Deadman’s Creek Trail — Washoe Lake State Park
Reno / Carson City, Nevada
Activity
Hiking
Distance
1.5 mi round trip
Elevation gain
~380 ft
Route
Out and back
The adventure
Leave Washoe Lake behind and climb into the hills to a lonely gazebo with the lake, valley and Sierra spread out below.
The climb to the gazebo is about 1.5 miles round trip with approximately 380 feet of elevation gain. Enter Washoe Lake State Park through the main entrance and continue to the Main Boat Ramp Parking Lot on the south end of the lake.
ONCE YOU’RE THERE
Enter Washoe Lake State Park from Eastlake Boulevard and continue past the entrance station. Follow the park road to the Main Boat Ramp Parking Lot on the south end of the lake and park there. From the boat ramp area, pick up the Deadman's Creek route toward the hills. Stay on the rocky, uneven trail as it climbs away from the lake and continue uphill until you reach the gazebo overlooking Washoe Valley. Return the same way to the boat ramp.
LOCAL INTEL
From the gazebo, find Washoe Lake below you and the Sierra Nevada rising across the valley.
TRAIL CONDITIONS & SAFETY
Washoe Valley is notably exposed to strong winds. The climb uses rocky, uneven trail. The lake and remaining wetlands support migratory birds and waterfowl, including American white pelicans and Canada geese.
FEES & ACCESS
Day-use access is currently $5 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $10 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The park is open year-round. The exposed hillside can be windy in any season; winter conditions can bring cold, wind and occasional snow to the Washoe Valley area.
What to expect
- Climb Deadman's Creek Trail all the way to the gazebo overlooking Washoe Valley. Get yourself inside that gazebo and you've earned the adventure.
- The climb to the gazebo is about 1.5 miles round trip with approximately 380 feet of elevation gain.
- Enter Washoe Lake State Park through the main entrance and continue to the Main Boat Ramp Parking Lot on the south end of the lake.
- Washoe Valley can get seriously windy, and much of the climb is exposed.
Good to know
- Short But Real
- The climb to the gazebo is about 1.5 miles round trip with approximately 380 feet of elevation gain.
- Park At The Boat Ramp
- Enter Washoe Lake State Park through the main entrance and continue to the Main Boat Ramp Parking Lot on the south end of the lake.
- Hold Your Hat
- Washoe Valley can get seriously windy, and much of the climb is exposed.
- Look Up
- The park is open year-round, and Washoe Lake's wetlands support migratory birds and waterfowl including pelicans and Canada geese.
- Fee
- Required: Day-use access is currently $5 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $10 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents.
- Entrance fee
- Day-use access is currently $5 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $10 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents.
- Dogs
- allowed-on-leash.
- Season
- The park is open year-round. The exposed hillside can be windy in any season; winter conditions can bring cold, wind and occasional snow to the Washoe Valley area.
Photos