Nestled Above Tahoe Is A Hidden Alpine Lake That's A Less Crowded Year-Round Recreational Paradise

It's no secret that Lake Tahoe is the crown jewel of Northern California and Nevada for scenic beauty and outdoor recreation, especially if you visit Sand Harbor, a serene beach with crystal-clear water. It may be the largest alpine lake in North America, but it's not the only one in the region where visitors can enjoy a day of outdoor play. For a Lake Tahoe alternative, you can stay in the region and head to the hidden year-round recreational paradise of Donner Lake. At 2.7 miles long and approximately 0.5 miles wide, Donner Lake is Tahoe's little sister, with many of the same amenities and fewer crowds.

Donner Lake is located along the I-80 on the eastern slope of the infamous Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. This freshwater lake, which sits at 5,936 feet of elevation and was formed from glaciers and volcanic activity, is popular with visitors who prefer to skip the crowds associated with Tahoe. You'll be able to hike, camp, and hit the waters to your heart's content by visiting Donner Lake.

Donner Lake is just 3 miles from the historic downtown of Truckee, Sierra Nevada's under-the-radar mountain hub for outdoor activities and another worthy stop to escape the crowds of Tahoe. The lake is surrounded by Donner Memorial State Park, a great place for first-time visitors to start. You can learn about the area's history, get trail maps, and hear about any closures at the visitor center, open year-round. At the time of this writing, the park has a $10 daily parking fee from May to September, which reduces to $5 from October to April.

In the state park or along the lake, you'll find a hike that meets your needs. There are 8 miles of trails around Donner Lake, or you can take a short, self-guided nature loop from the visitor center with a downloadable guide. Within Donner Summit Canyon, pedestrians, bikers, and equestrians can explore 12 miles of the Donner Lake Rim Trail for incredible views of the natural area. While Lake Tahoe has one of the hardest campgrounds to book in America, you can easily continue your adventure overnight at Donner Lake. There are three campgrounds inside the state park, with 154 sites open from Memorial Day to October, weather permitting. It's best to make reservations up to six months before your trip.

Recreational opportunities are endless in the paradise of Donner Lake, no matter what season you choose to visit. A distinctive feature at Donner Lake is its 37 free public docks, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis to launch your watercraft or just enjoy some sunshine. Parking access for these docks is along Donner Pass Road.

Water sports are one of the leading activities in the summer, from boating to kayaking to paddleboarding. You can rent equipment for paddle sports and boats at the Donner Lake Marina or inside the state park. Free paddle tours are offered in the park on Thursday mornings from June to September. There are also plenty of swimming spots. The 12-acre West End Beach Park is staffed with lifeguards in the summer and is suitable for families. Another option is China Cove inside the Donner Memorial State Park, which also has picnic areas.

In winter, Donner Lake becomes a haven for sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In addition, Donner Ski Ranch, Tahoe Donner, and Sugar Bowl Resort provide alternative options to the larger resorts around Lake Tahoe for skiers and snowboarders looking for some action. A winter visit will be enhanced by hopping aboard the California Zephyr train, known as one of the most breathtaking winter train rides across America, crossing Donner Pass and the lake.