Donner Memorial State Park

There are many trails around Donner Lake. Look carefully for free parking off Donner Pass Road, past the park entrance, and you will also see a trailhead before getting to the Tahoe Donner club. You can also drive all the way around the lake to the very end and park for free, then walk into the trailhead there.

I highly recommend walking in and visiting the Visitor Center, where you can watch a movie on the Donner Party and see lots of the area's history, from the native Washoe people to the Chinese families who built the railroad to the first thrill-seekers who skied these peaks.

Sagehen Creek Trail

This popular 6-mile trail (3 miles out and 3 miles back) is great for all ages. The trail meanders along Sagehen creek, in forests where you can see wildflowers and butterflies, and ends at the beautiful Stampede Reservoir.

This is an easy, flat and meandering trail. You'll see lots of families.

Directions to trailhead: From the intersection of I-80 and 89 North overpass in Truckee, the trailhead is just a short 10-minute drive up highway 89 N. There is a large unmarked dirt pullout for parking. Be sure to put your valuables out of sight.

Donner Summit Trail

This is a spectacular and challenging trail, so prepare yourself and brings snacks and water. Along the way, in the spring, you will pass meadow after meadow of wildflowers. If you hike it two weeks in a row, the meadows will be full of different wildflowers the second time around. Here's a good description to follow, including how to get to the trailhead, parking and maps of where to trek.

For another awesome day hike in the area, check out my Sierra Buttes blog.