Wildflower walk, full moon hike and more at Washoe Lake State Park in June

NEW WASHOE CITY, Nev. — June events at Washoe Lake State Park include stargazing, a wildflower walk, birdwatching, a full moon hike and fish printing.

The park is located north of Carson City off of Eastlake Boulevard. Reservations are required only for the full moon hike and can be made by calling (775) 687-4319 or e-mailing wlsp@parks.nv.gov. The park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. There is no additional charge for these programs.

Star Party
The Northern Nevada Astronomy Group will be at the park with various sizes of telescopes available for viewing stars, planets, and other wonders of the night sky. They will begin with a short presentation as it gets dark. Please dress in layers for the weather and bring a red flashlight if possible, as red light does not negatively affect night vision.
WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 8:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
WHERE: Washoe Lake State Park Maze Parking Lot, 4855 Eastlake Blvd. Washoe Valley, NV 89704. Take Exit 44 from I-580 and drive north on Eastlake Blvd. approximately four miles. The park entrance is on the left. Turn left past the fee booth and the Maze parking lot is the first parking lot on the right.

Wildflower Walk
Meet at the boat ramp parking lot for a guided wildflower walk along the Deadman’s Creek Trail. This is a moderate 1.5 mile, round-trip, hike with an elevation gain of 380 feet. Participants should wear hiking boots (no sandals), bring water and sun protection, and dress for the weather.
WHEN: Sunday, June 2, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Washoe Lake State Park, 4855 Eastlake Blvd., Washoe Valley, NV 89704. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot. Take Exit 44 from I-580 and drive north on Eastlake Blvd. approximately four miles. The park entrance is on the left. Turn left past the fee booth and the boat ramp is the 3rd parking lot on the right..

Basic Birdwatching
Meet in our Day Use Area for an introduction to birdwatching! Binoculars and bird guides will be available for use, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Park staff will introduce participants to Washoe Lake and its variety of birds before making our way through the Day Use Area. This family-friendly program will last approximately one hour. Pets are not recommended for this program. This program will be rescheduled in the case of inclement weather.
WHEN: Sunday, June 9, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
WHERE: Washoe Lake State Park, 4855 Eastlake Blvd., Washoe Valley, NV 89704. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot. Take Exit 44 from I-580 and drive north on Eastlake Blvd. approximately four miles. The park entrance is on the left. Turn left past the fee booth and the boat ramp is the 3rd parking lot on the right.

Full Moon Hike
Reservations are required for this hike and can be made by calling (775) 687-4319 or e-mailing wlsp@parks.nv.gov. Meet at the Equestrian Area for this easy hike through the sand dunes! This hike is approximately 2.5 miles long and involves hiking in loose sand. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.
WHEN: Sunday, June 16, 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Washoe Lake State Park, 4855 Eastlake Blvd., Washoe Valley, NV 89704. Meet at the Equestrian Area parking lot. Take Exit 44 from I-580 and drive north on Eastlake Blvd. approximately four miles. The park entrance is on the left. Turn right past the fee booth, pass the campground, and follow the short gravel road to the equestrian area parking lot.

Fish Printing
Join park staff for a program featuring Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing. We will supply the fish replicas, paint, rice paper, and brushes. Meet in the Maze parking lot.
WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
WHERE: Washoe Lake State Park, 4855 Eastlake Blvd., Washoe Valley, NV 89704. Meet at the Maze parking lot. Take Exit 44 from I-580 and drive north on Eastlake Blvd. approximately four miles. The park entrance is on the left. Turn left past the fee booth, and the Maze is the first parking lot on the right.

— Jenny Ramella is an Education & Information Officer for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Nevada Division of State Parks. She can be reached at jmramella@parks.nv.gov.