Saturday, September 20

Donner Summit - Milky Way

Photograph one of the classic bridges in Nevada County, the Donner Summit Bridge, also known as The Rainbow Bridge.

By Mike Oitzman

Date and time

Location

Donner Summit Bridge

10060 Donner Pass Road Truckee, CA 96161

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event.

Agenda

7:00 PM

Meet for carpool/caravan

8:00 PM

Arrive at Donner Summit

8:15 PM

Hike to shooting location

Leave for home

About this event

Event lasts 4 hours

The iconic Rainbow bridge on the old Donner Summit highway overlooks Truckee and Donner Lake. During September, the Milky Way aligns perfectly with the bridge.

You'll need your widest lens for this session, suggested 24 mm or wider (for a full frame camera), due to the limited granite shelf in front and under the bridge.

We'll carpool from Grass Valley.

If time remains, there's a second composition lower down the hill OR there's an opportunity to image the Milky Way over the Sugar Bowl resort on the way home.

Frequently asked questions

Can we car pool from the Grass Valley area?

Yes. We'll arrange carpool/caravan starting at the Grass Valley Target parking lot at 7 pm. If you are traveling directly to the Donner Summit, we'll meet at the pullout immediately next to the Donner Summit (Rainbow) bridge at 8 \pm.

What should I pack?

Required: Camera, tripod, headlamp/flashlight, and remote trigger. We will hike from the cars to the shooting location, so you must have a back pack for your gear, including your tripod.

How difficult is the hike to the shooting location?

The shooting location is not easily accessible. While the hike is only about 100 yards from the vehicles, it is over exposed granite rock, requiring balance and sturdy foot ware. Long pants are recommended , as we'll be standing around small trees and bushes.

Organized by

Mike Oitzman