China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

Truckee, California

4.6/5

based on 5 reviews

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Details

Distance

3.11 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Scenic loop hike near Donner Lake.

This is a casual hike in an area with a ton of history. Stop by the museum before or after your hike to learn about the Donner Party, the Transcontinental Railroad, and local Native Americans

Park at the Donner Lake and Memorial State Park Visitor Center and walk west towards the lake. Cross the bridge and follow Donner Creek towards the lake, then head left for what would be a clockwise route around the loop. After about a mile along the shore, look for and follow the trail heading into the woods. This will lead you through a calm forest all the way back to the parking lot.

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Features

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

Reviews

Jami Delgado

China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

07/12/17

I'm not sure I liked this as a walk. It went along some day-use area of the creek offshoot from the lake where there were crowds of people swimming. I guess I just didn't enjoy the scenery as much. If we had bikes, it may have been a fun and quick trip.

3.0

Susanne Lytle

China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

09/19/16

Ran this trail a lot in college. It was my go to spot. Unless it was the summer weekend, too crowded.

5.0

Emily Schrick

China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

04/09/16

My family went out here for our first snowshoe ever! It was great. No elevation gain, relatively flat, perfect for beginners. We brought the dogs along after getting the OK from the rangers. Seem to be more relaxed about dogs in the winter time! Highly recommend for a nice winter afternoon.

5.0

Jessi Janusee

China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

03/27/16

One of my favorite little hikes in the Tahoe area. It was the best low key loop to do while I was pregnant. Beautiful, scenic and easy.

5.0

Alex Kinn

China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

02/07/16

Gorgeous snowy hike along Donner Lake. Low-key for a great photo walk.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

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Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Ski and Snowboard Northstar

Donner Lake Public Docks

Mt. Judah Loop Trail

Cross-Country Ski to Drifter Hut

Donner Lake Rim Trail: Johnson Canyon to Trout Creek

Ride the Truckee Bike Park

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