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The Donner Summit Area

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Home→Categories Picture of the Week

On the Summit Blog

This blog will primarily discuss topics about the Donner summit area. All articles are created by the authors. There will also be discussions about topics off the summit. The articles will be categorized as either "On the summit" or "Off the summit". Constructive feedback comments are always welcome.

Category Archives: Picture of the Week

Picture of the Week – Palisade Falls 6-7-16

OnTheSummit Posted on June 7, 2016 by George LamsonJune 7, 2016

This week with the spring melt still in flow we hiked over to see Palisade Falls. While the flow wasn’t at it’s peak, the falls were still spectacular. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful spots on … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 3/15/16 – Winter Wonderland at Donner Summit

OnTheSummit Posted on March 15, 2016 by George LamsonMarch 26, 2016

Donner Summit has been experiencing a pretty “normal” winter this year as far as snowfall is concerned. We have had some of our biggest storms in March. This weeks picture is right after a big storm that dropped 4 ft … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 11/29/15 – Predawn beauty in Summit Valley

OnTheSummit Posted on November 29, 2015 by adminFebruary 17, 2016

(Click on image for a larger version) It can definitely be worth getting up before the sun on the summit. Caught this beautiful predawn moment at Van Norden Lake just before it was drained. Sad to think we may never … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 11/10/15 – Winter comes to the Sierras

OnTheSummit Posted on November 10, 2015 by adminFebruary 17, 2016

A winter storm moves into the Donner Summit area laying down a blanket of snow.

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Picture of the Week 10/21/15 – Autumn color on the Summit

OnTheSummit Posted on October 21, 2015 by adminFebruary 17, 2016

It’s not New England, but Donner Summit has its own special colors when autumn comes.

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Picture of the Week – Donner Summit Sunrise

OnTheSummit Posted on October 4, 2015 by adminOctober 4, 2015

(Click on image for larger view) Autumn sunrise over the crest of Donner Pass. From left to right – Donner, Judah, Stephens and Stewart peaks

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Picture of the week – Beware the tree dragons of Donner Pass

OnTheSummit Posted on September 29, 2015 by adminFebruary 17, 2016

Nature can get pretty twisted up here on the Summit. This fearsome creature lives in the roots of tree up near the Catfish Pond at Donner Pass. All you need to see him is a little imagination.

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Picture of the week 12-14-14 — First track

OnTheSummit Posted on December 14, 2014 by adminDecember 14, 2014

Real snow finally came to the summit this week. Took advantage of a beautiful day and wonderful snow to do a back country ski through Tiny Tim meadow. This is the first track through the meadow.

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Picture of the week – Winter coming slowly to the Summit 11/30/14

OnTheSummit Posted on November 30, 2014 by adminNovember 30, 2014

Winter is coming slowly to the summit this year. This early teaser storm dropped about 4 inches of the white stuff, but was gone in 3 days. While we have had a couple of potentially good storms come through, they … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week – First snow 11/2/14

OnTheSummit Posted on November 2, 2014 by adminNovember 2, 2014

  (Click on image for larger view) We had our first real snow on the summit this week. A pretty cold storm rolled in and dropped 4-6 inches over the entire summit area. On our first ski of the season … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week – Donner Pass pano 10-25-14

OnTheSummit Posted on October 25, 2014 by adminOctober 25, 2014

This week we spent some time over at Donner Pass hiking around. It reminded me of the little trek we took a couple of years ago out that rock promontory right out in the middle of the pass. It’s a … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 7/27/14

OnTheSummit Posted on July 26, 2014 by adminJuly 26, 2014

This week we would like to share a rare sighting up here on the summit. We found this Washingtonian Lily tucked in the foliage on the Sterling Canyon trail just about 50 yards the other side of the newly restored … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 5/25/14

OnTheSummit Posted on May 25, 2014 by adminMay 25, 2014

 (Click for larger image) This week Serena Creek is running at full flow over the Serena Creek dam.

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Picture of the week 4-27-14

OnTheSummit Posted on April 26, 2014 by adminApril 26, 2014

Click on the image to see a larger view This week we had a late springs storm that dumped 2 ft of snow on the summit. Broke out the skis again and headed up to Palisade Peak. It was a … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 2-23-14

OnTheSummit Posted on February 23, 2014 by adminFebruary 23, 2014

Snoops Loop had plenty of snow coverage in Van Norden Meadow this week.  

