National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
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Washoe Lake State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Nature of the Area
Camping
Trails
Trails are available throughout the park, for motorized and non-motorized uses. Non-motorized trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers and
equestrian riders. Motorized trails are limited to the Virginia Range east of the park. Maps are available at the park office and information kiosks throughout the park.
Equestrian Areas are found at the Main Area and North Ramp. The Main Area facility includes restrooms and a covered barbeque area with tables, grill, sink, counter space, power, water and lighting. Camping is permitted for both tents and RVs with large parking areas for easy horse trailer access. Area can be reserved for groups up to 200. The North Ramp facility is day use only and provides parking, water and
picnic tables.
Boating
Fishing and Hunting
Hunting/Fishing
Hunting with shotgun and bow is permitted throughout the park away from developed areas during the hunting season (October through February). License fees and federal taxes on hunting equipment paid by sportsman play a major role in the preservation of wildlife refuge and wetlands areas. The lake is stocked with channel catfish, bullheads, white and wiper bass and
Sacramento Perch. Little Washoe, South Beach and
North Ramp provide excellent shore fishing opportunities.
History of the Area
For thousands of years, Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake have provided a home and livelihood to a variety of human cultures in this otherwise hostile land. The name Washoe comes from the original inhabitants, the Washoe Indians, originally spelled Washo. The tribe spent the winters as family groups in the lowlands of the valley and
summers at the "Big Lake," Lake Tahoe. They used the willows and cattails from the wetlands of Washoe Lake to make their elaborate baskets.
In 1859, the discovery of silver in the nearby Comstock Lode of Virginia City to the east brought thousands of miners, loggers and
traders to the Valley. In the same year, Mormon settlers established a permanent settlement - Franktown, west of Washoe Lake. The Ophir Mill (which can be seen from Hwy. 395) was built on Washoe Lakes west shore and was reached by an elevated causeway across the then Washoe Marsh. Ruins of the New York Mill can still be found by Little Washoe Lake. Both processed ore from the Comstock. Washoe Valley saw other supply towns such as Washoe City, Ophir and
Lakeview spring up in response to the mining activity.
In 1872, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad began service through Washoe Valley, connecting Reno to Carson City. The V&T ran continuously until 1950. By the late 1870s the mining boom was over and the towns around Washoe Lake were all but abandoned. Those who remained behind turned to ranching and farming, gradually displacing the Washo Indians from the Valley.
Washoe Lake State Park was established in 1977 to preserve a portion of scenic Washoe Valley for future generations to enjoy, with land and water-based recreation for all. In the wake of the rapidly expanding urbanization of nearby Carson City and Reno, the park is a true treasure to be cherished and protected.
More Info
Nevada Division of State Parks plans, develops and maintains a system of parks and recreation areas
Washoe Lake State Park 4855 East Lake Blvd. Carson City, NV 89704 (775) 687-4319 Washoe
...ada Division of State Parks Photo Gallery Washoe Lake State Park Washoe Lake State Park Washoe and Little Washoe Lakes are located in scenic Washoe Valley, between Carson City and Reno
...hoe Lake State Park History Trails Project 4855 East Lake Blvd. Carson City, NV 89704 (775) 68-4319 http//parks.nv.gov In
from the Valley. Washoe Lake State Park was established in
Reno and Carson City on the east side of Washoe Lake Sierra Nevada AirstreamsDestinations Washoe Lake State Park copyright 2002 Leipper Management Group. All rights reserved Last updated 03/16
...een Size ESPG ? 2003 Leipper Management Group view picture by click on the thumbnail or use the and buttons to scroll through the album. The screen size buttons will change the picture size on
...ver State Marathon EventsRace Details & Course Descriptions.
a little last year to take advantage of some improvements to Washoe Lake State Park. From about mile 4-3/4 to about mile 152/2
...cover colorful Viriginia City, the legendary Nevada mining town at the heart of the Comstock Lode.
City in Nevada Virginia City Vital Statistics Where to stay Things To Do History Nearby
...ly news section of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Nevadas largest newspaper.
hikers, others to high desert Aug 31 Washoe Lake State Park mesmerizes willing visitors Aug 24 Camel Races draw the
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Washoe Lake State Park