When you book a trip to Donner Lake, you are probably in the mood for a little relaxation. Visiting the area will do just that and so much more. One of the joys of Donner Lake is that you can find plenty of free activities. This helps you keep the cost of your overall trip down as much as possible while having tons of fun. Here are the top free things you can find to do here in Donner Lake:
Hang Out at the Docks
Donner Lake is a big lake that has plenty of amenities found all around it. During your next visit, make sure to find the closest docks to your vacation rental where you can set up for a little bit of fun that day. Donner Lake features a total of 37 free public docks that you can use. Each dock is available on a first come, first served basis. Around the docks, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as laying out under the sun or swimming around in the lake. The docks are used as a boat entry point too, so you can easily get into your kayak or paddleboard and start paddling away. This makes it completely free to enjoy your lake gear if you brought it with you from home. If you are visiting Donner Lake in the busy summer season, you will want to arrive early to snag a great spot; many locals suggest getting there as early as 5:00 AM to beat the crowds!
Enjoy the Swimming Spots
You go to Donner Lake to enjoy the beautiful lake waters and find a few days to cool off. The best way to cool off at Donner Lake is obviously by jumping right into the water! Here at Donner Lake Memorial State Park, you will find different areas where swimming is permitted right in the park. Of course, you have to pay a small day use fee, but that practically comes out to be nothing when you spend the day at the park! Areas that your family can enjoy swimming at include China Cove Beach that has a special marked off area surrounded by ropes. Inside this area, you can enjoy a variety of amenities including picnic tables and restrooms. Another great spot to enjoy swimming is over at West End Beach with public access. This is where all the big events at Donner Lake take place each year. You can also swim nearby West End Beach without entering the park to avoid the daily use fee as well. While you are at Donner Lake Memorial State Park make sure to look out for the free guided paddle tours that take place. You can join these free tours from June through September on Thursday mornings perfect for both experienced and beginner paddlers!
Fish Along Donner Lake
Another great outdoor activity that you can enjoy for free is fishing right here at Donner Lake. You will find that the lake is a great source of kokanee salmon and trout that you are able to reel up with a California fishing license. You can easily purchase the license in advance so you do not have to purchase it during your trip, essentially making this activity free for your travel funds. You can cast your line from any of the 37 public piers we previously covered. This makes it easy to rest along the shore as you try your best to reel in a trophy size catch. There is nothing more relaxing than fishing, especially when it is free!
Explore the Donner Lakeside Loop
There will be so much for you to see and do when you visit Donner Lake. A great free activity to enjoy no matter what time of year you visit the area is exploring the Lakeside Loop. All along the lakeside coast you will find a winding loop taking you over 7 miles of terrain. The trail itself is popular with both locals and visitors as it offers a little bit of everything. On the north side of the lake you will find Class II bike lanes perfect for those with their own bikes already. The south side features a quieter part of the loop that provides sweeping views of the lake. The trail overall only provides an elevation gain of 170 feet making it doable for most bike riders.
Get Ready for More Time Here at Donner Lake
All of these free activities are just waiting for you here at Donner Lake. Our vacation rentals can be found close to the shore of the lake, making it easy to reach these activities. Book your favorite property with us today!