7. Drive Old Highway 40 over Donner Summit
Highway 40, also known as Donner Pass Road, was one of the first paved automobile routes to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It follows a route first trodden by travelers on the Emigrant Trail, who were following the worn footpaths of native cultures before them. Until Interstate 80 replaced this portion of the original Lincoln Highway in 1964, it was the main route over the pass.
Today, drivers can still divert off the interstate near Cisco and travel this scenic route that ends at Donner Lake. Several recreational and historic landmarks line this route, particularly towards its eastern terminus near the Donner Summit. Here, the landmark Donner Summit Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Bridge, dates back to the 1920s and offers an excellent vista point.
This area near the Donner Summit Bridge is also a hot spot for hiking. Several trails extend north and south from this historic highway, including the country-spanning Pacific Crest Trail. Two of the most popular hikes in the area include the trek to Castle Crag and the uphill route to Donner Peak, and for a unique walk through history, head for the Donner Pass Summit Tunnels.
8. Get Outside in Tahoe National Forest
The expansive Tahoe National Forest surrounds all sides of Truckee. It encompasses more than 800,000 acres, offering unlimited opportunities to explore outside. Popular activities include camping, swimming, rock climbing, and skiing throughout the winter.
Hiking is perhaps the most prevalent activity in Tahoe National Forest. Hundreds of miles of trails cross throughout, offering easy day hikes and overnight endeavors. The country-spanning Pacific Crest Trail passes right by Truckee, crossing Interstate 80 at Donner Pass. A few other favorite trails to explore include the Paradise Lake Trail and the China Grove Trail.
Camping is also popular in Tahoe National Forest. Several designated campgrounds, like Granite Flat and Goose Meadow Campgrounds, offer picnic tables and fire pits. Primitive camping is also prevalent on the side of forest service roads.
