Donner Summit

Serene Lakes – Ice Lakes

This area is predominately inhabited by second homeowners.  The subdivision wraps itself around two beautiful mountain lakes:  Lake Serena and Lake Dulzura.  Other closeby attractions include Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, Soda Springs Ski area, Royal Gorge X-Country Ski Area, Loch Leven Lakes (for great hiking), the Pacific Crest Trail and acres of National Forest Lane.  Serene Lakes is accessed by exiting Highway 80 at the Soda Springs Exit, heading east on Donner Pass Road until you reach Soda Springs Road, then head south (right).  There is a wonderful lodge at the end of Soda Springs Road — Ice Lakes Lodge, good food and thoroughly modern rooms.  Also a great spot for a wedding!!

Pla Vada Woodlands

West of Serene Lakes and located adjacent to Kingvale, in close proximity to highways 40, 80 and the beautiful Yuba River, this subdivision has long been a favorite of snowmobilers and x-country skiers.  Until recently the homeowners’ association chose to leave most roads in the subdivision unplowed in winter.  This practice has changed, thereby increasing the accessibility of all parcels, year round.  This subdivision has both full time and second homeowners.  To access, exit highway 80 at the Kingvale Exit and continue south on Donner Pass Road until you reach the subdivision on the left.

The waste disposal system in PlaVada is privately owned and therefore not connected with the Donner Summit Public Utility District.  The annual mandatory homeowners’ dues cover the cost of road plowing and maintenance and sewer.  There is a small park along the river for the homeowners.

Kingvale

An older subdivision with dirt or gravel roads, adjacent to PlaVada and in close proximity to both Highways 40 and 80.  This subdivision harkens back to the 1930’s when there was no Highway 80.  Imagine arriving here at your rustic stone cottage after an arduous journey from San Francisco.  Out your back door lies the peaceful Yuba River.  Most of these cabins are not lived in during the winter as the dirt/gravel roads throughout the subdivision are not maintained in winter.  Some of the cabins are not insulated and therefore only suitable for summer living.

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