washoe lake state park

Just outside Reno & a enjoyable scenic ride. Park is in large part a wet lands replacement area, so in early spring there will be a lot of birds to observe at a tower a short walk from a parking lot. Another park area has 'craze maze ' diversion and then a 1/4 mile walk to the lake shoreline.

Washoe Lake is a desert lake with nice desert and mountain views; this year the water level is down more than usual due to the drought. It is still a pleasant lake to visit with nice campground, picnic area, and also a a maze to go through for the kids called "Miner's Mayhem".It is also a good place to go horse back riding with corrals and also an arena.There is a fair number of animals in the area and while there in November we saw rabbits and some birds.Washoe Lake is conveniently located between Reno and Carson City (note: its closer to Carson City but easy to reach from either location.).There is a fee for use of the park.

After three consecutive dry winters, northern Nevada has developed a mighty thirst. To view some bizarre effects of the drought, we drove 15 miles south of Reno to Washoe Lake State Park, and trekked the east shore of the shrinking lake. Like walking on a giant jigsaw puzzle, we crossed a massive interlocking network of polygonal mud cracks on the drying lake bed. We had to watch our step; however, to avoid the thousands of large dead fish, casualties of the declining water level.Centuries of persistent westerly winds blowing across the shallow lake bed have assembled a long ridge of sand dunes along the lake shore. Careful not to damage the dune structures and vegetation, we hiked a portion of the Dune Trek trail through the soft rippled sand.Our visit to the east shore of Washoe Lake reminded us of an ocean beach at extreme low tide. Only accessible during a drought, the exposed lake bed revealed strange features that will endure until northern Nevada can quench its mighty thirst.

Though only a few minutes north of Carson City (and south of Reno), this park has a great trail system for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. There's several great camping loops, including a small one just for equestrians, a full-fledged arena and pavilion, as well as numerous other picnic areas for day use. Lots of birds, and a long boardwalk out to a wetlands area adds another family activity. Though it's wide open with little shade, the temps here in October were in the 70's and 80's, nights mid 30's to 50's, typical of the desert. While the lake levels were down when we were there (affected by drought), it's easy to see this would be a great place for fishing and swimming, with beautiful sand dunes that are easily accessible. Not far from the freeway, but we never heard any traffic noise at all, fabulously quiet. A great getway!!