Attractions and Places To See around Soda Springs - Top 20

Donner Pass sits at an elevation of 7,056 feet above Donner Lake. The pass was originally used by the California Trail and America's first transcontinental railroad. It is named after the ill-fated Donner Party, who overwintered there in 1846.

This short 50 yards connector between Castle Peak North Rd and Castle Peak Trail is shared with the Pacific Crest Trail on which there is technically no biking

At Castle Pass there is at least one nice campsite if you don’t want to go the extra mile to the Peter Grubb Hut.

For almost 100 years, the Peter Grubb Hut has been a special place to stay along the Pacific Crest Trail. The two story building offers room for around 15 hikers and is equipped with a wood stove to warm your meals and yourself.

Castle Valley forest road is a gravel jeep track that leads from the trailhead (no parking in winter), just next to the I-80 freeway underpass, up about halfway to the Castle Peak summit. Where it becomes steep the gravel 'road' ends and merges with three other trails: Castle Peak trail, Hole in the Ground trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail, which leads after another mile to the Sierra Club's Peter Grubb hut. In winter the trails are all snow-covered ski- and snow-shoe trails, no snowmobiles allowed. Winter parking is on the opposite side of the I-80 freeway; most of it inside the SnoPark for which a permit needs to be purchased at gas stations or stores in town before coming here, as there is no space at the trailhead.

Just before reaching the high point along the Pacific Crest Trail it meets and joins Castle Peak Trail turning to the north, but then leaves it again a few yards later going straight north, while Castle climbs up the obvious ridge to the north-east. The saddle at the pass has some nice campsite options, though it's worth to go the extra mile to the Peter Grubb Hut for water, restroom, and save time for shelter.

Located 3 miles north of Interstate 80, the Peter Grubb hut is the most popular of the 4 Sierra Club huts. Either as a destination in its own right, a stop on a short or long distance hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. In summer as in winter this hut is a great base camp to further explore the terrain in the Castle Peak vicinity. Situated in Round Valley, the hut is located just on the western edge of the large meadow below Basin Peak. Inside the hut there is a sleeping loft which accommodates 15, and below it is a large kitchen and living area with a great wood stove. Attached to the kitchen area is an auxiliary hut with its own woodstove, which sleeps roughly 8. This “auxiliary” unit is actually the original Grubb Hut, which has been expanded upon greatly since its construction. The hut has an outhouse and solar powered lighting. In winter, be sure to clear the solar panel of snow when you arrive if you want any lighting that night. Castle Peak’s northern aspects are not far away. Reaching Basin’s summit is a must, as it provides one of the most stunning views in the North Tahoe area. Staying at the Grubb hut is also a great way to access Carpenter Ridge, a large, south-facing destination that otherwise requires a grueling approach from the Tahoe Donner neighborhood. Be sure to get a reservation particularly in winter, as crowded weekends can leave those without reservations in the snow cave outside. http://www.skitahoebackcountry.com/guide/north-tahoe/sierra-club-huts/grubb-hut

Among the oldest and most iconic ski areas in the Western U.S., Donner Ski Ranch is a family-friendly resort that features a wide variety of terrain, inviting skiers and riders of all abilities to enjoy the fully-featured mountain oasis. With one of the highest base elevations in the Sierras, Donner Ski Ranch boasts some of the best powder in the Lake Tahoe region, along with aggressive high-mountain and backside terrain for advanced skiers and riders who want to escape the crowds and enjoy untouched lines. For beginner and intermediate skiers, Donner Ski Ranch offers easy access to novice runs, group and private ski/snowboard lessons, equipment rentals, retail shop, and a tubing park for kids of all ages. And, the new Lytton Lake Lodge, nestled on the backside of the mountain in a serene wilderness, offers dining and drink options for those who want to get away from it all. Daily ticket and package pricing up to 75% less than other resorts. Since 1937, Donner Ski Ranch has been a family-oriented, family-owned and operated Lake Tahoe area ski resort. Nearly 80 years ago, Donner Ski Ranch opened to the public with the help of the famed Jerry Ellis, who installed the area's first uphill lift, a rope tow for a booming start. But, World War II took its toll on all ski areas as men and women left in droves to fight, the resort was forced to temporarily halt operations. But when the war ended, long-time Donner Ski Ranch enthusiast Herstle Jones purchased the land, his niece and her husband, Madeline & Stanley Walton, managed and named it Donner Ski Ranch. In 1948, the operation expanded and the Walton's added a T-Bar and lodge. In 1955, a new group purchased Donner Ski Ranch and built one of California's first chairlifts, which escorted skiers from the base of the mountain to its highest peak at over 8,000' elevation. In the 1970s Donner Ski Ranch was on the forefront of skiing innovation and culture when it became one of the first ski resorts in the country to allow snowboarding, telemark skiing and snow bobbing. https://www.donnerskiranch.com/about