The time is finally here to start looking ahead to your summer break. Whether you are taking the kids on a much-earned summer vacation from school or just having an extended weekend in the area, you cannot go wrong with summer in Donner Lake. Our California destination has everything you could want for a successful summer outing. Take a look at what you can expect from a visit to Donner Lake this summer:
Time at the Beach
You will find over 85 miles of lakefront shoreline right here in the area. That’s right, time at the beach is easily within your reach here in Donner Lake. The summer season is something special here in Donner Lake, as the sunny weather and warm skies are inviting for everyone to spend their time outdoors. The alpine lakes are crystal clear and offer some of the cleanest water you can jump into. Donner Lake is known for winter sports throughout the winter and spring seasons with the snowmelt drifting into the local lakes and rivers. This offers a crisp, cool, and refreshing way to enjoy the summer.
Donner Lake is home to a variety of local beaches that you can easily relax at in the summer. Check out beaches including West End Beach Park, Donner Memorial State Park, or the 37 public piers over at Donner Lake. You can easily lay out a towel and soak up the sunshine for tanning. Or step into the cool and crisp water of Donner Lake. You may find the water to be colder than what you may be used to but is well worth it. Many locals and visitors will also pick up a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard rental and explore the lakeshore this way. You simply have so many options on how you can enjoy a day by the beaches of Donner Lake.
Fly Fishing
One of our favorite outdoor activities to enjoy here in Donner Lake during the summer is fly fishing. The snowmelt rivers of the summer offer a great opportunity to reel up a trophy size catch. The rivers surrounding Donner Lake are known for their abundance of trout and one very well could be yours. The alpine scenery makes fly fishing an exciting yet equally relaxing experience here in the area. Visitors will find that Truckee River is a great spot for river fishing perfect for fly fishing. The river and its tributaries is filled with rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, mountain whitefish, and more. Fishing is also popular at Donner Lake, where fishing is permitted. You will find the lake full of smallmouth bass and Kokanee salmon. Most locals report that the best time to fish in the area is around late June to early July, when the spring run-off is gone. If you do go fishing late in the summer, make sure to head out early, as the fish do prefer the cooler waters of the morning. If you need some rental gear for the day, go check out Trout Creek Outfitters for everything, including fishing licenses.
Rafting
Another great way to enjoy the cool waters of the region is some rafting. There is nothing better than taking on an adventure on Truckee River with friends and family. Truckee River is close to our vacation properties, making it easy to reach. The best section for more calm rafting and tubing is over at Truckee River between Tahoe City and River Ranch. In this area you can rent a raft or river tube to enjoy your time on the water with. For those who are looking for a more adventurous activity, try whitewater rafting that is also available in the area. You will find whitewater rafting available with outfitters including IRIE Rafting Company, Tributary Whitewater, and Raft California. Whichever way you decide, you will have a great time on the river.
Hit the Tee at a Local Golf Course
Ask your dad what the best summer activity is and you are sure to hear it is golfing. The area surrounding Donner Lake is prime for golfing in the summer. There are nine different courses within a 20-minute drive of Downtown Truckee, making them easy to reach. The beautiful weather and stunning scenery of the mountains make your golfing experience quite like anything else.
Get Ready for Donner Lake
The summer is almost upon us, making now the perfect time to start planning for your summer trip to Donner Lake. Our vacation properties will keep you right by the water and nearby these summer activities. Come experience Donner Lake like you never have before.