Donner Lake

While Truckee and the Lake Tahoe basin have undergone tremendous modernization in retail business and real estate, the Donner Lake community remains somewhat untouched and has preserved the once rustic experience of vacationing and living a good life in a beautiful mountain and lake environment.

Located between Interstate 80 and the Schallenberger Ridge in Truckee, and nestled along Historic Route 40, is the community’s icon, “Donner Lake”. Named for the infamous Donner Party who spent their fateful winter here in 1846, this year-round fresh water lake is a great backyard bonus.

Donner Memorial State Park wraps around the eastern shore and part of the south shore, where you can set up camp at any of the 154 designated sites, hike the 2.5 miles of trails, bike, swim, kayak, or enjoy a BBQ with friends. The private beach for Tahoe Donner homeowners and guests is located on the west shore of Donner Lake, and the perfect spot to spend a summer day kayaking or boating on the lake, munch on goodies at the Snack Shack, or simply take in the beauty of the “jewel of the Sierra.”

Because the infrastructure of the Donner Lake community is so small and intimate, you will notice the northern and southern shorelines offer a mix of modern lakefront residences and charming A-frame cabins that were constructed here in a time of alpine simplicity. If you’re looking for real estate in a neighborhood with few frills but one that captures the region’s enchanting natural beauty, then Donner Lake is your perfect match.

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