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Finding Alternative Adventures when the Mountains are dangerous
Washoe Valley, NV. – The weekend screams for me to explore and be outdoors. Many who love the outdoors but find themselves trapped indoors or behind a desk all week feel similar. But some days in the Sierra, especially in winters like we are experiencing in 2023, are a bit challenging to safely recreate alone. Traveling into the mountains is a battle with sanity.
I often try to heed some of the more severe warnings and requests of backcountry experts and road crews, so today, I needed a different plan. My typical weekend stomping grounds were probably reachable, but why add to the chaos with options available?
So today, I took the dog to Washoe Lake to walk the sandy beaches near the North Boat ramp and to capture a photo or two of the Wildhorse herds of Washoe Lake. Unfortunately, the rain started falling shortly after I pulled out of the driveway, but there was no turning back as we headed North through Carson City and then turned off the Washoe Lake exit that took us around the east side of the lake.
We immediately saw the Washoe Lake Wild Horses near the first pullout and a mile down the road, a large herd walking through the state park. However, with my dog, there was no stopping yet, as she has a way of letting me know that we needed to hurry to our destination so she could run.
The rain today would be relentless at the beach. The one benefit is that nobody else is here, and I can let Dakota run freely in the sand.
The Washoe Boat ramp area is a great location to see the Sierra Range and Mt Rose on normal days, but today, it is covered in clouds. After a 20-minute walk down the beach in the rain, my soaked jeans and wet gloves beaconed me back to the car. However, I was able to capture a couple of cool photos of the lake in the moody weather.
Back in the car and soaked, we head back toward Carson City to see if we can still see the herd. Unfortunately, they had moved off a bit from the road, but we were able to find one lone straggler in the bushes. Unfortunately, the remainder of the herd was just far enough out that photos with my camera were almost futile. Plus, with Dakota, I didn’t dare walk out towards them with her or leave her in the car while I went and investigated.
Some Adventures are just better left for another day, perhaps without Dakota.
Washoe Lake Recreation Area
Today reminded me again of what a special location Washoe lake and Washoe Valley are for visiting. Wild horses are a unique and fascinating aspect of the Eastern Sierra on the Nevada side. Yet, you rarely see it in travel brochures, a place to visit.
The Nevada State Park has 49 sites, each with a table, grill and fire ring. The campground is open year-round and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites are equipped with shade structures.
Boat launching ramps can be found in the main day-use area, North Ramp and at Little Washoe. In addition, boat trailer parking sites are provided.
Equestrian Facilities: Equestrian areas are found at the Main Entrance and North Ramp. The main area facility includes an arena, corrals, a horse washing station, and a covered barbecue area with tables, a grill, a sink, counter space, power, water and lighting. Camping is permitted for tents and RVs, with ample parking areas for easy horse-trailer access. This area can be reserved for groups of up to 200. The North Ramp facility is day use only and provides restrooms, parking, and picnic tables.
Hunting: Hunting with a shotgun only is permitted in specified areas during the hunting season, October through February. Hunting zone maps are available at the ranger station.
Fishing: Both lakes contain channel and bullhead catfish, wipers, white bass and Sacramento Perch. Little Washoe, South Beach, and North Ramp provide excellent shore fishing opportunities. See a Health Warning from the Department of Wildlife on fish consumption.
Hiking: 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.
