Washoe Lake State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Washoe Lake State Park |
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 Washoe Lake State Park
Location in Nevada
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| Location | Washoe County, Nevada, United States |
| Nearest city | Carson City, Nevada |
| Area | 3,774.95 acres (15.2767 km2) |
| Elevation | 5,033 ft (1,534 m) |
| Designation | Nevada state park |
| Established | 1977 |
| Administrator | Nevada Division of State Parks |
| Website | Washoe Lake State Park |
Washoe Lake State Park is a fun outdoor spot in Nevada. It covers about 3,775 acres on the southeast side of Washoe Lake in Washoe County. This state park is located east of Lake Tahoe. It is about 5 miles north of Carson City, close to U.S. Route 395. The area around the park is famous for its strong winds. This makes Washoe Lake a very popular place for windsurfers.
Contents
Park History
The first people known to live in the Washoe Valley were the Washoe people. They usually spent their winters in the lower parts of the valley. In the summer, they moved to the shores of Lake Tahoe. The Washoe people were skilled at using plants from the area. They used cattails and willows found near Washoe Lake to create beautiful baskets.
Settlers Arrive
White settlers began to arrive permanently in the area after 1859. This was when silver was discovered in the Comstock Lode, near Virginia City. This discovery brought thousands of traders, loggers, and miners to the Washoe Valley. In the same year, Franktown was started west of Washoe Lake by Mormon pioneers.
Two mills were built near the lake to process silver. The Ophir Mill was on the western shore of Washoe Lake. The New York Mill was built next to Little Washoe Lake. You can still see parts of both mills today.
Railroad and Ranching
The Virginia and Truckee Railroad was built through the valley in 1872. This railroad connected Reno with Carson City. It continued to operate until 1950. By the end of the 1870s, the silver mining boom was over. Many of the early settlers left the area. Those who stayed began to farm and raise animals on the land. The Washoe people were eventually moved from their traditional lands as more farms and ranches were built in the Washoe Valley.
Park Creation
Washoe Lake State Park officially opened in 1977. It was created on the southern and eastern shores of the lake. The park was established to protect the beautiful natural scenery for everyone to enjoy in the future. Even though the cities of Reno and Carson City are growing closer to the park, its protected status helps keep it natural. You can often see wildlife like mule deer, hawks, coyotes, and eagles in the park.
Activities and Fun
Washoe Lake State Park offers many ways to have fun outdoors.
Park Facilities
- There are picnic areas where you can enjoy meals.
- Boat launches are available for putting boats into the lake.
- The park has a campground with 49 sites for overnight stays.
- There is a special area for horseback riding.
- Miles of trails are open for walking, riding horses, and ATVs.
- A large group pavilion has a beach volleyball court and a horseshoe pit nearby.
Hunting and Fishing
The park allows hunting during specific hunting seasons. The lake is also a good spot for fishing. Since 2004, the Nevada Division of Wildlife has been stocking the lake with fish. This started after Washoe Lake dried up that year.
