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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Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Lest you all think that I never get out to enjoy the surroundings here, that I am all work and no play, let me set you straight.  My daughter’s recent wedding drew many family members from near and far to the Sierras and rather than waste off time sitting around, we chose to do several hikes.  I got to participate in two of these hikes, both of which were on the Pacific Crest Trail or what is commonly called, the PCT.  The PCT is a trail which extends from Canada through the US and on into Mexico.  You can read more about it here. When I looked it up, I was pretty amazed and frankly humbled to be in the company of such august persons who were responsible for establishing this great recreational facility.

The two trips we made were the Mount Judah Loop which showcased spectacular flowers and views and the hike I made yesterday which took us on a route of the Trail that extends from the Boreal Ski Area, near Highway 80 to Old Highway 40.  The flowers were still vibrant, the views were wonderful but this hike was a little less intense than the Mt. Judah trip.

Here are some pictures, the people that I traveled with yesterday are my brother David and his wife Kate.  We were rewarded by some great views, solitude and later a wonderful dinner at the River Ranch in Alpine Meadows. Thanks to everyone — for reminding me once again how great it is to sell real estate in the High Sierras!!

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