Renting a cabin - winter or summer - is one of the most economical ways to spend a weekend or a week in the mountains. The Interstate 80 corridor over Donner Summit has a great variety of vacation homes available for rent.
The most vacation rental cabins are found in the major developments, especially in the Donner Lake - Truckee area. Another great place to look for vacation home rentals is around Soda Springs. Rentals are available in other smaller areas all the way from Colfax to Donner Summit. Many vacation homes in those areas can be found be searching sites such as Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) or HomeAway.
Listed below are some of the key areas where you may find vacation homes for rent.
This large development north of Truckee has thousands of upscale homes, many of which serve as permanent residences, but a large number are vacation homes. While many of the homes are in the luxury range, there are also a good number that rent for affordable rates. For a slight additional fee many offer Guests Passes which give you access to some facilities not open to the public and reduced prices on most activities such as skiing and golf. Three bedroom cabins rent for as little as $150 per night.
The beauty of Donner Lake has attracted vacationers for more than a century. Homes are situated all along the north and western shore, and some are offered as rentals. Some of the homes are older while many have been recently renovated or are new construction. The close proximity to the lake, Truckee, and the wonders of Donner Summit make Donner Lake a prime vacation destination. A 4-bedroom cabin close to the lake rents for about $225 per night.
Truckee has become one of the fastest growing towns in California, attracting both permanent residents and seasonal visitors. Vacation homes there make a great place in the winter to set out to any of a half dozen nearby ski resorts. In the summer, Truckee is the place for golf, cycling, fishing, hiking, or just relaxing. Just for fun, hop the train for a short ride and spend the day in Reno. A 3-bedroom cabin close to Truckee rents for as little as $270 a night in the fall.
With its proximity to all the ski resorts and other recreational opportunities around Donner Summit, Soda Springs is one of the most popular locations in the area for vacation homes. Serene Lakes are popular for canoeing, swimming, and sailing. Spend two nights in a cabin there for as little as $275.
Summer cabins are scattered all along old Highway 40 from the Soda Springs area west to Cisco Grove. Some cabins are isolated, others part of small clusters, and a few in larger developments.
Colfax area rentals have the advantage of being below the snow line most of the winter. They are also close to recreation areas such as Rollins Lake and Scotts Flat Lake. You can rent a cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bath cottage at Dutch Flat for about $125 per night. Close to gold panning.
Off the beaten path, Foresthill is a wonderful place to explore. Many historic places from the Gold Rush era are found along the Foresthill Divide. Nearby lakes and trails make it a popular area for fishing and hiking, OHV and mountain biking. Three bedroom cabins that sleep up to 8 rent for as little as $200 per night.
Close to historic Nevada City, the Scotts Flat area has a lot to offer to vacationers. The lake is great for swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing. Nearby Pioneer Trail is a wonderful place to hike, bike, or horseback ride.
Community | Soda Springs - Donner Summit | Truckee | Tahoe City, Lake Tahoe | Reno |
---|---|---|---|---|
Colfax | 40 | 50 | 64 | 83 |
Cisco Grove | 10 | 20 | 34 | 53 |
Soda Springs | - | 12 | 26 | 45 |
Truckee | 12 | - | 14 | 33 |