Truckee, CA, United States

West End Beach, Donner Lake

West End Beach, at the western end of Donner Lake, is a Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District day-use park with a lifeguarded swim area; the district calls it the safest beach on the lake. Each August the 2.7-mile Donner Lake Swim crosses from Donner Memorial State Park and finishes here. At about 5,900 feet the water stays cool, so build up your time in it gradually.

Directions

Photo: Tom Hilton · CC BY 2.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 86/100 (Get in) for a typical swimmer: air 24°C, wind 15 km/h, UV 7. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Summer; Donner Lake Swim organizers expect 65-68°F water for the early-August race.
Getting in: District day-use beach on the west shore of Donner Lake; gates open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. An admission fee is charged during the summer season (rates set by the district). No dogs, glass or smoking.
Parking & transport: On-site lot at the beach.
Lifeguards: American Red Cross certified lifeguards supervise the designated swim area during the summer months; swimming when guards are off duty is at your own risk.
Season: Summer, when lifeguards are on duty.
Who swims here: The Donner Lake Swim, a 2.7-mile point-to-point Masters race, starts at the east end by Donner Memorial State Park and finishes at West End Beach; the 45th annual edition was held on August 8, 2026.
Watch for: Cool water combined with high altitude (about 5,933 feet)
Powerboats and sailboats share the lake; a public boat ramp is in the northwest corner
Facilities: Designated swim area · Picnic sites and charcoal barbecues (reservation only) · Paddleboat, kayak and paddleboard rentals, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · Seasonal boat storage racks · Lakeside pavilion for events