Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Witness A Millionaire's Creation During the Comstock Load Mining Boom and Enjoy Beautiful Grounds at Bowers Mansion Regional Park


Upcoming Event: Bowers Bluegrass Festival (August 24-27, 2023)
Purchase Tickets

Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Bowers Mansion Regional Park, only 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City. For 100+ years, people have been visiting this park for its scenic views, swimming pool, mansion, beautiful grounds, history, events, outdoor recreational activities, and more. *Experience a pleasant picnic under towering shade trees *Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature *Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions *Take in a piece of history through educational plaques and tours in the most elegant building of its time *Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, and climbing at the playground I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby—a place that has served and continues to be the perfect spot to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.


2020 hours of operation.  Opening + closing dates are around the same time every year.


Bower's Mansion Tours

Take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day. 


I have yet to take it, but from what I've researched, it's popular and led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner (such as the person in the walk-through video tour below).


The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), a Civil War event, & more.


Notes
-49-acre park  
-No pets allowed due to historical significance, except for service animals  
-Plenty of day-use picnic tables with BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis
-Two pavilions, Comstock Picnic Pavilion and Washoe Picnic Pavilion, are located at each end of the park, ideal for special events like weddings. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are next to each pavilion
-Two partially shaded play structures are situated at each end of the park
-Plenty of grassy areas available 
-A trail behind the mansion leads to stunning views of Washoe Lake and the Bower family cemetery, accessible via a short dirt trail with stairs (less than 5 minutes)  
-The swimming pool keeps a lane open for lap swimmers, and there’s a new gated splash pad for toddlers with easy entry ladders and a hydraulic lift 
-The park features many trees that change color in the fall, making it an amazing spot for photos  
-Great shade during summer
-Davis Creek Regional Park is just a couple of minutes away, offering family-friendly trails (ranging from easy to difficult), camping grounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots when water levels permit 
-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory for ice cream sundaes and treats after a fun-filled day, only about 5 minutes down the street
-The park is surrounded by farmlands, making it easy to drive around Washoe Lake and spot various farm animals
-Flushable toilets available 
-Huge parking lots are located on each side of the park

My kids learned how to bike here.

Photography 
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Friday, March 6, 2020

Take A Short and Scenic Stroll by the Truckee River at the Oxbow Nature Study Center



Hours: 
Open Year-Round from 8AM to 4pm
(The gates close, so make sure to head out before they lock up.)

Website
Yelp

Oxbow Nature Study Area is a 22-acre conservation spot in Reno, perfect for families or anyone looking to escape into nature without actually leaving the city.

Highlights
-Beautiful scenery
-Tranquility
-Wildlife
-Picnic-worthy spots
-Soothing sounds of nature
-Fun 0.8-mile loop trail
-Partial shade from trees
-Right next to the Truckee River
-Visitor’s center

When I first visited this park years ago, I immediately fell in love with the whole vibe. The towering trees, the winding ramps, the interpretive signs that make you pause and learn something new, the visitor center, wildlife, picnic tables, and the peaceful sounds of nature—all nestled right by the Truckee River. 

Growing up, some of my best memories were with my grandma, walking in parks near my house. We'd sit around, relax, snack, and just enjoy being together. Those were the moments of peace and connection that I knew I wanted to share with my own kids.

Parks like Oxbow have become my favorite for that reason—they’re the perfect backdrop for building memories, just like the ones I had with my grandparents.

The Oxbow Nature Study Area is truly the best place for a quick escape from the city. It’s somewhere you can just relax, take a breath, and really soak in Reno’s natural beauty.

NOTES
-No dogs allowed
-Restrooms and a water fountain are available during park hours
-Benches are scattered around the visitor's center & along the trail, with a couple right by the river. 
-To get to the deck by the river, take the path all the way to the left, opposite of the education exhibit next to the observation deck
-The trail has lots of shady spots, which is a huge plus, especially during Reno’s hot summers 
-I had no issues navigating the trail with my stroller, but after rain, it can get a bit muddy. Toward the end of the trail, there’s a log bridge that isn’t stroller or wheelchair-friendly, so it’s best to turn back before that




Pictures taken during winter, 2020


Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Take A Beautiful, Short and Educational hike at Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop


*Track your position on the trail with AllTrails (reception needed):
Snapshot
Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop is a must-visit for its easy, family-friendly trail with stunning views and plenty of wildflowers in the spring. The flat, stroller-friendly path makes it perfect for everyone, and the fresh mountain air just fills your lungs with life. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, let the kids explore, and soak in the natural beauty—all just a short drive from Reno just past Mt. Rose Summit parking lot.

After having my first baby, I was on a mission to find the perfect spot for a family walk—somewhere beautiful in nature with great views, a short and stroller-friendly trail, some shade, and easy access. I was thrilled when I discovered Tahoe Meadows, and over the years, it has remained one of our favorite family hikes.

Tahoe Meadows offers a trail that's not only enjoyable but also packed with nature for the kids to explore. The interpretive signs add a nice educational touch, and in spring, the wildflowers are in full bloom, accompanied by the soothing sounds of babbling brooks and chirping insects.