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Picture of the week 2/9/14

OnTheSummit Posted on February 12, 2014 by adminFebruary 12, 2014

 Snow has finally come to the Summit this week. This was a beautiful day of skiing on Mt Disney at Sugar Bowl.

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Picture of the week 2/3/14

OnTheSummit Posted on February 3, 2014 by adminFebruary 3, 2014

This week the snow returned to the summit. Not as much as we need, but it’s a start. Van Norden Lake was frozen and snowy as this panorama shot from smack dab in the middle of the lake shows.

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Picture of the week (January 2014)

OnTheSummit Posted on January 20, 2014 by adminJuly 25, 2014

I am cheating this week. This is actually a picture of Sugar Bowl from the same week last January. Just to remind us all what a real winter looks like.

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Picture of the week 1/1/14

OnTheSummit Posted on December 31, 2013 by adminFebruary 17, 2016
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Picture of the week 12/15/13

OnTheSummit Posted on December 15, 2013 by adminFebruary 17, 2016

The snow is here and the meadow is open for skiing. Get your dog and head out to Snoop’s Loop.

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Picture of the week 10/6/13

OnTheSummit Posted on October 8, 2013 by adminOctober 8, 2013

This week we get a little moody as autumn asserts itself and winter is on the way on the summit.

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Picture of the week 9-29-13

OnTheSummit Posted on September 29, 2013 by adminSeptember 29, 2013

This week picture is sort of a repeat of last week’s picture except that I thought it would be interesting to see the new forest in 360 degrees. For those of you that have Java enabled on your computer, you … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 9-22-13

OnTheSummit Posted on September 25, 2013 by adminSeptember 25, 2013

Welcome to Royal Gorge Park. This week the masticators cleaned up the brush in the TDLT forest restoration project in the Royal Gorge area. The result is this park-like landscape.

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Picture of the Week 9/15/13

OnTheSummit Posted on September 15, 2013 by adminSeptember 15, 2013

So who is this tagger decorating our trails?  Well it’s none other than TDLT’s stewardship czar, John Svahn. John was out this week marking the trail drainage points that will be excavated on the Royal Gorge trails starting this week. … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 7/14/13

OnTheSummit Posted on July 12, 2013 by adminSeptember 8, 2014

This week we visit the headwaters of the South Yuba located at Sugarbowl near Harriets Hollow. It is prime wildflower season right now and the outflow area is beautiful.

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Picture of the week 7/2/13

OnTheSummit Posted on July 2, 2013 by adminSeptember 8, 2014

The White Pelicans have taken up summer residence in Van Norden Lake. These large birds are a sight to behold. There is still plenty of water in the lake so get out there in your kayaks and watch these beautiful … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 6/23/13

OnTheSummit Posted on June 23, 2013 by adminJune 23, 2013

Let’s get small this week. Nature is busy going about its business out on the summit.  I caught this rather colorful little beetle earnestly going about his business and at the same time pollinating this Cinquefoil flower.

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Picture of the week 6/18/13

OnTheSummit Posted on June 18, 2013 by adminJune 20, 2013

Van Norden Meadow is at its prime this week for wildflowers. The Meadow Penstamon are really spectacular this year. This 360 degree pano gives you some idea of how great it is out there. Technote: The viewer that is used … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 6/9/13

OnTheSummit Posted on June 9, 2013 by adminJune 9, 2013

Summer has come early to the summit this year and it’s time to get out and hike. This week we took our first hike around Van Norden Meadow.

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Picture of the Week 6/2/13

OnTheSummit Posted on May 31, 2013 by adminJune 1, 2013

Spring is in full swing on the summit and the wildflowers are making their splashes of color. This week I found a couple of Brown Peony plants over near Beacon Meadow on the east side of Serene Lakes (many thanks … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 5/26/13

OnTheSummit Posted on May 26, 2013 by adminMay 30, 2013

This week we’re tooting our own horn a little. Linda and I installed our Historic Hwy 40 sign on Van Norden dam with Bill Oudegeest this week. We are proud to sponser this sign on one of our local landmarks. … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 4/28/13

OnTheSummit Posted on April 28, 2013 by adminFebruary 17, 2016

We had a special treat out on Van Norden Lake this week. A pair of Sandhill Cranes was taking a break at the lake on their migratory flight back up to Canada. These are magnificent birds and they put on a bit … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 4/21/13

OnTheSummit Posted on April 20, 2013 by adminApril 28, 2013

Welcome back Lake Van Norden. This is the earliest melt of the lake I have seen.  

