Plan with
Confidence
Dogs must be on-leash in the state park, but they are allowed in the lake off-leash at "Dog Beach" near the start/finish of the run.
Path Type
Loop
Start at the Donner Lake Dam, where you may want to leave your family playing in the lake. Take the flat crushed granite Interpretive Trail over to the Emigrant Monument and then pass through the Creek Campground. Find the smooth singletrack alongside Michel's Pond, and then proceed into the forest singletrack where you'll have fun hopping rocks and trees. Return via the Interpretive Trail as you enjoy Donner Lake and the surrounding mountain views. Finish your hike with a dip in Donner Lake!
Much of the Donner Party spent the winter of 1846 trapped in the snow at Donner Lake. This hike takes you past the monument at Donner Memorial State Park, which is dedicated to all the pioneers who came overland to California. Its base stands 22 feet high--to surpass the greatest depth of snow that may accumulate at the lake. You can learn more at the park's visitor center.
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