Donner Lake

Donner Lake

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles26 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
5
Average
0
Poor
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Mt.TKO59
Azabujuban, Japan27 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
A lake on the border of the provinces of Vlaaqua and Vlaatar, near Lake Tahoe! My roommate at the time took me there in the summer and I remember kayaking in the lake where the moonlight lit up the lake. The tragedy of the Donner Corps in the title refers to a disaster that occurred about 180 years ago, just before the gold rush, when a pioneer group crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains and suffered heavy snowfall. What a surprise to those rescued earlier in the spring! It was a place where history would be written… that we survived by eating the flesh of our own people.
Automatically translated
Written August 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,171 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
This is one of my favorite places in the world. On a cold winter day, I was happy with just a slow drive to admire the piles of snow and ice on the Lake. We once planned to retire here, now we just like to visit, a lot.
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vacationers62
San Diego, CA667 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Donner Lake is a gorgeous, calm lake that has beaches for kids, Watersport rentals, and great food nearby. This year it was the warmest I've ever been in, great for swimming. Wonderful for SUP, too, as it's calm. Less traffic than heading for Lake Tahoe.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,171 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
This is my happy place. I never get tired of the views of the Lake from many perspectives. The beach at the eastern end in the park is superb. And if you have a lot of time and energy, do a grand walk all around.. We love to rent houses in this area for a long stay.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,171 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I have always loved this mountain lake, sort of a small version of Tahoe. Always pretty, but I most love it in the summer. Great state park at one end, nice private beach in between. Lots of lovely houses around. Good place for a very long walk.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JimmyJackk
San Marcos, CA5,707 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019 • Couples
Thought this was a very tranquil lake. There were no boats no ripples just a lake that’s been like this for a very long time. Views of the lake from the summit area are terrific.
Written October 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

drmader
Orinda, CA3,000 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2020 • Family
East end is $10 a car and you have beach options w close parking galore
You can also rent equipment and enjoy lake, less pollen and better areas to seclude your group than west end beach. Worth a short drive
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LiveLoveLife
California78 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Family
Huge beautiful lake with mountain scenery. Donner Lake is stunning in the winter and summer. We always try to visit this gem during our drive to Reno.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

drastler
Roseville, CA436 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
From E. bound Hwy 80 take Soda Springs / Sugar Bowl exit and get to the lake from this route for the best scenic views. Stop at the turn out to see the lake and the arched bridge.
Written November 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelleygirl2
Sarasota, FL6,272 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
I found this beautiful lake to remind me of my years growing up in New Hampshire on the lake. This lake area is a throwback to the times of family get togethers, boating, and swimming without a lot of commercial hoopla. I could live here for sure.
Written September 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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DONNER LAKE (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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