Donner LakeAbout Donner Lake
Donner Lake is an alpine lake at the eastern base of Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada of northern California near the town of Truckee. The lake is historically linked to the 1846-47 Donner Party tragedy.
Outdoor recreation is a primary draw - the lake is used for swimming, boating, fishing and lakeside picnics in summer, and its shoreline and nearby trails are visited for hiking and winter scenery. The nearby state park interprets the Donner Party history and provides trails and picnic facilities.
The lake became part of the local transportation and recreation landscape after settlement and the construction of the transcontinental railroad and highways in the Sierra Nevada, with the memorial park established to commemorate the 1846-47 events.
Donner Lake lies immediately west of the town of Truckee in Nevada County, California, at the base of Donner Pass on the Interstate 80 corridor through the Sierra Nevada.
- Historical association: The lake sits at high elevation in the Sierra Nevada and is historically associated with the 1846-47 Donner Party migration across the mountains.
- Size and elevation: Surface elevation is about 5,900 feet (roughly 1,800 metres), and the lake is narrow and roughly two miles long, making it a compact alpine water body for boating and swimming.
What to See#
- Donner Memorial State Park: A state park and memorial located on the lake’s southwestern shore that interprets the 1846-47 Donner Party events and provides trails and picnic facilities.
Nearby Attractions to Donner Lake
Best Time to Visit Donner Lake
Summer offers the best recreational access; winter transforms the lake into a snowy alpine scene. Shoulder seasons provide quieter visits.
Weather & Climate near Donner Lake
Donner Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (896 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -9° - 4° | -6° | 165 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -8° - 6° | -5° | 145 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -5° - 8° | -2° | 124 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - 11° | 1° | 52 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 0° - 16° | 6° | 37 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 22° | 13° | 21 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 6° - 26° | 16° | 9 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 27° | 16° | 12 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 3° - 23° | 13° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 17° | 6° | 54 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -5° - 9° | -1° | 122 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -8° - 4° | -5° | 131 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Donner Lake
Donner Lake is adjacent to Truckee, California, and accessible from Interstate 80. From Truckee take Donner Pass Road/Old Highway 40 to the lake area; public transit and regional buses connect Truckee to Reno and Sacramento with shuttle or taxi options for final access. Donner Memorial State Park provides trailheads and interpretive sites.
Tips for Visiting Donner Lake
- Early morning is best for glassy reflections and quieter access; summer afternoons are hot and buggy.
- Explore Donner Memorial State Park on the lake's north shore for history panels about the Donner Party and pioneer crossings.
- Boat launches and marinas provide water access; check local rules for motorized and non-motorized craft.