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Picture of the Week 4/14/13

OnTheSummit Posted on April 14, 2013 by adminApril 14, 2013

Waterfall season is coming early to the summit this year. Here is top of Palisades Falls running almost full bore. This is one of the most beautiful sites on the summit.  

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Picture of the Week 3/24/13 – Yuba River snow melt

OnTheSummit Posted on March 25, 2013 by adminDecember 24, 2014

    The melt is starting early this year. The South Yuba has started to flow in Summit Valley.

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Picture of the Week 2/24/13 – Powder day at Sugar Bowl

OnTheSummit Posted on February 23, 2013 by adminDecember 24, 2014

Powder day at Sugar Bowl. The view of Donner Summit area from Fuller’s Folly run at Sugar Bowl.

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Picture of the week 1/13/13

OnTheSummit Posted on January 13, 2013 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Snow kiting has come to Summit Valley year. If you are interested in this relatively new sport you should check out the Snow Kiting Center website.

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Picture of the week 1/1/13

OnTheSummit Posted on January 1, 2013 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Happy New Year to all On the Summit!

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Picture of the week 12/23/12

OnTheSummit Posted on December 23, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

This week we celebrate the completion of the acquisition of the Royal Gorge property by the Truckee-Donner Land Trust to make it public open space. (Fireworks provided by Cliff Busby of Serene Lakes)

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Picture of the week 11/18/12

OnTheSummit Posted on November 18, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

A very wet storm hit the summit this week bringing gray skies and cold rain. It also brought some rare visitors seeking a rest stop on their long journey from the arctic tundra to warmer climes for the winter. These … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 11/4/12

OnTheSummit Posted on November 4, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Along with changes in the weather, October brings spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Here the dawn sunlight creates a fiery cloud formation above Castle Peak.

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Picture of the week 10/28/12

OnTheSummit Posted on October 30, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Winter in autumn comes to the summit. Usually the autumn leaves are gone by the time the snow comes. This year an early October storm left us with the best of both seasons. Autumn was still in full bloom at … Continue reading →

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Pictures of the week 10/21/12

OnTheSummit Posted on October 22, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Lake Van Norden gained a new resident this summer that is featured in this weeks pictures. This beaver has set up shop at the lake and appears to be planning to stay the winter. I guess he heard that the … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 10/14/12

OnTheSummit Posted on October 14, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

This week’s image is an historical photo comparison of part of Summit Valley. The future of the Van Norden meadow after it becomes public open space with the acquisition of Royal Gorge by the Truckee-Donner Land Trust is an open … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 9/30/12

OnTheSummit Posted on September 30, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Autumn is coming to the summit and the colors are changing. Here is Van Norden meadow from the top of Soda Springs ski hill.

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Picture of the week 9/23/12

OnTheSummit Posted on September 24, 2012 by adminSeptember 24, 2012

People have passed through the summit area for thousands of years. Van Norden meadow shows signs of these early visitors in the stone mortars and metates that are spread through the meadow. Signs of later travelers are evident in the … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 9/9/12

OnTheSummit Posted on September 10, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

A little history in this weeks image. This is a “horizontal billboard” ad for a Truckee hotel that still survives on the granite slabs next to the route of the Old Lincoln Hwy trail in Donner Pass.

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Video of the week 9-2-12

OnTheSummit Posted on September 2, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

This week I am putting up a video that expresses what I love about the summit area and why I think it is a good idea for us to preserve by having it become open space. (The video is best … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 8/26/12

OnTheSummit Posted on August 28, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Hiking the Old Lincoln Highway in Donner Pass is a great way to relive some of the history of early life on the summit.

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Picture of the week 8/19/12

OnTheSummit Posted on August 19, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

The summit is home to many raptors, but one of the most proficient is the Osprey or Fish Eagle (it is not technically a real eagle). This one had to do a fly over to show off it’s catch from … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 8/12/12

OnTheSummit Posted on August 12, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

It is the peak of hiking season on the summit as these hikers on Soda Springs ski hill can attest.

