Donner Lake in Nevada County, California
Donner Lake in Nevada County, California
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Donner Lake in Nevada County, California
This lake has 8 Layers or 15 Layers for HD Version
Donner Lake is a 960-acre glacially-formed alpine lake on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in Nevada County, California, sitting at 5,936 feet elevation with a maximum depth of 238 feet and 8 miles of pristine mountain shoreline. Fed by Summit Creek, Gregory Creek, Billy Mack Creek, and numerous springs, the lake holds some of the largest Lake Trout in California alongside Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon, and Smallmouth Bass. Its crystal-clear, cold water and dramatic Sierra setting make it one of the most iconic mountain lakes in the American West.
Located just three miles west of Truckee along Interstate 80 and about 20 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake sits in the shadow of the legendary Donner Pass — the Sierra Nevada crossing made infamous by the ill-fated Donner Party of 1846. Donner Memorial State Park anchors the east end of the lake, offering beaches, camping, and the Emigrant Trail Museum, while the historic Lincoln Highway traces the northern shore. The area draws boaters, anglers, sailors, windsurfers, hikers, and winter adventurers year-round.
A laser-cut wooden map of Donner Lake makes a breathtaking and deeply storied piece of wall art for any Sierra Nevada cabin, Truckee lake home, or California mountain retreat. The natural wood top layer traces every dramatic curve of this iconic high-elevation lake's 8 miles of pine-fringed shoreline in beautiful detail, while the light-to-dark blue gradient layers capture the lake's remarkable 238-foot depth and crystal-clear alpine character. A bold, handcrafted gift for Truckee locals, Sierra Nevada adventurers, and anyone captivated by the history and beauty of this legendary California lake.
Dimensions:
Small: 8"x12"
Medium: 12"x18"
Large: 16"x24"
Extra Large: 20"x30"
XX Large: 24"x36"
Gigantic 30"x45"
HD Extra Large: 20"x30" - 15 Layers
HD XX Large: 24"x36" - 15 Layers
HD Gigantic 30"x45" - 15 Layers
The difference between standard and HD maps is the number of layers. Standard maps have 1 land layer and 7 water layers. The HD lake maps have 1 land layer and 14 water layers. So twice the detail. The HD Maps are limited to Extra Large, XX Large, and Gigantic sizes only. On the smaller sizes the depth change of the wood is too extreme and you end up losing detail.
Cribbage Boards - 10"x14" - Your choice of Maple or Cherry wood, 2 or 3 runs, and your choice of peg colors.
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About our Maps
Every map is designed and built in Minnesota. Nothing is outsourced and nothing is imported.
- Designed in-house. All art files are created by me, not purchased or reused
- True layered 3D construction. Not engraved or printed
- More layers, more detail. Most competitors use 3 to 7 layers. These use 8 or 15 layers
- Original blue depth gradient. Light to dark blue shows water depth clearly
- Handmade hardwood frames. Built from locally sourced rough sawn lumber, not pre-made frames
These are built to be the most accurate and most detailed 3D lake maps available.
Horn Dog Maps vs Others
True layered 3D construction
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: Sometimes
Designed in-house (no purchased files)
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: Sometimes
Etsy Sellers: No
Made in Minnesota
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Number of layers
Horn Dog Maps: 8 or 15
Other Companies: 3 to 7
Etsy Sellers: 3 to 7
Blue depth gradient water
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Handmade hardwood frame included
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Uses multiple depth data sources
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: Sometimes
Etsy Sellers: No
Custom lakes without delays
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Connection to the lakes
Horn Dog Maps: Yes
Other Companies: No
Etsy Sellers: No
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these actually 3D or just engraved?
These are true 3D layered maps.
- Made from 1/8 inch Baltic birch
- Standard maps have 8 layers. 1 land layer and 7 water layers
- HD maps have 15 layers. 1 land layer and 14 water layers
Each water layer uses a light to dark blue gradient so depth changes are easy to see.
Where are these made?
Everything is made in my shop in Minnesota.
- Design
- Cutting
- Painting
- Assembly
- Frame building
The frames start as locally sourced rough sawn hardwood and are built from scratch.
Do you use real depth data?
Yes, as an angler and map nerd, accuracy matters to me. I use multiple data sources, up to six, to find the most accurate lake contours available.
I would not hang an inaccurate map in my house and I will not send one to yours.
Why buy from Horn Dog Maps instead of Etsy or marketplace sellers?
Most marketplace sellers:
- Buy pre-made cut files, often from overseas
- Have no connection to the lakes
- Cannot verify accuracy
- Have long delays if a file is not available
This leads to lower accuracy and longer lead times, often 6 to 8 weeks.
Because I design everything myself:
- I can create a new lake mockup in about 30 minutes
- You get a more accurate map, faster
What is your lead time?
Most orders ship in 1.5 to 2 weeks depending on the time of year.
Tell me about the Cribbage Boards
These are different from the layered maps and are not something you will find elsewhere.
- Made from a solid piece of Maple or Cherry
- The lake is engraved as if drained
- Then filled with blue tinted epoxy that is still transparent
You can see:
- Channels
- Humps
- Points
- Structure
Additional features:
- 2 or 3 track options
- Choice of peg colors
- Hidden peg storage with a magnetic dovetail slider
- Rubber feet so it does not slide on the table
It is a functional game board and a detailed lake model in one.