Donner Lake
May 11, 2009
Donner Lake is a freshwater lake in northeast California on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada and about 11 miles northwest of the much larger Lake Tahoe. A moraine serves as a natural dam for the lake. The lake is located in the town of Truckee, sandwiched between Interstate 80 to the north and Schallenberger Ridge to the south. The tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad run along Schallenberger Ridge and closely follow the route of the original trans-continental railroad. The historic route of U.S. 40 follows the northern shoreline, then climbs to Donner Pass from where the entire lake may be viewed.
Both the lake and the pass were named after the unfortunate Donner Party, which spent its fateful winter near the lake in 1846. A state park is on the east end of the lake and provides great campsites with access to several different beaches. There are also various hiking trails in the park for visitors to enjoy.
View this months new listings for Donner Lake
Donner Lake / Armstrong / Blitz Tract
August 20, 2008
The beautiful Donner Lake community offers breathtaking views of Donner Lake and the Pacific Crest as well as countless activities. The Donner Lake area is bordered by the Donner Memorial State Park on the east and Donner Summit on the west and draws both history buffs and nature seekers. The history of Donner Lake includes the famous camp site of the Donner Party. At the west end of the lake, the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District maintains a public beach with a snack bar, a playground and a public boat launch.
Click here for Map of Donner Lake
The Armstrong and Blitz Armstrong neighborhoods are on the other side of 80 from Donner Lake, with new and established homes. Many lots have excellent lake views and access to Donner Lake is easy due to close proximity of the Highway 80 overpass.
