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Truckee: Where the Old West Meets the Modern World in the Sierras!

Truckee, California has a history as storied as the area is beautiful. A noticeable Wild West flavor permeates this town that has been influenced by Native Americans, railroad camps, the Olympic Games, and even beer. In 1910, Hollywood noticed the area's rich visual attributes. More than 80 films, including Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush, were filmed here before 1941. The town's popularity really exploded subsequent to the 1960 Olympic Games, held in Squaw Valley, ten miles to the south. Ever since, Truckee has been a popular year-round vacation destination for those interested in skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, visiting historical attractions, or just basking in the Sierra Nevada sunshine.

History buffs will want to visit Donner Memorial State Park, just west of town, and see the exhibits in the Emigrant Trail Museum. The museum tells the story of the Donner Party, a band of ill-fated travelers trying to find their way through the Sierras in 1846-47. Of the 86 settlers who started the journey, only 47 survived, resorting to cannibalism and eating animal hides for survival. An hourly slide show depicts their struggle, and park rangers give guided hikes through the park telling their saga. There are also exhibits explaining the development of the Pacific Central Railroad through the mountains, as well as exhibits depicting the natural history of the Sierra Nevadas.

Donner Memorial State Park is also a great place to spend some time visiting the Great Outdoors. This 1750 acre park offers all manner of summer fun. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy many trails that traverse the park, including the Emigrant Trail, which takes visitors past the Pioneer Monument and the Murphy Family Cabin site, part of the tragic Donner Party. Fishing fans can toss in a line in either Donner Lake or Donner Creek looking for trout and kokanee. Sailing and windsurfing are also popular activities on the lake. In winter, the same trails that serve hikers open up to cross-country skiers and snowshoeing practitioners.

More outdoor fun can be had at Lake Tahoe, located about 12 miles south of Truckee. Lake Tahoe is a one-stop-shopping mall of all things outdoor related. In summer, visitors flock to the many beaches that line the lake to work on their tan or participate in aquatic fun. Kiva Beach has gorgeous white sand and is a great place for a scenic view of Heavenly Resort. Kings Beach State Park in North Lake Tahoe offers all sorts of water related activities. Parasailing is very popular in this neck of the Tahoe woods. Kayakers and canoeists can rent equipment here as well. On the western shore of Lake Tahoe, D.L.Bliss State Park offers a gorgeous beach area and miles of hiking trails that take you to scenic vistas above the lake. Lake Tahoe's deep water makes fishing a challenging proposition. There are plenty of places for the native rainbow and brown trout to hide. Fishing charters, with knowledgeable guides who know the best fishin' holes, can be hired from all around the lake.

In winter, the area around Lake Tahoe is legendary in the alpine community. The most famous ski resort in the area is Squaw Valley, USA, the site of the 1960 winter Olympics. Located about 6 miles northwest of Tahoe City, skiing is spread out over 6 different peaks, serviced by one of the most intricate lift systems in the entire world. Heavenly Resort, located in Stateline, NV, is the largest resort in the area and 100% snowboarder friendly. Heavenly is also known for its scenic view of the lake from inside the aerial tram that carries visitors up the mountain.

Truckee, California has everything one could ask for in a Sierra Nevada vacation destination. Take a drive up the twisting Highway 40 to Donner Summit for some rock climbing or a magnificent view of Donner Lake. Shop the boutiques in downtown Truckee looking for Native American carvings or antiques. Tee it up on one of the area's golf courses. Head on over to Grass Valley, and visit the Northstar Mining Museum. Toss in a line in the Stampede Dam and Reservoir, looking for mackinaw trout. Whether you seek winter fun or summer sun, Truckee is just the place!