I-80 : Donner Pass

Continuing on my I80 series, this is the latest portrait near Donner Pass, CA.

Often under snow at this time of the year, this field is usually part of the Donner Memorial State Park's cross country ski trails. But last week it was very warm.

Donner Lake, 1866 (photo Library of Congress)

The most notorious history about this area is the infamous winter of 1946, and the Donner Party's failed attempt at crossing the pass in late November.

 

More about Donner Lake history:

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ca-donnerparty4.html

Hike through the railroad tunnel at Donner Pass

On a rather balmy afternoon last week we hiked through an abandoned railroad tunnel at Donner Pass, look at graffiti and some artists at work, and saw a view of the mountain we'd never seen before.