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Picture of the week 8/5/12

OnTheSummit Posted on August 5, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Crater Lake is a beautiful little melt pond on Boreal Ridge. It offers great views of the entire summit area. It is worth the hike up.

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Picture of the week 7/29/12

OnTheSummit Posted on July 29, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Common Merganser mother and ducklings at Van Norden Lake. This is avian maternity time on the summit for many of the birds that are summer residents.

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Picture of the week 7/22/12

OnTheSummit Posted on July 22, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

  It is the peak of the wildflower season on the summit. For the next couple of weeks we will have the largest number of wildflower varieties in bloom.

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Picture of the week 7/8/12

OnTheSummit Posted on July 7, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

The Mariposa Lilies are in bloom all over the summit area. Look for them on dry rocky ridges.

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Picture of the week 7/1/12

OnTheSummit Posted on June 30, 2012 by adminJune 30, 2012

Crossing the natural bridge when we come to it. This unique formation is on the ridge near Rowton Peak. Camas Alert For you Camas Liliy freaks, there are a few plants still blooming in Van Norden Meadow east of the … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 6/24/12

OnTheSummit Posted on June 24, 2012 by adminJanuary 20, 2013

Kellogg’s Lewisia is one of our local treasures. We are just at the end of the blooming season.

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Picture of the week 6/10/12

OnTheSummit Posted on June 10, 2012 by adminJune 10, 2012

White Pelicans are a frequent summer visitor to the summit. They like to hang out at Van Norden Lake on their special rock.

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Picture of the week 6/3/12

OnTheSummit Posted on June 3, 2012 by adminJune 30, 2012

The snow is gone and it’s time to strap on the hiking boots and get out to the forest. This is at the meadow along the Eastridge trail out to Mariah Point.

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Picture of the week 5/27/12

OnTheSummit Posted on May 27, 2012 by adminMay 26, 2012

Spring continues on the summit and water is everywhere. This week’s photo is of another beautiful waterfall currently running at full blast in Serena Creek Canyon. For more info about waterfalls on the summit see this weeks blog post.

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Picture of the week 5/20/12

OnTheSummit Posted on May 20, 2012 by adminMay 19, 2012

This is the time for waterfalls on the summit. This is the falls at Donner Pass that only last for a few weeks in spring as the snow melts. They are not visible from the road so you’ll have to … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 5/13/12

OnTheSummit Posted on May 13, 2012 by adminMay 11, 2012

“Super” moon rise over Serene Lakes. Last week we had the largest full moon of the year and it was a spectacular sight as it rose over the ridge on the east side of Serene Lakes.

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Picture of the week 5/6/12

OnTheSummit Posted on May 6, 2012 by adminMay 5, 2012

It’s that time of the year again. We are transitioning from winter to summer and the ski season has obviously come to an end for this season.

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Picture of the week 4/29/12

OnTheSummit Posted on April 29, 2012 by adminMay 5, 2012

Spring has sprung on the summit and the melt is in full swing. The sound of running water is everywhere and the snow is doing its yearly vanishing act. It won’t be long before we start seeing wildflowers.

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Picture of the week 4/22/12

OnTheSummit Posted on April 22, 2012 by adminMay 5, 2012

(Click on image for larger version)One of the harbingers of spring on the summit is the awakening of our resident bears which happens every April. This year was no exception and here is the track of one of the hungry … Continue reading →

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Picture of the week 4/15/12

OnTheSummit Posted on April 15, 2012 by adminMay 5, 2012

(Click on image for larger version)The view from Palisades Peak is one of the most spectacular in the summit area. Devil’s Peak is in the background with a frozen Palisades Lake in the foreground. The ski up to the summit … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 4/8/12

OnTheSummit Posted on April 8, 2012 by adminMay 5, 2012

April is usually still a great time to ski on the summit. Serene Lakes is still frozen with an accumulation of the winters snow on it. It’s always best to ski with a friend and in this case with two … Continue reading →

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Picture of the Week 4/1/12

OnTheSummit Posted on April 1, 2012 by adminApril 1, 2012

(click on image for larger sizes)The view from the top of the Silverbelt run at Sugar Bowl ski resort. Taken the day after a large snow storm that dropped almost 8 feet of snow on the summit. This was true … Continue reading →

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