Donner Lake

This beautiful lake north of Lake Tahoe is just a quick drive West of the small town of Truckee, California. This lake is great for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and fishing. There are free public docks on the North side of the lake, a marina with fee parking on the West side and the Donner Lake Village Resort offers cabins and condos for rent. The resort is right on the water and the rooms run between $90 and $320 a night depending on the size and season. Parking can be tight during the height of summer, but you can park on the North side of the lake just off the edge of the road. There is a small beach at the West end of the lake where you can rent boats, kayaks and jetskis. There is a roped off area for children and plenty of parking. Donner Lake is much smaller than Tahoe and not as clear and blue. In the winter it has been known to freeze, but ice skating can be dangerous.