Though not as large as Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake has fewer visitors, and despite the cabin homes nearby, it’s almost as if nobody else is aware of this lake. We did notice some boat launch ramps and docks. After spending a day on the slopes at Donner Ski Ranch, where the lake is also visible from one of the lifts there, this up-close visit provided a different serenity. We stood there huddled in our winter jackets, admiring the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains, as the sun slowly dipped below the mountains.
Donner Lake
Parking: parking lot on Donner Pass Road
Danger: breezy and brisk chilly air; be weary of snow and ice on the ground during the winter
Exposure: full exposure
Crowd factor: very low
(visited in February 2016)
Happy travels!
Cat
