BHN_Reno-65

Start: At the trailhead just off East Lake Boulevard near the junction with Old US 395

Distance: 1 mile out and back

Hiking time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Trail surface: Dirt and sand singletrack; overgrown in places

Best seasons: Year-round; avoid the exposed route at midday in summer

Other trail users: None

Trailhead amenities: Restrooms, picnic facilities, an information signboard

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted

Fees and permits: A day-use fee is levied

Schedule: Sunrise to sunset daily

Maps: USGS Washoe City NV; www.nvtrailmaps.com

Trail contact: Washoe Lake State Park, 4855 East Lake Blvd., Carson City, NV 89704; (775) 687-4319; parks.nv.gov/parks/washoe-lake-state-park

Special considerations: Intersecting paths and a lack of trail signs may give you the feeling of having been led astray. Remain close to the shoreline to stay on track. As the path is between the lakeshore and East Lake Boulevard, you won’t get lost.

Other: Bring binoculars and a birding guide—the lake and surrounding wetlands harbor a host of shorebirds, songbirds, and birds of prey.

Finding the trailhead: The Little Washoe Lake trailhead is in the northernmost part of the state park, which occupies much of the Washoe Valley between Reno and Carson City. From US 395/I-580 southbound from Reno, take the East Lake Boulevard exit (near the summit with the pass into the Carson Valley). Follow East Lake Boulevard back north for 10.6 miles to the signed trailhead, which is on the left (west). If you head south on Old US 395 from Reno, the turnoff for East Lake Boulevard is at the signed summit of Washoe Hill, and the turnoff is 0.2 mile south of the summit. Follow the park road for 0.1 mile, past the fee station, to the parking area. The trailhead, marked with a little, easily missed trail sign, is at the southern end of the lot near a picnic table. GPS: N39 19.574' / W119 47.540'

The Hike

If you venture onto the Little Washoe Lake Trail in the morning or evening, the light is soft, the lake surface glitters, and the birds—ducks plying the quiet waters, herons stalking the margins, songbirds flitting from bush to bush, and maybe even a hawk cruising low over the scrubland—demonstrate their abundance in song and flight. Slide Mountain and Mount Rose form an impressive skyline above the lake’s western shoreline. The setting is postcard-perfect.

The trail is short and easy, weaving through the scrub above the narrow rocky beach that forms when the lake’s water level is low. The beach lures sunbathers, kids, and swimming dogs; the birdlife and setting draw nature lovers to the neighboring Scripps Wildlife Management Area. The route proper sits on the high ground above the beach, linking lake to nature area and ringing with birdsong. When it’s wet, the croaking of frogs and toads joins the cacophony and helps drown out any noise that drifts off the neighboring highway.

Route-finding can be a bit challenging at the outset, since paths and overgrown dirt tracks intersect in the scrub and there are few trail markers. But you can’t get lost: This is open country, and it’s easy to see where you’re going and where you’ve come from. Begin by hiking down a narrow path; the trail widens within 100 yards and views open across the lake. Where paths cross stay right (southbound and parallel to the shoreline), picking through the well-spaced brush should the path become indistinct. If you venture left (eastward), you will eventually intercept the dirt road leading into the Scripps Wildlife Management Area, which is your ultimate destination anyway. No worries if you wander.

As you approach the Scripps wildlife area, the narrow singletrack crosses a patch of white hardpan and passes through marsh grasses that resonate with birdsong and the hum of crickets. The track ends on the Scripps road about 200 yards from the restrooms, which have been visible for most of the route and can be used as a homing beacon. Cross the road and take a short trail down to the north shore of big Washoe Lake to check out boaters and birds. When ready, return as you came.

Vehicle noise is a constant here: Nearby I-580/US 395 is busy and East Lake Boulevard can be busy as well. Don’t let that dissuade you—the views and the birds make up for it.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start behind the picnic table at the south end of the parking lot; there is a small trail sign here.

0.2At the unmarked junction with a social trail stay right (southwest/toward the shoreline).

0.3Follow the path parallel to the beach to another worn trail sign at a pole hung with orange and white flags.

0.5The trail ends on the Scripps Wildlife Management Area road. Cross the road to check out bigger Washoe Lake, then return as you came.

0.9Trail signs direct you to the right (beachside), then left (toward East Lake Boulevard) to put you on the right trail back to the picnic area.

1.0Arrive back at the trailhead.

Hike Information

Local information: The Carson City Chamber of Commerce provides information for both residents and visitors about amenities in the city and environs, including places to stay and places to eat. For more information contact the chamber at 1900 S. Carson St., Suite 200, Carson City, NV 89701; (775) 882-1565; www.carsoncitychamber.com.

The Carson Valley Chamber also provides information for residents and visitors to Carson City, Mindon, Gardnerville, and other valley cities and towns. Contact the chamber at 1477 US 395, Suite A, Gardnerville, NV 89410; (775) 782-8144 or toll free (800) 727-7677; www.carsonvalleynv.org.

Camping: Washoe Lake State Park offers forty-nine sites in the Main Area Campground. It is open year-round and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hookups, but several sites are RV friendly. A fee is charged. Contact the park at (775) 687-4319 or visit parks.nv.gov/parks/washoe-lake-state-park for more information.