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Donner PassSep 14, 2011
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Donner Pass Road runs through Truckee, CA
Truckee, CA
We had lunch at the Wagon Train Cafe
Today we visited the beautiful Sierra Nevada, Donner Memorial State Park and the Emigrant Trail Museum. The huge Pioneer Monument was built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's.
Included in the museum are displays and information about one of the earliest pioneer wagon trains, the Donner Party, forced by circumstances to camp at the east end of Donner Lake in the winter of 1846-47, resulting in human suffering and loss of life.
The park encompasses Scallenberger Ridge to the south of Donner Lake. We drove all the way up to Donner Pass Summit. It was spectacular!
I read the book about the Donner Party years ago. It was very exciting seeing where the actual campsites were. It is hard to believe anyone could have made it over that pass with horse and buggy. This is another highly recommended area to visit if you are anywhere nearby.