Donner Lake
A pristine Sierra Nevada alpine lake steps from the inn — swimming, kayaking, and lakeside trails in summer; snowshoeing and stunning views in winter.
- Category
- lake
- Drive Time
- 2 min
- Distance
- 0.1 miles
- Season
- spring, summer, fall, winter
What to Know
- ✓West End Beach offers sandy swimming and a public boat launch in summer
- ✓The shoreline trail starts just steps from the inn
- ✓Clear, cold water ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing
- ✓Stunning mountain backdrop and sunset views
- ✓Quiet and uncrowded compared to Lake Tahoe beaches
- ✓Historic Donner Memorial State Park is on the eastern shore
- ✓Snow-covered shoreline makes for serene winter walks
Donner Lake sits at 5,936 feet in elevation and stretches about 3 miles long. The inn is steps from the western shoreline, making it one of the closest lodging options to the water. In summer the lake warms enough for swimming, and West End Beach is a short walk from the inn. In winter the surrounding hills and frozen shoreline offer a peaceful, uncrowded alternative to the busy Lake Tahoe shore.
For lake activities, see Donner Lake Marina (kayak/SUP/canoe rentals) and West End Beach (sandy swimming, 4-min walk from the inn). For a full local activity guide, see Things to Do Near Donner Lake.