The air in Truckee is progressively getting chillier, which means there will soon be snow on the ground. While this is amazing for most Truckee residents and ski bums, it also means that most popular summer locations will no longer be easily accessible to the public.

As someone who has lived in Truckee my entire life, I decided it would be a good idea to visit five of my favorite summer locations at the cusp of Autumn to share their unique and captivating beauty with the public. These locations, each with their distinct charm, are a must-see before winter sets in.

I first visited a popular spot on the Truckee River road towards Glenshire.  To get here, from the main street of downtown Truckee one could drive slowly towards Glenshire Drive in the direction of the houses until they reach a small parking lot on the right. After parking, one would need to cross the railroad tracks to get to the river. Upon crossing, they would reach a field near the river with plenty of places to sit and rest.    

While there, I noticed substantially fewer people when it was cloudy than sunny and clear. The river is still peaceful to sit next to when hazy, but one might not want to swim during this time. The ease of access to this spot, even with the change in weather, makes it a comfortable and enjoyable visit for anyone.

Another place in Truckee to lay in the sun and swim in the water is the Donner Lake docks. During the summer’s sweltering heat, the docks tend to be flooded with tourists and locals, but the docks are mostly empty when fall starts creeping closer, making them easily accessible. 

This is a prime time to take advantage of the available parking spaces and open docks. During the summer, people often need to share a dock with a stranger and park far away, but these problems disappear in the off-season. While driving along Donner Pass Road in search of a dock, I was astonished by how few people were on the docks. I recommend visiting this lake before it snows and the docks are hard to access.

If you drive up the scenic road, Old 40, you should stop by the train tunnels. The tunnels are intricately painted with graffiti art and is also a great place to take pictures. To get up to the tunnels, one needs to park where one can see them and walk up a trail leading to the entrance.

During the winter, the path toward the entrance can be slippery and dangerous, but it is a hike that does not require experience in the summer and Autumn. Inside the tunnels, one can step outside and enjoy the breathtaking view of Donner Lake and the mountains. Bringing a jacket and a flashlight is suggested, as the inside of the tunnel can be dark and drafty.

Truckee Regional Park is a great place to spend time with family and friends. It has baseball fields, an amphitheater where music is played for free during the summer, a playground, a tennis court, and a skate park. The park is also within walking distance from the Truckee River, a great place to enjoy a picnic during the warmer months. The fun here doesn’t stop in the winter, as once it starts to snow, the park puts up a small ice skating rink. However, I would recommend a trip to Regional Park before it snows.

China Cove is another great place for swimming and walking dogs. To get here, one needs to stop at the parking lot just before the Tahoe Donner Beach Club, climb over the fence, and make their way to the trail. Continue on the trail until you reach a bridge over the river. There are plenty of places to sit and lie down as well as a large rock in the water that is relatively easy to climb up and jump off.    

I recommend that anyone in the area take the opportunity to see these beautiful places, each with their unique charm before the weather gets too cold to enjoy them to their fullest extent.  All of these places allow dogs and children which is convenient to parents of both children and pets.