Donner Memorial State Park

How about heading out for a great hike in beautiful California with your fur-ever friend today? The Donner Memorial State Park is a pup-tastic location to log some miles with Fido on foot and paws in the great outdoors!

Pup-friendly throughout, this park boasts over 8 miles of trails within its 3293 acres here. Pick up the trailheads for these various trails at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor’s Center. The center also features tours, stories and plenty of information about this historic area which welcomed immigrants in the 1800’s. Coldstream Canyon lies within the park boundaries and offers beautiful scenery for your day together.

During your hikes, which vary in length and difficulty, you will find paved paths and natural footing. Something for everyone and every pup should be expected as you are immersed in nature with views of forests, open spaces, rivers and lakes. Try the China Grove Trail or Museum Lakeside Trail to Donner Lake, the Old Emigrant Trail through Cold Stream Valley, or the popular Museum Interpretive Trail.  Schallenberger Ridge offers a scenic overlook of Donner Lake and the great Sierra Nevada mountain range. 

Many people travel here to view the geologic wonders that have shown themselves after years of erosion. Large boulders left by glacial departure are fun to climb on and photograph. Lots of wildlife should be expected so it is best to keep your fur-iendly pup on leash while hiking. 

Other park amenities include camping overnight or for an extended stay, fishing in the stocked lakes, and boating or water skiing. Picnic tables are numerous so why not make it a day and enjoy lunch together either before or after your pawtastic hike? Restrooms and drinking fountains can be located near the parking lot and visitor’s center. Maps of the trails are offered there as well, and this is where you will pay your parking fee, which varies depending on the season.

Head out today to the Donner Memorial State Park with your pup for a hiking extravaganza!