Historical Site - Donner Camp Trail at Alder Creek

About Us

Interpretive 1/3 mile trail with plaque commemorating where part of the Donner Party camped near Alder Creek, trapped during the severe winter of 1846-47.

About 3/4 of the Donner Party camped at Donner Lake, while the George and Jacob Donner families and a few others camped about six miles away, at Alder Creek, just north of present-day Truckee. The two Donner families were lagging behind the others and were stopped at Alder Creek by injuries and a broken wagon axle.

The interpretive materials located along this gentle, short trail pay powerful tribute to the strength of the Donner women, who died here while most of their children survived.

Parking, restrooms and picnic tables are available. The Donner Historic Camp Site at Alder Creek is easy to find on Highway 89 North. Map ''Donner Party Picnic Area'' - it's about 2 1/2 miles north of I-80.