Visitors guide and information on Donner Lake boat rentals and jet ski company offering water sports and tours. The lake is a freshwater lake in northeast California on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada and about ten miles northwest of the much larger Lake Tahoe which is one of the most visited lakes in California. The lake is located in the town of Truckee, between Interstate 80 to the north and Schallenberger Ridge to the south. Enjoy this historic lake with a private water sport tour with you family, friends, or business group. The route of U.S. 40 follows the northern shoreline, then climbs to Donner Pass from where the entire lake may be viewed in all it's splendor.
Donner lake and the pass were named after the unfortunate Donner Party, which spent its fateful winter near the lake in 1846. Donner Memorial State Park is on the east end of the lake and provides campsites with access to several different beaches; reservation for watercraft and site are required in advance. There are also various hiking trails and biking in the park. Donner Memorial State Park wraps around the East and part of the South shore of the Lake, encompassing Scallenberger Ridge to the south. Summer activities include, jet skis, camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, wind-surfing hiking and mountain biking. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The North shore of the Lake has public docks for both swimmers and boaters. Every year the town of Truckee hosts the Donner Lake Triathlon. Rental services are offered at all marinas and launch ramps.