omnila

suggestions on photo opps in this area during july/august Donner lake ca. thanks

LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Lucky you! Google Ansel Adams' Sierra Nevada photographs for inpiration.

RE Loc: California

The covered train trestles above the lake in the nearby mountains make for very nice shots. Then there is the town of Truckee which has some interesting old buildings, nearby is Squaw Valley where the Olympics were once held (not sure what off season is like there). Down the road a bit is Boca, California where there is a large lake that was once used during the winter (when frozen over) to supply ice to the State. If you travel around Boca there is Babbit Peak (you'll need a high clearance vehicle not a passenger car) once there the view is quite nice...lots of mountain ranges, lakes you can even see Reno, Nv. from there. Where ever you go enjoy! Whenever we are in the area we usually take a walk around Donner Lake, always nice shots available to be had there.

RE Loc: California

Oh yeah check out Rainbow Bridge, gorgeous bridge with a great far off view of Donner lake. I have several shots of that bridge. Here is a link to the bridge and other interesting sites in the area.

http://arounddonnersummit.com/places/highway_40.html

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Don't get lost. I've heard bad things about that area. Have fun

rebride

Donner Pass Road. If coming from the West you might want to take the Soda Springs Exit>Donner Pass. The view(s) from the summit and down are unique.
Around Cisco Grove, not far and West of the Summit, the South Yuba River runs right off the freeway. Hampshire Rocks Road. You might go for a dip or run around and photograph on the rocks.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Truckee and Gold Run (west of Donner Lake) were important railroad stations. Check out the balloon tracks if they're still there. Truckee used to run one locomotive a day on the balloon track to illustrate its use.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I sure hope you have several days to spend enjoying the area as exploring the 3 best photo oped filled roads leading out of the Town of Truckee.

West on Old Hwy 40 starting at the Donner Party Memorial, along the north side of Donner Lake, up to Rainbow Bridge with it's wonderful vista of the Lake and reason why the Donner Party was stuck where they were - the view of the rail line along the hill side with it's many "Snow Sheds" - it was easier to build these sheds than to continue to shovel the snow & avalanches off the track. On west just over the summit then a left turn behind the Ski Area a couple miles to Serine Lakes - a very photogenic high mountain forested lake - yes on west a few mile on the freeway gives some nice scenery along the rivers.

South of Truckee on Hwy 89 along the Truckee River to Squaw Valley - I think they have tram rides to a restaurant high up on the mountain. Then on up the river to Lake Tahoe -turn right and stop there at "Fanny Bridge" where the river exits Lake Tahoe and view the mammoth Trout swimming below the bridge - on a few miles to some very scenic lake views or if time
allows the full hour drive down to Emerald Bay - I say an hour because you will always be pulling over to photo. If time really allows I suggest the drive all the way around Lake Tahoe to Kings Beach and HWY 28 - the short cut back to Truckee.

North of Truckee on Hwy 89 is OK but not as filled with photo ops as these other routes. Some locals may give you tips on that direction but it was my experience that it was a long drive to interesting locations unless you have a 4X4 for off hwy travel which there is a lot of in that direction. But of course there is Sierra Hot Springs for a good soak in hot mineral waters.

What ever you do I know you will enjoy your time in the area.

Harvey in the Sierras

GaryS1964 Loc: Northern California

Only stayed at Donner once but I've been spending a week at Lake Tahoe annually for over 40 years. If you go to Emerald Bay be sure and walk up Eagle Falls. If you are in reasonably good shape Angora Lakes is very scenic. It's about a mile uphill hike from the parking lot. Once there if you are a climber you can climb to the top of the east ridge and see Lake Tahoe. Breathtaking views.

Squaw Valley has a tram that takes you up to a mountain top swimming pool and skating rink. Took the grandkids up there last year. Great views of the valley and Lake Tahoe in the distance. There is also a restaurant up there. Heavenly Valley also has a tram minus the pool and skating rink but the views are great.

Google the area and you will find more to see, do and photograph than you can possibly accomplish in a week or two.

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

Bring extra food and water and batteries and memory.

Mostly bring good shoes, GPS, and snacks. Did I mention snacks? ;)

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I didn't mention Fallen Leaf lake and Angora Lakes as they are a little off the main road but so very worth while.
Fallen leaf Lake is up stream from the Taylor creek visitors center & viewing chamber. I would drive all the way to the lodge/boat ramp/swimming area at the west end of the lake. As you come back towards hwy89 - past the end of the lake there is a road turning south/right "UP" to the ridge - at the top of the ridge turn right to the parking lot at the gate - the view from the Old Lookout Tower about 1/2 way to the gate is just fantastic - the path up the road to Angora lakes - lower and Upper- not bad - a little steep in a couple places but you can take the easier and not much longer switch backed trail. You are at over 7,000 ft so oxygen is thin - The Hilldingers who own the resort are fantastic people - wonderful home made lemon aid - there is a nice beach there if you care to take a "COLD" dip.
Jim Hilldinger is quite an artist and photographer himself -ask to see his "Coffee Table Book" of his Sierra Photos. Jim was my 4 daughters music teacher there in So. Lake Tahoe.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Omnila, forget the photography. Donner has Makinaw trout in it !!
Have fun. SS

RE Loc: California

Oh yes Eagle Falls is a great hike and absolutely gorgeous! If you can fit that into your visit it will be well worth it!

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Be sure to check out the 'Donner Diner', I have heard it doesn't cost an arm & leg to eat there now.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Doggone it, Harvey! We give up all the tourist attractions without a quibble, but here you go telling people all about the secrets we work so hard to keep hidden from the general public. Now you reveal Fallen Leaf Lake. Heck, we might as well spill all the beans and tell them about Desola.......... Oops!