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© Esme Rosen

Washoe Lake

39.24865 , -119.79033

United States of America (USA)

Washoe Lake is a shallow natural lake located just north of Carson City in Washoe County. Despite appearing large on the map, the lake is not deep, and as a result its water level varies drastically from year to year, and in drought years it dries up completely. The lake is filled by several small streams, meaning that there is little riparian and no delta. Historically, the Washoe Valley was filled with wetlands, but many of them were destroyed when the highway was built and most of those that remain are inaccessible, besides the Wetland Mitigation Area. Most of lake is protected as either part of the Washoe Lake State Park or the Scripps WMA.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 39.2486/-119.7903 (2020-11-22 12:41:28 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Washoe Lake" (2020-11-22 12:41:28 )

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 01:47:50
Washoe Lake is a shallow natural lake located just north of Carson City in Washoe County. Despite appearing large on the map, the lake is not deep, and as a result its water level varies drastically from year to year, and in drought years it dries up completely. The lake is filled by several small streams, meaning that there is little riparian and no delta. Historically, the Washoe Valley was filled with wetlands, but many of them were destroyed when the highway was built and most of those that remain are inaccessible, besides the Wetland Mitigation Area. Most of lake is protected as either part of the Washoe Lake State Park or the Scripps WMA.
Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 01:46:53
Washoe Lake is a shallow natural lake located just north of Carson City in Washoe County. Despite appearing large on the map, the lake is not deep, and as a result its water level varies drastically from year to year, and in drought years it dries up completely. The lake is filled by several small streams, meaning that there is little riparian and no delta. Historically, the Washoe Valley was filled with wetlands, but many of them were destroyed when the highway was built and most of those that remain are inaccessible, besides the Wetland Mitigation Area.

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Not available yet

The area is primarily birded in passing between Reno and Carson City. As such, locations like Little Washoe Lake and Bellevue Lane (especially) are frequently covered, while the North Boat Launch is visited infrequently. The best strategy depends largely on where there is water. It is often best, especially in March or November, to bird the Wetland Mitigation area or Little Washoe Lake first, assuming they have water. In May or September, it may be worth covering Deadman's Creek and the State Park for migrants first before checking the Mitigation area, and then trying Bellevue and Little Washoe Lake, if dedicated. Usually, it is not worth birding here June-August unless there is shorebird habitat, which is often the best at Bellevue, though could conceivably appear anywhere. It's also not worth going here in the dead of winter when the lake is frozen, unless a rarity is reported. Bellevue is also a known roosting location for gulls and can be worth checking if passing through that time of day.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 01:55
The area is primarily birded in passing between Reno and Carson City. As such, locations like Little Washoe Lake and Bellevue Lane (especially) are frequently covered, while the North Boat Launch is visited infrequently. The best strategy depends largely on where there is water. It is often best, especially in March or November, to bird the Wetland Mitigation area or Little Washoe Lake first, assuming they have water. In May or September, it may be worth covering Deadman's Creek and the State Park for migrants first before checking the Mitigation area, and then trying Bellevue and Little Washoe Lake, if dedicated. Usually, it is not worth birding here June-August unless there is shorebird habitat, which is often the best at Bellevue, though could conceivably appear anywhere. It's also not worth going here in the dead of winter when the lake is frozen, unless a rarity is reported. Bellevue is also a known roosting location for gulls and can be worth checking if passing through that time of day.

Besides Bellevue, all of the locations are accessed off of Eastlake Blvd, which is the first exit after leaving Carson City if coming from the south. Bellevue is straight off of I-580.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 01:57
Besides Bellevue, all of the locations are accessed off of Eastlake Blvd, which is the first exit after leaving Carson City if coming from the south. Bellevue is straight off of I-580.

The Wetland Mitigation Area is sometimes closed during the breeding season. An entry fee is required to enter Washoe Lake State Park and Little Washoe Lake. Otherwise, all locations are open 24/7 and a free to access.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 01:59
The Wetland Mitigation Area is sometimes closed during the breeding season. An entry fee is required to enter Washoe Lake State Park and Little Washoe Lake. Otherwise, all locations are open 24/7 and a free to access.

When there is enough water, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boarding are all options on Washoe Lake in the warmer months.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 01:59
When there is enough water, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle boarding are all options on Washoe Lake in the warmer months.

There are porta potties at most locations within the State Park and at the Wetland Mitigation area. The main part of the state park is whell-chair accessible. Accomodations, gas stations, and food can all be found in Washoe City on the east side of the lake, if desired.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:01
There are porta potties at most locations within the State Park and at the Wetland Mitigation area. The main part of the state park is whell-chair accessible. Accomodations, gas stations, and food can all be found in Washoe City on the east side of the lake, if desired.

Be aware that the speed limit on Eastlake Blvd is 35MPH, and many people drive dangerously fast on it.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Esme Rosen on 2022-01-13 02:08
Be aware that the speed limit on Eastlake Blvd is 35MPH, and many people drive dangerously fast on it.
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Washoe Lake - Orniverse