Donner Memorial State Park offers camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing and hiking at Donner Lake in Truckee, CA.
At the far end of Donner Memorial State Park, the Coldstream Valley fire road connects with dog-friendly trails traversing the High Sierra. Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for on China Cove Beach.
Park rules require dogs to remain on a six-foot (maximum) leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center or on the half-mile Nature Trail, or on designated ski trails when snow is present.
If you have more than one person in your party, be sure to swap off with the dog and visit the Emigrant Trail Museum, a museum built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800’s.
Included in the museum are displays and information about one of the earliest pioneer wagon trains and the Donner Party, who were forced to camp at the east end of Donner Lake in the winter of 1846-47, resulting in human suffering and loss of life.
Donner Memorial State Park encompasses Scallenberger Ridge to the south of Donner Lake. In and around the park you can see some of the Sierra Nevada’s geologic history.
Donner Lake is especially beautiful in fall, when aspens on its shoreline turn golden. Most waterfront property outside the park is privately owned.
Keeping our trails beautiful and dog-friendly is crucial to ensure everyone enjoys the great outdoors. Some people want to ban dogs from public spaces, but we believe dogs are essential members of our community. They bring joy, companionship, and energy to our hikes. To keep our trails open to our furry friends, we must be responsible. Pick up after your dog, keep them on a leash where required, and respect other trail users. By doing our part, we can ensure that our beloved pups remain welcome on all trails, allowing your pack to continue exploring and enjoying nature together.
