Coldwell Banker Lake Tahoe Real Estate & Truckee/Tahoe Donner Real Estate

Looking for a little history in the Truckee Donner Summit area?  Here are a few spots to visit. 

Donner Memorial State Park- I-80 to the Donner Lake exit is where the majority of the Donner group camped. There are trails to cabin sites. There is also an interpretive trail with trailside displays and history.

Donner Museum- in the State Park houses exhibits and artifacts, movies and slide shows depicting the ordeals or the Donner Party. It is open daily from 10-4. Call (530)582-7892 for more information.

Donner Historical Site- The actual site (and supposedly the very tree) where the Donner family spent the winter of 1846-47. It is miles north of I-80 and Hwy 89).

Cross the tracks in to Truckee and take a leisurely stroll along the antique buildings of Commercial Row. You’ll find about a ¼ mile of gift shops, restaurants, and unique stores to browse. The Truckee Hotel, the Truckee Doner Historical Society’s Old Jail museum, and the old stagecoach barn (now the Sierra mountaineer) are all within a short walk of the main drag. Although the main street is packed with the majority of stores, you’ll find some treasures along Jiboom and Bridge Street.

This is a perfect hike for a family. You’ll follow the PCT north and pass though a tunnel under Interstate 80. The sign to Summit Lake is not much farther and the trail is clearly marked. Once you reach the lake, you will find small trails that guide you to different areas of the lake. This is a great area for picnics and trout fishing and there are some campsites available.

Directions:
I-80 to Castle Peak exit. Go to the south side of the highway, and the east for ¼ mile to a sign for the Pacific Crest trail head. There are 3 other trails at this trail head.

Distance: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 7,200-7,400
Dogs permitted