Norden in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Summit Valley
Summit Valley has been the scene of human activity for thousands of years because it is a natural crossing of the Sierra. Native Americans traveled the valley moving from winter to summer residences. They left grinding rocks and arrowheads in the valley and petroglyphs in many nearby locations.
The first European Americans were excited to find Summit Valley after their months’ long journey from the East. Summit Valley was a perfect rest place after the hard Summit crossing. Imagine standing here in 1850 watching a string of wagons on the opposite side of the valley on their final leg into California. Summit Valley then became a commercial travel route with the Dutch Flat Donner Lake Toll Road.
Thousands of Chinese railroad workers arrived at the summit in 1866 to build the transcontinental railroad. The railroad brought industry and eventually there were small communities along the railroad line. There were stores, lumber mills, dairies, ice harvesting companies, and many places for lodging.
The first transcontinental highway came through here in 1913 and that was succeeded by Highway 40 in 1928. Automobiles used this natural Sierra crossing as Americans began to travel independently.
Here you have mid-1860’s photographs of Summit Valley produced by Alfred Hart. The top picture shows the railroad, snowsheds and a hotel with Castle Peak in the distance. The middle, taken from Soda Springs Rd. at Soda Springs Ski Area shows the valley with Donner Peak in the background as does the bottom photograph.
Things to do right here
Summit Valley is mostly private property but nearby there are lots of opportunities for recreation. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses Old 40 at the Summit. The Judah Loop off the PCT to the top of Mt. Judah is a spectacular hike. The view from Donner Peak is amazing - 1000 feet straight down to Donner Lake. On the north side of 40 Lake Angela and Mt. Stephens beckon. You can actually hike from Highway 40 to I-80 on the PCT.
Erected by Donner Summit Historical Society. (Marker Number 17.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Donner Summit Historical Society, and the Nevada - 20-Mile Museum - Hwy 40 Scenic Bypass series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 39° 19.001′ N, 120° 21.022′ W. Marker is in Norden, California, in Nevada County. Marker is on Donner Pass Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19941 Donner Pass Road, Norden CA 95724, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cal Lodge (here, next to this marker); Tri Lodges (a few steps from this marker); Clair Tappaan Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); Norden Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hutchinson Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Royal Gorge History (approx. ¼ mile away); Summit Valley Sheep Pens (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon Road (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norden.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 629 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on July 8, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.