient options for every traveler.

Where To Eat

Situated mere footsteps on the north shore, you’ll find one of our favorite breakfast spots in Truckee. Open since the mid-1970’s, Donner Lake Kitchen is one of the longest running dining establishments in the region. Huge portions of classic breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros, cowboy breakfast, or pancakes with bacon will make sure you’re ready for the day. Another option on the west end is The Pub At Donner Lake. After a few hours of boating, start off with some “lug nuts” and finish off with a juicy half-pound wagyu burger. And whatever you do, make sure there’s room for dessert. The small-batch, premium flavors at Little Truckee Ice Creamery are out of this world.

Bite into Truckee’s mountain cuisine scene.