Donner Lake Tours and Activities

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


Popular places to visit


Top Donner Lake Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!

Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!

Truckee
Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!
Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer

Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer

Truckee
Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer
Dog-friendly waterfront cabin w/ lake views & access - close to slopes

Dog-friendly waterfront cabin w/ lake views & access - close to slopes

Truckee
Dog-friendly waterfront cabin w/ lake views & access - close to slopes
Waterfront Truckee Cabin on Donner Lake!

Waterfront Truckee Cabin on Donner Lake!

Truckee
Waterfront Truckee Cabin on Donner Lake!
Donner Lake Inn

Donner Lake Inn

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

Truckee Donner Lodge

2.5 out of 5
10527 Cold Stream Rd, Truckee, CA
Truckee Donner Lodge
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 offers a range of outdoor activities perfect for adventurers, including skiing at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area during winter. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy swimming and boating in the stunning lake. Whether you're hitting the slopes or soaking up the sun, Donner Lake is an ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday.

Shopping

For shopping near Donner Lake, visit Scott Chair, only 17.7km away, for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out The Shops at Heavenly Village, 49.9km away, where you'll find a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Don't miss the Tahoe City Farmers' Market, 19.3km away.

Recreation

Coyote Moon Golf Course is a stunning 18-hole course situated 4.8km from Donner Lake, perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking outdoor enjoyment. Olympic Valley Park, located 14.5km away, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and wellness activities. For a bit of fun, the Village Ice Skating Rink, 12.9km from Donner Lake, provides thrilling adventure and entertainment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Northstar California Resort, located 12.9km from Donner Lake, where outdoor vibes await. For a shorter trip, enjoy Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, only 3.2km away, offering fantastic sports vibes. Sugar Bowl Resort, 6.4km away, combines adventure with great skiing opportunities.

Nightlife

A night at Donner Lake can be magical with a trip to Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema, located 19.3km away. Enjoy an eclectic mix of entertainment, culture, and romance while immersing yourself in the local vibe and catching a film under the stars.

*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, nestled in Truckee, California, offers a range of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Explore the stunning landscapes of the nearby national parks, hit the slopes at local ski resorts, or enjoy a round of golf at a picturesque course. Don't miss the charming Donner Lake Village and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe, perfect for a memorable getaway.

  • Palisades Tahoe: Experience the thrill of skiing and outdoor adventures at this renowned ski resort, just 14.5km from Donner Lake. With stunning alpine scenery, Palisades Tahoe offers activities year-round, from snow sports in winter to hiking and biking in summer.
  • Old Greenwood Golf Course: Located 11.3km from Donner Lake, this picturesque golf course boasts breathtaking views and beautifully manicured greens. Perfect for golf enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a serene day surrounded by nature.
  • Brockway Summit: At 17.7km from Donner Lake, Brockway Summit is a must-visit peak for stunning vistas and outdoor exploration. Ideal for hiking and photography, the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to go to Donner Lake

The best time to visit Donner Lake is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighAverage
July66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
August65.1°F (18.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighAverage
September59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
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 on your trip to Donner Lake, consider visiting in the off-peak months of April or October to November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking on a Tuesday can also save you cash, while Saturdays are typically the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options, and consider package deals to combine flights and hotels for extra savings. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices, and don’t forget to explore free activities around the lake to make the most of your holiday without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Donner Lake are April 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 specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your Donner Lake hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.