Many lodges once stood along old US Highway 40 on the way to Tahoe, but the only one that still stands is the Rainbow Tavern and Lodge. In the mid 1950s US40 was mostly paved over by Interstate 80, but fortunately the two highways did not cross paths where the Rainbow Tavern stood. Today the property has been left relatively untouched by development.

The history of this location goes back to California’s earliest days. In the winter of 1846/47, the Donner Party was stranded just ten miles east and this area provided a place to rest for the first relief party coming from Sacramento. As more immigrants arrived in the following years this place of 114 acres along the South Yuba River became quite popular. It was a known destination for weary travelers on horseback to pause, water their horses and take a break in their journey.

It quickly developed into a stagecoach stop and a building was eventually erected from local granite and hand-hewn logs around 1869. Close by was also the well-traveled area of the Emigrant Gap where a number of trails merged. Often those travelers would make their way to what would eventually be called “the Rainbow Tavern.”

The Tavern continued to cater to travelers throughout the turn of the century, but a new chapter emerged during Prohibition.

The Tavern was expanded in 1930 and shortly after a ski hill, one of the first in the area, was developed behind the building. In the late 1930’s a ski lift was installed. It was once again enlarged in 1935 and with it now including a ‘trout farm’. Here travelers could catch a nice sized trout and the Tavern chef would happily prepare the dinner. This era of prohibition also gave way to a Speakeasy that operated in the basement.

The Donner Summit Historical Society newsletter, issue 68 reports “During Prohibition many of the lodges along Highway 40 served liquor and hosted gambling. The sheriff was charged with enforcing the law and would at least occasionally patrol. Once he started his patrols the first place inspected would then call up the road to warn other businesses that the sheriff was on the way. There was gambling in the basement of the Rainbow Tavern.”

On December 18, 1935, manager, and eventual owner Herstle Jones, held a “Grand Opening” of the recently expanded Rainbow Tavern. There was dinner, dancing to a five-piece orchestra and the guests staying in the new addition enjoyed a private bath in the steam heated building.

Over the next decades the draw to Rainbow Tavern was its on-site ski facilities and a beautiful place for families to stay and enjoy nature. But in 1963 the ski facilities were seriously damaged when the nearby Yuba River flooded. With the draw of better nearby ski resorts, the skiing section of Rainbow Tavern was closed.

Up until 2011 the beautiful lodge was a beloved destination to many generations of Placer County families. For a time, it opened and closed as it was caught in the cross hairs of development. Finally, the property went into bank conservatorship.

Today it is opened exclusively as an event venue. Even though the beautiful building is no longer open to the public, the new owner does encourage visitors to make an appointment to tour the historic site.

Rainbow Tavern and Lodge, as it is called today, is well worth the drive along old highway 40. It is a beautiful place steeped in history and beloved memories of visitors past