Truckee

Truckee is a town in Nevada County, California, United States. It lies in the Sierra Nevada at the eastern edge of Lake Tahoe, along the Truckee River. The name derives from the river, a Native American-origin name. The town sits near Donner Pass and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the Lake Tahoe region.

History and development: The area was originally inhabited by the Paiute and Shoshone peoples. The Donner Party traveled through the region in 1846 on their westward journey. In the late 19th century, Truckee grew as a railroad town with the Central Pacific Railroad, becoming an important freight and passenger hub during the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Its historic downtown preserves 19th-century architecture and reflects its Old West heritage.

Geography and economy: Elevation is about 5,900 feet (1,800 meters) above sea level. The economy centers on tourism, outdoor recreation, and services for residents. Donner Memorial State Park and Donner Lake nearby provide recreational and historical attractions. The area’s Lake Tahoe proximity and ski areas attract visitors year-round, with winter resorts such as Northstar California contributing to the local economy; summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating.

Transportation and services: Interstate 80 and California State Route 89 pass through Truckee. Amtrak serves the town via the Truckee station on the California Zephyr line, linking it to regional rail networks.

Demographics: As of the 2020 census, the population was about 16,000.