Donner Lake Tours

Photo by Simon Matin
Photo by Terry Porter
Photo by Dawn Madden
Photo by Pon Xayavong Photography
Photo by Dawn Madden


Reviews of Donner Lake

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
293
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
236
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
41
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

no photos

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Pristine, Small Lake Taho

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great views

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Saw via Amtrak

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Went skiing at donner ski ranch

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Donner Lake

Truckee Donner Lodge

Truckee Donner Lodge

2.5 out of 5
10527 Cold Stream Rd, Truckee, CA
Truckee Donner Lodge
Donner Lake Inn

Donner Lake Inn

2 out of 5
10070 Gregory Pl, Truckee, CA
Donner Lake Inn
The Inn at Truckee

The Inn at Truckee

2 out of 5
11506 Deerfield Dr, Truckee, CA
The Inn at Truckee
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Donner Lake

Donner Lake in Truckee, California, offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers. Enjoy skiing in the winter, or explore swimming and boating during the warmer months. Don't miss the scenic highlands gondola for breathtaking views, and consider taking a golf trip to nearby courses. The charming town attractions also enhance your visit, ensuring memorable experiences throughout your stay.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Donner Lake, visit Commercial Row, just 6.4km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out the Tahoe City Farmers' Market and Scott Chair, both about 11-19.3km from Donner Lake.

Recreation

At Coyote Moon Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes, enhancing both physical fitness and relaxation. Olympic Valley Park offers serene trails and picnic spots for wellness seekers. For a fun twist, the Village Ice Skating Rink provides an exhilarating experience with seasonal entertainment.

Adventure

At Northstar California Resort, 12.9km from Donner Lake, experience thrilling skiing and outdoor adventures with stunning alpine views. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, located 3.2km away, offers an exhilarating ski experience perfect for sports enthusiasts. Sugar Bowl Resort, 6.4km from the lake, combines adventure and sports for an unforgettable time.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Donner Lake offers a unique blend of culture and entertainment. For a cozy evening, visit Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema, located 19.3km away, where you can enjoy a romantic film or a captivating performance in a charming atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Donner Lake

Donner Lake, located in Truckee, California, offers a variety of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Visitors can explore scenic spots like the Truckee Donner Lodge, the stunning Donner Lake itself, and the surrounding Donner Summit. Additionally, nearby ski resorts and state parks provide ample opportunities for adventure and relaxation, making this area a perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

  • Palisades Tahoe: Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding at Palisades Tahoe, a premier ski resort located 14.5km from Donner Lake. With breathtaking mountain views and a variety of outdoor adventures, it's the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
  • Donner Memorial State Park: Just 4.8km from Donner Lake, this national park offers stunning scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. Explore its rich history and enjoy the serene beauty of the natural surroundings, making it a great spot for adventure enthusiasts.
  • West End Beach: Located only 1.6km from Donner Lake, West End Beach provides a relaxing atmosphere with sandy shores and beautiful views. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply unwinding by the water, making it a perfect beach getaway.

Best time to go to Donner Lake

The best time to visit Donner Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Donner Lake falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Donner Lake falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly High
March32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyHighAverage
July66.9°F (19.4°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
August65.1°F (18.4°C)No RainSunnyHighAverage
September59.0°F (15.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
November36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December28.8°F (-1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Donner Lake

To save money during your trip to Donner Lake, consider visiting in May or from October to November, when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays often offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly lodging and consider booking package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Don’t forget to search for exclusive discounts and deals on beverage and car rentals to further enhance your budget-friendly vacation.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Donner Lake are May and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Donner Lake is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Donner Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily organize your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation near Donner Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.