Where you’ll be

Truckee, California, United States

The West End neighborhood of Donner Lake in Truckee is one of the most scenic and peaceful areas in the region, offering a fantastic year-round retreat for both winter and summer. Located at the western shore of Donner Lake, this neighborhood combines natural beauty with convenient access to outdoor activities and amenities.

Winter Benefits:
During the winter months, the West End provides quick and easy access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the area. You’re just a short drive from Sugar Bowl, Royal Gorge, and Donner Ski Ranch, making it a prime location for winter sports enthusiasts. The neighborhood’s proximity to Old Highway 40 means less traffic and easier access to the resorts compared to more crowded areas. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails are also nearby, allowing for quiet exploration of the beautiful winter landscape. Though winter weather can bring heavy snowfall, the serene atmosphere and majestic snow-covered views make it a winter wonderland.

Summer Benefits:
In the summer, the West End of Donner Lake transforms into a hub for outdoor recreation. The West End Beach is a favorite spot for families and visitors, offering swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and picnicking with stunning lake and mountain views. The public boat launch is nearby, making it easy to take advantage of boating opportunities on Donner Lake. The hiking and biking trails in Donner Memorial State Park are also easily accessible from this neighborhood. For more adventurous guests, the area offers rock climbing and the famous Donner Summit trails.

Truckee’s historic downtown is just a short drive away, where you can enjoy local dining, shopping, and cultural events. Whether you visit in winter or summer, the West End neighborhood of Donner Lake in Truckee offers a peaceful retreat with endless outdoor activities at your doorstep.

Checking in and out

• Check-in: 4:00 PM
• Check-out: 10:00 AM

During your stay

• 10 guests maximum
• Pets are not allowed

Access

Welcome to 10237 Washoe Rd, a rustic 4-bedroom, 2-bath cabin in Truckee, CA, just minutes from Donner Lake. Guests have access to the entire cabin, including the spacious front deck and driveway, perfect for enjoying mountain views. This Donner Lake vacation rental offers a true local mountain lifestyle experience, with the charm and warmth of a wood-burning fireplace and TVs in every room for your comfort.

Snow removal services are provided once per day, usually between 9-11 am. However, navigating winter conditions will require some elbow grease. Guests are responsible for shoveling and moving cars so the driveway can be cleared, which is part of the mountain living experience. If you’re not prepared to handle heavy snow accumulation, shovel frequently, or drive in extreme winter conditions, this cabin may not be the right fit.

Conveniently located at the base of Old Highway 40, the cabin is just a 10-15 minute drive to Sugar Bowl, Royal Gorge, and Donner Ski Ranch, making it an ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re coming for skiing, snowboarding, or to explore Truckee and the beauty of Donner Lake, this cabin offers a perfect balance of charm, comfort, and mountain adventure.

Transit

Getting around the West End of Donner Lake like a true local requires a good understanding of the terrain and weather, especially in the winter months. Here are some key points to help you navigate the area efficiently and safely:

Public Transit:
The TART (Tahoe Area Regional Transit) bus stop is conveniently located just 3/4 of a mile from the cabin, providing easy access to downtown Truckee and other nearby areas, including North Lake Tahoe. This is a great option if you prefer not to drive, especially during snowy conditions. You can hop on the TART bus and reach Donner Pass Road, Old Highway 40, and even connect to Interstate 80.

Driving in Winter:
If you’re driving, a 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended during the winter months. The roads around Donner Lake can get steep, icy, and covered with heavy snow, making it challenging for 2-wheel drive vehicles. In fact, 2-wheel drive vehicles are not advisable in winter conditions here. Even with a 4×4 vehicle, it’s crucial to have the correct chains with you, as snowstorms can come in quickly, and certain areas may require chains regardless of your vehicle type.

Lower clearance cars can easily get stuck or become high-centered in deep snow, especially after significant accumulations. Locals know the importance of having a vehicle that’s equipped to handle these conditions to avoid getting stranded. Always check the weather ahead of time, and prepare accordingly.

Access to Major Roads:
The cabin is conveniently located with access to Old Highway 40, Donner Pass Road, and Interstate 80, making it easy to reach ski resorts like Sugar Bowl and nearby towns like Truckee. During snowstorms, Old Highway 40 may close, but Interstate 80 is generally kept clear by Caltrans. Just be sure to plan your route in advance and check weather conditions before heading out.

With the right vehicle and preparation, getting around the West End of Donner Lake is a rewarding experience, offering quick access to outdoor activities and the stunning natural beauty of the Truckee area.

Interaction with guests

At 10237 Washoe Rd, we strive to provide a smooth and enjoyable guest experience with clear communication and support throughout your stay. Our interaction is designed to be accessible, helpful, and non-intrusive, ensuring that you have everything you need for a relaxing vacation. We are available via phone, email, or text between 5 AM and 9 PM to assist with any questions or concerns. After these hours, our phones are turned off, so please rely on our TouchStay guide for any non-emergency information. In the case of an emergency, please call 911 immediately, and remember that violations of local regulations, such as noise complaints, may result in a citation from the code enforcement officer.

One of the key tools we provide is our TouchStay guide, a digital resource packed with all the essential details for a hassle-free stay. It includes instructions for check-in, check-out, Wi-Fi access, and tips for using cabin amenities like the wood-burning fireplace and propane grill. The guide also offers local recommendations for dining, shopping, and outdoor activities, helping you make the most of your time in Truckee and at Donner Lake.

The TouchStay guide is available 24/7 and serves as your go-to resource, covering everything from snow removal times to navigating nearby ski resorts. We recommend familiarizing yourself with it both before and during your stay, as it provides all the information you’ll need for a smooth, independent experience. While we’re here to support you, this guide ensures you have everything at your fingertips for an enjoyable and seamless stay.

Notes

The TouchStay guide is an essential part of providing a true boutique and seamless guest experience at 10237 Washoe Rd. It is designed to answer most, if not all, of your questions about the cabin, ensuring that you have all the information you need right at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking for check-in details, Wi-Fi access, tips for using the wood-burning fireplace, or local recommendations for dining and activities, the TouchStay guide has you covered.

Please keep in mind that the cabin, while charming and well-equipped, is not perfect—no home is 100%. We do our very best to maintain it to a high standard, but there may be minor issues that arise, especially in a mountain environment. In the event of a power outage or internet outage, the guide will provide valuable information, including how to troubleshoot a soft reset of the internet. Power and internet outages are common in the mountains, especially during heavy snowfall, and while they are out of our control, we have prepared to make your experience as smooth as possible.

We provide a power outage kit at the cabin to ensure you’re prepared, but it’s important to keep in mind that these outages, while usually brief, can occur during severe weather. They typically last only a few hours, but the key is to be prepared, plan ahead, and embrace the mountain lifestyle. By relying on the TouchStay guide and having a good attitude during these rare occurrences, you’ll be ready to enjoy the full mountain experience without worry.