The Experience
Your Perfect Home Away From Home
Something For Waterbugs of All Ages Truckee is a convenient launching point to visit numerous high Sierra lakes and rivers and enjoy some of the most beautiful water you will ever lay eyes on. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or plenty of family fun, the area has something for everyone. Given the time, you will want to experience the below highlights:
Donner Lake
Just a 10 minute drive from The Richardson House, this mid-sized, clear alpine lake offers excellent boating, water sports, fishing, sunbathing, volleyball and swimming. Head to the public beach on the west end, or stop along one of the docks that dot the shoreline to take in the view and crisp mountain air. From atop Donner Summit, take in gorgeous views of Donner Lake or access trailheads for excellent hiking opportuntities. Not to miss is the Emigrant Trail Museum at Donner Memorial State Park where exhibits commemorate early pioneers. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Donner is a local's favorite for its resort-like feel and for the simple fact that it is just plain fun.
The Truckee River
The Truckee River is Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, beginning in Tahoe City and ending at Pyramid Lake, just outside of Reno, Nevada. Drive south along Highway 89 towards Tahoe City to enjoy the ride along the sparkling river, swinging by world famous Squaw Valley along the way. The best way to experience the river is to float from Tahoe City to River Ranch Lodge on a floating device of your own or rent a big raft for the whole family. This could be one of the most fun filled three hours you’ll have during your stay.
Lake Tahoe
Words can hardly describe what is called, “the Jewel of the Sierra”, Lake Tahoe. From Truckee, you can be at Tahoe’s white sand beaches and turquoise coves in just 30 minutes. Some of the best beaches in the west are here and one of the prettiest drives in the world awaits drivers who navigate the lake's perimeter. Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, so be prepared to have a feast for your eyes and the time of your life as you enjoy water skiing, kayaking, stand up paddling, boating, swimming, sunbathing and dining along her shores.
Boca and Stampede Reservoirs
These high mountain reservoirs are easily accessed and loved for great opportunities to mountain bike, kayak, canoe, jet ski and water ski. Winter finds the reservoirs crisscrossed by snowmobilers, cross country skiers and snow shoeing enthusiasts.
And, don’t forget to head north to the Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Head north on Highway 89 and in just one hour’s time you will find yourself in one of the most scenic lake regions in the entire state, located in the northern reaches of California gold country and historic Highway 49. The area is heavily peppered with icy, snow fed lakes, deep pine forests, rugged ridges, the Yuba River gorge and the ghosts of miners who mined the area of its riches long ago. Do not miss the historic mining town of Downieville at the confluence of the Downie River and North Fork of the Yuba, which offers cool, emerald green swimming holes. Not to miss as well are Sardine Lake, Gold Lake and the spectacular Sierra Buttes.