Truckee Cabin Steps to Donner Lake w/ Kayaks, Fireplace & Forest Views

Welcome to Donner Lake Refuge by AvantStay!

Tucked among towering pines just moments from Donner Lake, this warm and wood-clad cabin offers the classic Truckee mountain escape with effortless access to year-round adventure. A public dock sits just across the street, and guests have use of two kayaks—perfect for morning paddles or relaxed afternoons on the water. Inside, large picture windows bring the forest indoors, casting soft natural light across the open-concept living area where a stone-framed fireplace, plush seating, TV, and an acoustic guitar set the tone for slow mornings and cozy nights in. The adjoining dining area welcomes family meals for six, while the full kitchen comes equipped with all the essentials for cooking after days spent hiking nearby trails, exploring downtown Truckee, or skiing at Sugar Bowl, Northstar, and Palisades Tahoe.

This three-bedroom cabin offers comfort and privacy across two levels. One queen bedroom is conveniently located on the main floor just off the living room, ideal for guests who prefer fewer stairs. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms await: one with a queen bed and another with a queen plus a twin-over-twin bunk, perfect for families or groups traveling together. The upstairs bathroom includes both a walk-in shower and a bathtub, while the downstairs bathroom features a tub only. A convenient half bath on the main level adds extra ease for larger groups.

Whether you’re sipping coffee on the deck as the sun rises over the treetops, unwinding after lake days, or settling in for a winter weekend of skiing and board games by the fire, this home places you close to everything that makes Truckee special while giving you the peace and privacy of a true mountain hideaway.

AvantStay provides a personalized hospitality experience to elevate your stay. With our Concierge Service, guests have access to our tech-enabled services like fridge stocking, private chefs, massages, transportation, special occasion celebrations, baby gear rentals, ski gear, beach gear, and more. For anything you need, we’re at your fingertips via concierge@avantstay.com.

Situated in the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountain range straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers stunning panoramic scenery and year-round adventure. Visitors flock here especially to ski and snowboard on dramatic slopes that seem to fall into the abyss of the lake's cobalt blue water. Whether you're looking for a day in the mountains or a cruise on the lake, you can have it all in Tahoe.

Nearby Attractions: Donner Memorial State Park, West End Beach, public docks on Donner Lake, Historic Downtown Truckee, Sugar Bowl Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California, Glacier Way Trailhead, Old Highway 40 Overlook, Donner Lake Kitchen, Cottonwood Restaurant, and Coffeebar Truckee.

Home Truths:
- Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in this home. If undisclosed pets are brought into the home without AvantStay's approval there is a fine of $500 per pet.
- Please note, your home comes equipped with a pack'n'play and high-chair.
- All trash must be taken to the bear box 100+ ft down the hill. Any trash left inside or in the garage incurs a $40 removal fee and can attract bears, which may cause damage billed to the guest.
- The home has a significant number of stairs and steep terrain. It is not suitable for elderly guests or anyone with mobility challenges, especially in winter.
- Please note that all outdoor furniture and amenities, including grills, are seasonal and available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Parking Details:
- One garage spot is available for guests; one vehicle will remain parked inside. Two additional driveway spaces.
- 4WD is required during winter conditions, and guests must access the home via E. Reed Dr. from Donner Pass Rd.; street parking is strictly prohibited, and all vehicles must fit entirely in the driveway while remaining clear of snow-plow markers.
- Long-bed trucks or extended-wheelbase vehicles may require tight maneuvering when entering or exiting the driveway.

This is a smoke-free property. Violation of the no-smoking policy will result in forfeiture of the security deposit, a $300 smoking fee, and liability for any fire or property damage costs.

As part of our commitment to being good neighbors, occupancy limits and quiet hours (9pm-8am) are strictly enforced. No speakers or sound systems will be provided for use in our properties. Violation of any noise ordinances will be subject to fines that can reach up to $10,000 per violation.

Events or parties are not allowed without prior written approval and an additional fee. Any unauthorized parties or events will be shut down and a fine will be assessed. Please inquire for more information about our event policies and fees.

There is nothing more important to us at AvantStay than the health, safety, and experience of our guests & staff. We've enhanced our cleaning and sanitation protocols and are taking extra care to disinfect all surfaces between reservations with hospital-grade disinfecting solutions.

As a reminder, we do work with 3rd party vendors to maintain the property, and although we adhere to the strictest CDC guidelines and advise all contractors to wear PPE equipment, we can not always enforce. We strongly advise guests to please deny access if any vendors fail to meet and adhere to these standards.

IDs will be requested for verification after booking. All bookings over 30 days require a security deposit.

We report and prosecute all Credit Card Fraud.

STR Permit #: 002374