January 2, 2014 (Thursday) Washoe Lake Wildlife Viewing Area, then Deadman's Creek Trail Paint-Out

Carol painting from the viewing platform last year

The parking lot last year

Wildlife Viewing Area Parking Lot - South End of Washoe Lake in the Fall

The Boardwalk goes from the parking lot to a viewing platform

Date:          January 2, 2014 (Thursday)
Time:          10:00 am
Place:         Washoe Lake Wildlife Viewing Area, Eastlake Boulevard, South End of Washoe Lake
Parking:      Free, large parking lot and a pit toilet (but I'm not sure it is unlocked in the winter)
Amenities:   None, but Washoe Lake State Park is one mile north and there are unlocked bathrooms in the picnic or camping area.  They turn off the drinking fountains because of freezing pipes.  If you decide to paint there, you must pay the State Park Fee.

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• drinking water and snacks or lunch, maybe hot drink?
• maybe TP?
• hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• painting umbrella if you have one
• waterproof hiking boots or snow boots
• warm socks, gloves
• winter clothing - layers are best - it can warm up in the sun
• cart will work on the boardwalk, but you have a few stair steps
• cellphone

What you will see to paint:

• snow capped Slide Mountain and surrounding mountains
• reeds and marsh grasses
• maybe some patchy snow
• view of Washoe Lake and surrounding desert mountains
• sometimes cloud formations

Directions:

From Reno, take I-580 South toward Carson City

Exit 44/Eastlake Boulevard

Left on Eastlake Boulevard

Go about 1.4 miles

As you go around a bend, a parking lot will appear on the left - turn left (it is easy to pass it up by mistake)

Link:  http://renotahoe.about.com/od/NevadaStateParks/ss/Tour-Of-Washoe-Lake-State-Park_7.htm

SECOND LOCATION - FOR HIKING ARTISTS - CHECK THIS OUT!   If you want to go for a little hike after our paint-out, OR, if you are not finding a subject matter to paint AND enjoy hiking - this location is nearby and not well-known.

Deadman's Creek Trailhead

Deadman's Creek Trailhead - looking away toward Washoe Lake

The Gazebo above Deadman's Creek Trail

Location:  Just about a mile north from the Wildlife Viewing parking lot, on East Lake Boulevard, on the right, is a small parking area (for 3 cars or so).  There is a nice little foot trail along the creek with signs noting the names of wild plants and trees.  Look for a trail that goes to the right and crosses the creek.  This trail switch-backs and climbs the hill and goes up to a viewing gazebo.  Some of the things you will see along the way are interesting rock outcroppings and gorgeous views of Washoe Lake.  If you have light painting gear in a backpack - you will be rewarded with a gorgeous place to paint.

Additional parking:  In the top photo you can see a trail on the other side of the road.  That trail leads to the Washoe Lake State Park Picnic Area Parking Lot (fee required).  You can also look for additional turn-outs nearby and walk to the trailhead.

This is also a great place to walk your dog.  Be sure to bring drinking water and a camera!!!
Link:  http://renotahoe.about.com/od/hikingtrails/a/Hiking-Deadmans-Creek-Trail.htm