Ridge Campground

Biking

Donner Memorial State Park is an awesome spot for bike riders to get their fix. There are lots of roads here for new to intermediate bikers. New bikers don’t need to be intimidated – the roads have little traffic and low speed limits. More experienced bikers may want to try out the Coldstream Canyon Trail, which begins at the park and soon turns into a steep climb leading to Tinker Knob, at the crest of the Sierra. The path is 8-9 miles one way, so if you’re going to make it back, make sure you’ve got some calories to burn (a.k.a. eat a big breakfast!).

Boating

Donner Lake is a gem of a freshwater mountain lake that wins boaters over with its smooth waters and scenic views. The speed limit on the lake is 35 mph, making it a great spot for slow goers and speedsters alike. Although there is no boat launching ramp in the park, there is a public ramp operated by Truckee Donner Recreation and Parks district located on the northwest corner of the lake. So, what are you waiting for? Rev up your boat and drink in that mountain air.

Fishing

Donner State Memorial Park has three miles of fishable shore between Donner Lake and Donner Creek. Anglers often catch some of the park’s native kokanee or the planted trout. The best part about fishing here is that even if you come away with a stolen worm, you will still have spent your day on the waters with a mountainous background peeking over your shoulders. You really can’t lose…

Hiking

Donner Memorial State Park has 2.5 miles of trails for visitors to enjoy. Most of the trails here are flat, great for visitors who want to enjoy the park’s natural beauty without the huff and puff that can come from hilly trails. For those hikers who enjoy a steep challenge, nearby Tahoe National Forest has a more extensive web of trails.

Paddling

Donner Lake is a great place to launch your kayak or canoe and leave land behind you for a while. The sparkling waters catch the mountain and sunlight in their reflection making for a truly enjoyable paddle no matter where you go on the lake. There are all kinds of boats found in these waters, so you may have to traverse some small wakes.Those looking for a smoother ride can often find solace closer to shore.

Wind sports

Donner Lake has surfable winds and plenty of water to share with boaters, making it awesome for those seeking to catch a ride on the latest gust. The wind here usually gets going by noon and dies down by five or six in the afternoon. Surfers can typically plan on 12-24 mph winds, going up and down every few minutes. If you’re new to the whole windblown hair, surfer thing then you may be interested in checking out a windsurfing lesson at the nearby beach club.

Snow sports

Donner Memorial State Park is great any time of the year, but it has a little bit of that extra charm (and a few more activities) in the winter. During the latter months of the year, park goers can participate in cross country skiing or snowshoeing. There are three cross country skiing trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, and two snowshoeing trails ranging from 2-3 miles.

Swimming

Swimming at Donner Beach is a truly refreshing experience (especially on a hot summer day). The best place to dive in is at China Cove Beach which is a designated swimming area with no lifeguard watch. Although you can actually jump into the lake from any of the park’s shoreline, China Cove allows swimmers to duck their heads under water without worrying about boaters. Don’t be fooled by the sunshine sparkling off the lake’s surface though, the water here is chilly (it is the mountains, after all).

Wildlife watching

Donner Memorial State Park has a whole family of wildlife living within the park’s forest. Birdwatchers especially enjoy this park due to their ability to spot birds such as Steller’s jays, dark eyed juncos, mountain chickadees, Canada geese, mallards mergansers, ospreys and bald eagles soaring the skies and waddling by the lake. Larger mammals here include bears and coyotes.