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Donner Lake – China Cove on Donner Lake loop from Donner Lake

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Donner Lake – China Cove on Donner Lake loop from Donner Lake

Easy

4.8

(4469)

17,984

riders

Donner Lake – China Cove on Donner Lake loop from Donner Lake

00:43

11.7km

70m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 13, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Donner Memorial State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

650 m

Donner Lake

Highlight • Lake

Donner Lake, situated at an elevation of 5,936 feet and with a depth of 328 feet, is fed by Summit Creek and Gregory Creek and drained by Donner Creek. The lake got its name from the ill-fated Donner Party, a group of pioneers who found themselves stranded in the harsh winter of 1846. Donner Lake today has 30 public docks, a State Park, 4 beaches, and lots of amenities.

Tip by

4.08 km

Donner Lake Beach

Highlight • Beach

A small stretch of sand with privileged views of Donner Lake and the surrounding forest. The beach is easily accessible from the road, making it a great spot to check out, or even take a refreshing dip.

Tip by

4.72 km

Emigrant Trail Museum of Donner Memorial State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

The Emigrant Trail Museum of Donner Memorial State Park is a memorial park and museum. In the 1840s, immigrants came over to this area to seek a better life on the west coast. The Donner Party was trapped in these mountains during a horrible winter and were starving. Rumors have it they resorted to cannibalism, though the museum claims "no real evidence was found".

Tip by

6.88 km

China Cove on Donner Lake

Highlight • Beach

China Cove is a sandy cove on Donner Lake. This is a quieter and more relaxed one in the southern part of the lake. There is limited parking in the area. Stopping here on a run is a great way to enjoy the tranquility of the cove.

Tip by

8.87 km

Lake View Canyon Road

Highlight • Trail

On the south shore of Donner Lake this trail climbs gently for a couple of miles. After crossing train tracks it gets steeper.

Tip by

10.7 km

West End Beach, Donner Lake

Highlight • Beach

The West Shore of Donner Lake is a public beach and park with a 12-acre day-use beach and American Red Cross-certified lifeguards. They are on the go during the summer, watching swimmers, kayakers, and stand-up paddle boarders. There is a concession stand open seven days a week during the summer.

Tip by

11.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.73 km

3.26 km

2.47 km

147 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.44 km

4.82 km

339 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,860 m)

Lowest point (1,810 m)

Weather

Today

Monday 6 July

27°C

8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Donner Lake – China Cove on Donner Lake loop from Donner Lake

Donner Lake

Donner Lake Beach

Emigrant Trail Museum of Donner Memorial State Park

China Cove on Donner Lake

Lake View Canyon Road

West End Beach, Donner Lake

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