Archive for the ‘Donner Summit’ Tag
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Photo by Sean Duggan.
“Lunar Eclipse Over Donner Peak”
Here’s my eclipse sequence composite that I photographed a couple of nights ago. This is what I had in mind when I set out to shoot the eclipse (though the Donner Summit location was a last minute decision) and I’m pretty pleased with how it came out. I’m working on a more detailed description of the planning and process that will be available next week.
**4-21-14..Print Update: For all who have inquired about purchasing a print of this image, here is a link where you can do just that. Available in a variety of sizes as photographic prints, giclée watercolor prints, canvas prints and metal prints:
http://seanduggan.smugmug.com/Lunar-Eclipse-Over-Donner-Peak/
The three miles of Old Highway 40 that goes from the western edge of Donner Lake to the top of Donner Summit is packed full of recreational and scenic pleasures. Here are a few of your best options:
Road biking-This three mile climb is the highlight of the one of the regions most popular road bike routes from Donner Lake to Cisco Grove. The views of Donner Lake, Mt. Rose, the Rainbow Bridge and the Donner Crest are unbelievable. And with the steep grade, the speed you will be riding will give you plenty of time to enjoy the view.
Rock Climbing-On the second half of the climb, the road heads past some of the best rock climbing not only in the region, but in the world. There are a variety of interesting routes for every level of climber, and even if you are not a climber yourself, it’s pretty fascinating watching people make their way up those massive rock faces.
Photo by Michelle Portesi
Hiking-Just at the crest of the summit, the Pacific Crest Trail crosses Highway 40. You can hike either direction on the PCT and find spectacular hiking. To the south, the route climbs up towards Donner and Judah Peaks, past Sugar Bowl and eventually into the Granite Chief Wilderness and Squaw Valley (or Mexico if you are so inclined). Heading north, the PCT travels through prime climbing territory while dishing out excellent views of Donner Lake and the Rainbow Bridge. It’s about four miles, mostly ascending, to Interstate 80.
It’s also fun on this northern section to wander off trail through the open terrain and see what you find. There are several larger lakes, and a very small, but surprisingly deep, little pond surrounded by granite. You will know you are in the right place when you see a healthy population of Catfish residing in the pond. Reportedly, the ancestors of these fish were planted by Chinese railroad workers building the Transcontinental Railroad some 150 years ago—they were looking for another source of protein to supplement the meager rations they received from the railroad companies.
20 Mile Museum-From Rainbow Bridge heading west you will find 34 interpretive panels along Highway 40 telling interesting stories about Donner Summit’s colorful and often dangerous past. Whether you are on your bike or in a car, they are certainly worth a stop and read.
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
Truckee River bike trail in Tahoe City
Even though the recent snow storms have given a late season boost to the ski season, the lower elevations of the Sierra are still either devoid of snow, or down to a pittance. So is there a good side to the mild winter we had?
This year, we’ve been given the opportunity to get out there and do our favorite outdoor activities earlier then ever. In fact, some great mountain biking and hiking trails will soon be ready for us to enjoy. Here are a few suggestions for places to go:
Bliss to Emerald Bay
Truckee Trails-All those wide open spaces north of Truckee are beginning to open up for mountain biking, hiking and running. The Emigrant Trail should be snow free soon, as well as the dirt roads between Prosser, Boca and Stampede Reservoirs. The Donner Rim trail is another sunny place to trek with views of the Sierra Crest and Donner Lake. If you haven’t tried one yet, this might be a good time to try a Fat Bike. These bruisers with super big tires, can roll right over any remaining packed down snow and mud.
Donner Lake Rim Trail
Emerald Bay-The trail to the Vikingsholm and along the south facing side of the bay is ready for hiking. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles and ospreys, and enjoy the quiet trails without the throngs of folks you will find there mid-summer.
Get on the lake-If you are treated to a warm day with no wind, grab your paddleboard or kayak and head to Donner Lake or Lake Tahoe. It’s beautiful, and probably free of boat wakes. But stay on your board and out of the water, because while the air temperature might be cozy, the water will be cold.
Donner Lake
Hit the TRT-The Tahoe Rim Trail section which heads north out of Tahoe City (from Fairway Drive) is south facing at a low elevation, the perfect combination for an early snowmelt. Climb for about a mile to a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River canyon, and feel the joy of boots on dirt.
Walk the river-The Truckee River Bike trail from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley is mostly free of snow. Take a relaxing stroll along the river.
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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The Rainbow Lodge, tucked next to a lovely pool of the Yuba River on Old Highway 40 just a few miles west of Donner Summit, has reopened for business under new ownership and with a new name (Rainbow Tavern and Lodge) on February 20th. Currently it is open to bed and breakfast guests, with plans underway to open the bar and once popular restaurant in the spring.
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The Rainbow Lodge was most recently owned by Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area. A fond memory for many a Tahoe area Nordic skier was having the rare opportunity of skiing from Summit Station at Royal Gorge all the way to Rainbow Lodge. With the failure a few years ago of the previous ownership of Royal Gorge, the Lodge set vacant until Craig and Wendy Mitchell from Rocklin recently purchased the property. The Mitchell’s plan on remodeling and upgrading the facility, while keeping its classic Sierra charm.
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The charming wood and rock structure that is Rainbow Lodge was built in the late 1800s. With it’s rustic wood bar, and comfy fireplace, it was always a happy place to spend a night in the snow. It has been a gambling hall, a stage stop, and a popular fishing spot where the Rainbow trout you caught could be cooked by the Rainbow Lodge chef for your enjoyment. It also sits next to an artesian spring water source that has been a supplier for drinking water companies. The popular Loch Levon Lakes hiking trail is just down the road, and the Lodge is on the route of one of the Tahoe-Truckee area’s most popular road bike routes from Donner Lake to Cisco Grove.
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Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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