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Map of China Cove (Donner Lake)
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Shore entry

China Cove (Donner Lake)

California, United States
Open Water suggested15 m depthShore entry

China Cove (Donner Lake) at a glance

China Cove (Donner Lake) is a shore dive site in California, United States with depths of up to 15 m (49 ft). Typically most favorable Jun–Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Signal crayfish (crawdad), Rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Wind model · graded 4h ago
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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Altitude dive (Donner Lake sits at ~5,935 ft); very cold water, especially outside late summer (snowmelt-fed); summer swimmer, paddler and boat traffic around the cove; afternoon winds can chop up the surface.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Tue
Sun6:00–21:00
Mon6:00–21:00
Tue6:00–21:00
Wed6:00–21:00
Thu6:00–21:00
Fri7:00–21:00
Sat—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:25 · Sunrise 5:56 · Sunset 20:18

Source: Open-Meteo wind · graded 4h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

What Divers Say

Best time: Late summer to early fall (July-October), when the snowmelt-fed lake is warmest and the state park beach facilities are open.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

  1. Jan96% 5 kn
  2. Feb91% 7 kn
  3. Mar90% 8 kn
  4. Apr100% 8 kn
  5. May96% 10 kn
  6. Jun100% 9 kn
  7. Jul100% 9 kn
  8. Aug99% 9 kn
  9. Sep98% 8 kn
  10. Oct98% 8 kn
  11. Nov97% 6 kn
  12. Dec92% 6 kn

April, June, and July havetypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

  • Signal crayfish (crawdad)Commonly seen
  • Rainbow troutOccasionally seen
  • Kokanee salmonRarely seen

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Site details

China Cove is a sheltered, sandy day-use beach on the southern shore of Donner Lake inside Donner Memorial State Park near Truckee, and the lake's best-known easy shore dive. The clear, cold cove bottoms out around 40-50 ft with visibility commonly in the 50-60 ft range, making it a relaxed beginner altitude dive with crawfish and trout over sand and granite. Picnic tables, BBQs and seasonal restrooms sit right behind the beach; a state park day-use fee applies.

shore

Altitude dive (Donner Lake sits at ~5,935 ft); very cold water, especially outside late summer (snowmelt-fed); summer swimmer, paddler and boat traffic around the cove; afternoon winds can chop up the surface.

Reviews

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