Donner Lake Truckee, Ca

Donner Lake is a focal point for many activities. The usual water type activities of swimming, sailing, water skiing (35 MPH Limit), diving, and fishing (Mackinaw, Rainbow, German Brown, and Kokanee) can be enjoyed on our "jewel of the Sierra". There are many accessible points for lounging around the lake. There is Donner State Park on the east end, piers open to the public on the north side, public boat launch, and a private beach on the west end, most of the south shore is private piers and property.

               1)Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking.  In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty.  Visitors are welcome year-round at the Emigrant Trail Museum and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's.  Included in the museum are displays and information about one of the earliest pioneer wagon trains, the Donner Party, forced by circumstances to camp at the east end of Donner Lake in the winter of 1846-47, resulting in human suffering and loss of life.

Things to do in the Park:

Fishing
The park has over three miles of frontage on Donner Lake and Donner Creek. Although the fishing is not usually spectacular, the lake has some native kokanee and planted trout. A fishing license is required. (Many fisherment prefer to use the park as a base to visit nearby lakes).
Hiking Trails
The park has about 2.5 miles (4 km.) of hiking trails.  Park property in Coldstream Canyon to the south contains the alignment of the primary Emigrant Trail, which leads up to U.S. Forest Service and the Pacific Crest trails beyond the park.  Maps are for sale at the Emigrant Trail Museum.
Camping and Day Use
Located at Donner Memorial State Park is a campground of 154 sites and a day-use area along the lake with picnic tables, restrooms, a beach, fishing, and a lakeside interpretive trail that has 18 panels which discuss the natural and cultural resources in the area. Also camping here during the fourth of July is a favorite with the locals. You get the best view in the house with your private beach for the fireworks!

Public Piers

               2) Donner Public Piers- These piers look like there private but they aren’t. The 37 piers on the northside of tahoe are one of the most accessible places for the lake. On the weekends I would try and get one before 11 or noon. Many people do not like to share their pier but if there full you can try the kayak launch ramp for some spots by the lake.

               3) The Donner Lake Boat Ramp is located on the northwest corner of the lake. The facilities offered: 2 Lane Boat Ramp, Floating Docks, Fish Cleaning Station, Restrooms, Car and Boat Trailer Parking. Season launching passes are sold at the District Office starting May 6. Up to 3 boats registered in the same name may use the same pass. Bring Vessel Registration certificates for all boats.Launch Fees:CA residents $10.00 - Out of State $15.00 - Parking only $3.00

               4) Shoreline Park and All Access Fishing Pier. Located midway on the north shore of Donner Lake the facilities: This park features bank fishing, picnic tables, and hand launching of small craft and windsurfers. The All Access Fishing Pier was completed with grant monies from the Wildlife Conservation Board. It was designed to provide lake access for persons with any level of physical disability. Please park in designated areas.

West End Beach

               5) Nestled on the West Shore of Donner Lake, this 10 acre day use beach facility offers excellent shaded picnic and barbeque sites for families or groups. Please call the District offices at 530 582-7720 to make reservations. You must complete a Rental Facility Application to reserve a facility. Reservations accepted at least two weeks in advance. American Red Cross Certified Lifeguards supervise the designated swim area. You may call the front gate at 530 582-7777 to check on current conditions. Day passes are 4 for adults and 3 for teens and under. Very nice spot for a reunion or wedding.