Communities & Maps

SERENE LAKES
Community Profile
Serene Lakes is part of the North Tahoe area that is located in the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, quietly nestled in the heart of Donner Summit. It is approximately one mile south of the town of Soda Springs and Interstate Highway 80, a major thoroughfare, linking San Francisco and Sacramento with Reno, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah. It is situated 98 miles east of Sacramento, 198 miles east of San Francisco, and 450 miles from Los Angeles. Reno, Nevada is just 41 miles east by Interstate 80 and has the closest commercial airport, Reno-Tahoe International. Access to the area is a two lane paved road that is maintained by Placer County. The County, including snow removal, on a year-round basis maintains all paved roads within the Serene Lakes development.

Serene Lakes consists of approximately 2,400 acres. There are approximately 1000 residential lots in the development with 700 private homes built, ranging in value between $300,000 - $900,000. Lakefront homes range between $675,000 - $1,650,000. Most homes are "second" (vacation) homes; though several are year-round residences. The lot prices range in value between $89,000 - $200,000 with an average price of $137,000. Lakefront lots range between $350,000 - $500,000.

The Serene Lakes themselves form the focal point of the development. They are spring fed Lakes of about 50 acres each, and are joined by an isthmus. The surrounding forested region has many lakes, streams, meadows, trails, paths, campgrounds, all season resorts, and recreational activities. Serene Lakes is commonly known as the "Sierra's best kept secret," because of it's natural resources and unique extremely quiet location.

History
Serene Lakes is at the heart of the most traveled route during the California Gold Rush. Originally, the two lakes were known as Ice Lakes and were used by the railroad from 1870-1927, as a source of ice for the City of San Francisco before the development of refrigeration techniques. Commercially harvested and transported by the railroad the ice was central to the community'’s early prosperity.It has been said, that among the most famous visitors to Serene Lakes was the American Author, Mark Twain. Enchanted by the area he was the first to give names to the twin lakes. He called them "Serena" and "Dulzura," names that they retain to this day. The twins later became known as "Serene Lakes," which described their location and atmosphere.

Population
Serene Lakes has seen considerable growth in the last 20 years, although the community is relatively small. With increased demand and shorter supply, property values have remained strong. Many other surrounding communities have been under "Controlled Growth," governed by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency since 1974. Serene Lakes is not in a "Controlled Growth" area.

Climate
The average rainfall is 14.8 inches and the average snowfall is 400-500 inches with winter temperature 5-50 degrees and summer temperature 65-85 degrees. The sun shines 300 days a year with the higher altitude coupled with low humidity make both low and high temperatures bearable.

Topography
Located on the western slope of the Sierra's, the elevation of Serene Lakes is between 6800 to 7200 feet. Most of the land is wooded with lodgepole pine, white fir, cedar, and tamarack, and spread over a varied terrain. Serene Lakes is surrounded by historic mountains, the Emigrant Trail, and 5 local ski resorts.

SODA SPRINGS
Soda Springs is the hub of the summit, with old highway 40 (Donner Pass Rd.) running through it, along with the south fork of the Yuba River. Here you'll find conveniences such as:
• Our Office!
• Ski, Snowboard, and Bicycle Shops
• The General Store
• The Post Office
• Great Restaurants and coffee

In addition, a ski shuttle runs daily during the winter, making the resorts easily accessible. About 40% of the homes owned here are occupied by year-round "locals." Most of the homes are located on or parallel to Donner Pass Rd. Some are on dirt roads and are therefore considered "walk-ins" during the winter. Home prices range from $250,000 to $550,000, with lots varying between $25,000 and $300,000. Here you'll find Yuba Riverfront properties also.

PLA VADA WOODLANDS
The Pla Vada Woodlands are located north of Interstate 80 and about 3 miles from downtown Soda Springs. Pla Vada is a private community that borders the South Yuba River on one side and forestland on the other. . and derives its name from it's placement in two counties - PLACER and NEVADA. Beautifully situated among the trees and forestland, the development is relatively small at around 200 residential lots.

Pla Vada is the place to be for snowmobilers, due partly to its geography and partly to the fact that not all roads are plowed. However, the homeowners association has created designated parking areas for convenience.

Approximately 70% of the homes are vacation homes. Prices range from $200,000 to $550,000 with lots between $70,000 and $120,000. Many of the properties are on the Yuba River. Homeowners dues are $820 per year ($300 for lot owners) and include:
• Sewer
• Water
• Trash
• Parking areas
• Plowing of the major roads
• Snow Packing of the minor roads
• Beach Access, with picnic area
• On-site Caretaker.

NORDEN
Norden is a very small section of Donner Summit. It consists mostly of property in or around the Donner Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl Ski Resorts. Rarely do properties become available, and the price ranges are extremely difficult to summarize. From Condos to Estate homes, the range falls between $100,000 and $10,000,000.

KINGVALE
Kingvale is one of the oldest subdivisions on the summit. It is situated next to Pla Vada with dirt roads and is mostly occupied during the warmer months. The Yuba River runs through the development, creating beautiful and peaceful ambience. Most of the homes were built in the 1950's as summer cabins. With the popularity of winter sports increasing, so have the desires to own Kingvale property. It is a quaint area and is reminiscent of "Old Tahoe." Definitely, has charm and is still affordable. It has its own spring water and most properties are on septic systems. Home prices range from $80,000 to $350,000. Lots vary between $30,000 and $200,000. Many properties are on the Yuba river.

RAINBOW
Situated near the Rainbow Lodge, the Rainbow area is an extremely small and exclusive area. Most of the properties straddle the Yuba River and have wonderful views. They are older "Tahoe Style" cabins on unplowed roads. This seems to add to the property value, as most homeowners are cross-country skiers. Rarely do properties come up for sale and when they do, they sell immediately. Prices range between $250,000 and $700,000.

CISCO GROVE
Cisco Grove is located north and south of Interstate 80. Many of the properties are adjacent to the Yuba River or I-80. About 50% are located on plowed roads. It is still an affordable area with prices ranging between $150,000 and $350,000.

EMIGRANT GAP
Located about 20 miles west of Soda Springs and 5 miles east of Blue Canyon, Emigrant Gap is at the edge of the summit. With lower elevation (5200') and good winter access, it has become a popular area for locals. It is also popular with hunters desiring a simple cabin with less snow. The area is definitely affordable and prices range from $150,000 to $350,000.

MAPS
View an overview map of the Serene Lakes area.

Serene Lakes area:
Low Res image (.jpg)
Hi Res Adobe Acrobat file (.pdf)

Kingvale, Pla-Vada Woodlands and Cisco Grove area:
Low Res image (.jpg)
Hi Res Adobe Acrobat file (.pdf)