Donner Summit Vacation Home- High Sierra Activities

High Sierra Activities

There's plenty to do and see in the High Sierras. Here are just a few "high points" of the area.

DONNER LAKE & DONNER PASS A drive east along Donner Pass Road, aka "Old Highway 40", takes you on a scenic route over Donner Pass. Although this historic drive is closed "at the pass" during the snow season, you can park at nearby Sugar Bowl Ski Academy parking lot and walk along the road for fantastic views of the snow-filled Sierras surrounding Donner Lake and Truckee below. Just a few miles from Plavada Woodlands, you'll pass Summit Inn & Restaurant, Soda Springs town center, Royal Gorge Ski Area, Sugar Bowl and Donner Ski Ranch.
SUMMIT INN & RESTAURANT Historic Summit Restaurant & Inn is located just off Hwy 80 at the Soda Springs exit, or just 3 miles from Plavada Woodlands on Donner Pass Rd. The restaurant has been recently renovated and the staff is always friendly.
RAINBOW LODGE & RESTAURANT A short 10 minute drive west on Donner Pass Road will take you to the historic Rainbow Lodge. Enjoy a gourmet meal in one of two dining rooms or relax in the bar. Located alongside the South Yuba River. Tubing is a favorite summer sport in this section of the river with giant rock riverscape providing above-water lounging and sunbathing areas and bouncing rapids in the river.
SOUTH YUBA RIVER Snow covered banks of the Suuth Yuba River. This is the view from the PlaVada Woodlands entrance bridge, March 2008.