An awesome sight just off I-80 and 3 hours from the San Francisco Bay area, Donner Lake is 3 miles long, 1/2 mile wide and approximately 600 ft deep. Formed by a glacier, home of the Donner Party, history buffs and nature lovers are often drawn to Donner Lake. Bordered on the east by the Donner Memorial State Park and newly completed visitor center/museum and Donner Summit on the West.

The Donner Lake neighborhood is within 20 to 30 minutes to everything a full time or second home owner could ask for. This is a breathtaking alpine setting populated by large lakefront homes and smaller rustic cabins. Homes and condos begin in the upper $200,000 range and lakefront homes start near $900,000. A few lots remain from $90,000 to a million plus.

There are several beaches around the lake ranging from those in the state park, Tahoe Donner Property Owners Association, Donner Lake Property Owners Beach Club, West End and public shorelines. My favorites are the public piers/docks that are maintained by the Truckee Donner Parks and Recreation District (as is West End). You may launch your boat and hang out for the day on one of these spots and enjoy fishing, picnics and for sure, a nap! The Alpenglow sunset photos you post will make for jealous friends.

Whether looking for a place to swim, water ski, paddle, jet ski, boat or to run or bike around, Donner Lake in Truckee is a fantastic choice!