Donner Summit Bridge

Donner Summit Bridge aka Rainbow Bridge Donner Lake in Truckee

Donner Summit Bridge is a picturesque rainbow bridge in California overlooking Donner Lake near Lake Tahoe.

The bridge is part of Donner Pass Road and has an amazing view of Donner Lake. The rainbow-like bridge spanning over a small canyon is a popular photo location around Lake Tahoe and one of the coolest bridges in California in our opinion.

Table Of Contents

Donner Summit Bridge
Other Things To See Near Donner Bridge

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We crossed Donner Pass Bridge many times to and from Lake Tahoe and stopped to take photos of the incredible view. However, it wasn’t until we got our DJI drone that we were finally able to take these amazing photos of the Rainbow Bridge with Donner Lake peeking through underneath it.

Rainbow Bridge Truckee, California

Rainbow Bridge Donner Lake Photo Spot — Rainbow Bridge near Truckee, CA

On the right sight of Donner Pass Bridge from the parking lot, you can walk down to almost underneath the bridge and see it from a different angle.

The best viewpoint to see the bridge and Donner Lake is, however, from the other side of the bridge. You can either walk there from the parking lot or drive your car and park it at a small outlet along Donner Pass.

Most Famous California Rainbow Bridge

Sunset at Bixby Bridge Big Sur Highway 1 — Bixby California Rainbow Bridge in Big Sur

You have probably already noticed that the Donner Pass Rainbow Bridge near Truckee looks a lot like another very popular bridge in California and you are right!

This Northern California Rainbow Bridge looks almost identical to the famous Bixby Bridge in Big Sur.

The two rainbow bridges are set in very different sceneries, but both bridges have something quite special to them.

Other Things To See Near Donner Bridge

There are a few more things to explore along Donner Pass Road, which we will show you here:

Donner Lake Vista Point

Birds eye view of Donner Lake in winter — Donner Lake Vista Point in winter

Right next to Donner Bridge you will find the Donner Lake Overlook which boasts wide-spanning views of Donner Lake and the surrounding landscape. No matter if you visit during summer or winter, the view is always beautiful!

Pro tip: For the most amazing view, come for sunset!

Donner Lake Swing

Maybe you have already discovered it on the way to Donner Lake Bridge. There is a cool swing hidden along Donner Pass Summit Road that offers incredible views of Donner Lake.

Donner Summit

If you continue further up Donner Summit Road you will reach Donner Summit Haus, a German restaurant shack open during summer weekends, and the Donner Summit Hub.

From up there, there is a short trail to another Donner Lake Vista Point which we can only recommend checking out.

China Wall Donner Pass

The China Wall on Donner Summit Pass is a historical site dedicated to the Chinese workers who built the Donner Railroad Tunnels more than 150 years ago. Today, you can still see the tunnels and the two majestic walls built from Sierra granite.

Right after the China Wall Donner Pass parking lot, you will find the path leading up to the Native American Petroglyph Site which is also a cool spot to check out (just not during snow season).

Donner Tunnels

Continuing further up Donner Pass, you will reach the historic Donner Summit Tunnels, a set of former railroad tunnels and now a popular place to explore and take photos at.

Donner Summit Bridge

Iconic Rainbow Bridge Near Truckee, California

We hope you enjoyed this little guide to Donner Summit Bridge and Donner Pass Road and got inspired for your own visit to the Lake Tahoe Donner area.

Julia & Felipe

Follow our adventures on Instagram! @piscoandbier