Pikas Perch: Luxury Summit Cabin

Welcome to a light-filled 1970s chalet reimagined for modern comfort while keeping vintage character. Colorful laminate cabinets, warm plywood interiors, and treehouse-style levels frame sweeping forest views, creating a space that feels cozy, spacious, and luxurious. With three bedrooms plus a loft sleeping up to eight, it offers modern amenities for year-round enjoyment. Steps from alpine lakes and minutes to Donner Summit’s trails, ski slopes, and mountain adventures, it's the perfect retreat.

Discover the charm of a treehouse-like escape at Pikas Perch, a unique 1970s mountain chalet with walls of glass and multi-level living that blend seamlessly into the forest. Thoughtfully reimagined with preserved vintage details, this light-filled retreat balances cozy character with modern convenience—an authentic yet elevated Serene Lakes experience.

Nestled on a quiet street, Pikas Perch is just steps from Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort and minutes from Donner Summit downhill skiing (Sugar Bowl, Soda Springs Ski Resort, Donner Summit Ski Ranch), making it the perfect getaway for outdoor adventurers and design lovers alike. In summer, enjoy surrounding hikes and activities in the Serene Lakes neighborhood, with the lakes just steps away.

+++++ Comfortably Sleeps Eight Guests +++++

Main Level:

- Open-concept great room with wood-burning Jotul stove, dining area, and vintage pinball machine

- Kitchen with modern appliances including dishwasher and disposal

- Two full bathrooms, each with sink, toilet with integrated washlet (bidet), and shower

Lower Level:

- Two queen bedrooms with wardrobes

- One king bedroom with wardrobe

- Laundry area with utility sink

Loft Level:

- Bunk room (two twin beds) with privacy curtain

- Two dedicated workstations with desks

- Upright piano

Tower Sunroom:

- Sunny retreat with daybed and seating area—ideal for reading, relaxing, or taking in treetop views

+++++ Modern Comforts & Winter-Ready Amenities +++++

- Ductless heating & cooling + additional wall heaters

- Cozy wood stove (firewood provided)

- Ski gear storage inside the cabin

- Driveway parking for up to 2 vehicles, including Tesla/EV charging

Whether you’re unwinding by the fire, enjoying the bright vintage interiors, or heading out for a day of adventure, Pikas Perch is a one-of-a-kind mountain chalet that makes every season unforgettable.

+++++ Location +++++

Pikas Perch is located at Donner Summit in the peaceful Serene Lakes community, with year-round access to outdoor adventures. In winter, you’re just minutes from Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, and Soda Springs resorts, while Royal Gorge’s cross-country trails and the frozen lakes are only a short walk away. In summer, enjoy the neighborhood’s private beach, kayaking, swimming, and miles of hiking trails in every direction. Soda Springs offers a local market for essentials, and a 15-minute drive brings you to Truckee and North Lake Tahoe for dining, shopping, and even more activities.

+++++ Notes & Rules +++++

- During winter months, guests are strongly advised to have a 4WD or AWD vehicle and/or carry snow chains, as conditions can change quickly in the Sierra.

- Reliable winter access is provided with county-plowed roads and a private snowplow service for the driveway, but storms may still create challenging driving conditions.

- Firewood is provided for the wood stove.

- EV/Tesla charging is available on site.

- The maximum occupancy of 8 guests must be upheld. Nighttime occupancy limits begin at 9 pm.

- All parking must be off-street (in driveway only) during winter months due to snowplow service.

- Pets must always be leashed and secured on the property. Always pick up their waste.

- Don’t feed the bears. All waste must be disposed in bear-proof trash receptacles (bear bin) and securely latched. Do not leave food in an unattended car. Bears may break into and damage cars or homes when food has been left out or windows or doors are open. Placer County sorts recycling from the waste for you at our materials recovery facilities.

- Quiet hours: 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Please move indoors by 9 p.m. No sound may be audible from the property line during quiet hours. Amplified sound (such as speakers) shall not be used outside or be audible from the property line at any time.

- You are in a very high fire hazard severity area. All outdoor wood or charcoal burning is prohibited, including open wood burn pits, bonfires, campfires, and charcoal grills. Propane grills and natural gas/propane burning fireplaces and fire pits with 20-pound tanks or smaller must be at least 10 feet from flammable structures and materials. When a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning is in effect, all sources of outdoor open flame (including gas/propane/pellet BBQs) are prohibited by local fire jurisdictions.

- Guests are prohibited from subletting a short-term rental. Incidental camping in tents or on decks as well as sleeping in trailers or RVs parked on the short-term rental overnight is prohibited. Additionally, hosting special events (e.g. weddings, corporate events, commercial functions, etc.) requires a permit issued by the county.