Getting There:
Parking is available just past the Mt. Rose Summit Trail parking lot on the left as you head toward Tahoe. If the gates are open, drive downhill until you see the restrooms. If the gates are closed, you can park in the lot just outside the gates, closer to the street, which is a short walk from the entrance.

Best Time to Visit: 
Tahoe Meadows is best enjoyed from May until October, as snow accumulation in winter can make the trail difficult to navigate. 

Nearby:
For those seeking a more intense hike, the Mt. Rose Summit Trail (10.7 miles) is just a few minutes back toward Reno and is well worth the effort for its stunning views.
Notes
-About a 30-minute scenic drive up the mountain toward Lake Tahoe from South Reno.
-Stroller, kid, wheelchair, and dog-friendly.
-Fairly flat, 1.3-mile loop with a 49-foot elevation gain.
-Restrooms available seasonally.
-Partial shade.
-Great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter (check weather and road conditions before heading out; chains may be needed).
-Popular spot for photoshoots due to its picturesque views.
-Family-friendly sledding spot across the street in winter.
-The AllTrails app is a great resource for information, directions, and reviews.
-Paths can get muddy when the weather is wet.

Recommended Gear
-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)
-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)
-Portable potty Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)
-hiking backpack (great view for kids, storage, nap friendly, shade)
-carrier (more afordable, light weight, shade, storage for keys)

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.



Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes"

Monday, November 11, 2019

Explore Galena Creek Regional Park: Complete Guide to Trails, Activities, and Attractions

Catch the gorgeous sunrise
Mt. Rose Highway
18250, 18350 Mt Rose Hwy
Reno NV 89511

Visitor's Center Website
Directions to Jones Creek Loop
Directions to Galena Creek Short Loop
Snapshot
-10 minutes from South Reno – quick and easy escape into nature!
-Year-round fun – hiking, fishing, picnicking (with BBQ), sledding, and more!
-Beautiful scenery – perfect spot for weddings or just soaking in the views.
-Family-friendly trails – from easy loops to adventurous hikes.
-Towering pine trees – cool off in the shade & creeks on hot summer days.
-Awesome visitor center – learn about the local ecosystem and snag some souvenirs.
-Perfect quick getaway – no long planning needed, just go!


Why Galena Creek Regional Park is Special
Galena Creek Regional Park is the kind of place people would happily drive long distances to reach.  Lucky for us in Reno, it's just 10 minutes up Mt. Rose Highway from South Reno - practically in our backyards. 

It’s a year-round gem with something for everyone—hiking trails for all levels, family-friendly picnic spots, stunning scenery, a wedding-worthy venue, and even fun sledding hills in the winter. While it feels like a getaway, the park is well-developed with plenty of amenities to keep you comfortable while you enjoy the beauty.

The standout features of Galena Creek Regional Park are its easy proximity to Reno, accessibility, activities and events, and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a quick nature escape, a venue for a family gathering or special event, a chance to connect with the community, or simply a spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors, this park has it all.

The abundant shade from the towering pine trees make it a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day. And if you're into learning more about the area, the park's visitor center is amazing. It has educational exhibits that dive into the local ecosystem, history, and wildlife, plus a cute gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs. 

Explore the Park

Visitor's Center
Check out their Instagram page for the latest updates on events and more!

Galena Creek Visitor Center is a must - see for nature enthusiasts. Check out the cool exhibits about the local ecosystem and wildlife, then step outside to explore a beautiful nature trail with a bridge and creek—all on a paved path. The center also hosts special events throughout the year, and with a couple of picnic tables out front, it’s a great spot to relax, enjoy the scenery, and have a laid-back lunch after your visit.
2024

Family-Friendly Trails
Here, I’ve highlighted a couple of trails my family and I frequent. For a more comprehensive list of hikes, check out the visitor center's trail guide.

Galena Creek Visitor's Center Nature Trail
This paved trail is right next to the Visitor Center. It’s more of a leisurely stroll, but I visit often to enjoy the changing aspens along the creek in fall. The bridge adds a bit of fun, and the paved path makes it super accessible for everyone. Plus, the area often hosts fun events, adding a lively touch to your visit. It’s a great spot to relax, soak in the beauty of nature, and enjoy local happenings.

Jones Loop 
Jones Loop (1.5 miles, 259 ft. elevation gain) is short and sweet with much to offer.  There’s a little climb at the beginning of the trail, but it’s enjoyable, featuring beautiful views and soothing sounds from the creek that runs parallel. You can complete the loop or branch out to more difficult trails like the Jones Whites Creek Loop (10 miles, 2,450 ft. elevation gain). Even just the first quarter-mile of Jones Whites offers stunning views.

Tip: Use AllTrails to get directions to the trailhead and stay on course during your hike. As long as you have reception, you can easily track your position on the trail map and ensure you're heading in the right direction.

Nature Trail by the South Entrance
I’ve hiked this trail countless times, and its magic never gets old. The trailhead is right next to the parking lot, where you’ll be greeted by the soothing sounds of the roaring creek as soon as you open your door. Hike a couple of minutes up the main path (it’s easy to find) and you’ll reach a bridge with stunning views of the creek.  Just across the bridge, you’ll find the well-marked and well-developed loop trail. Bonuses include a restroom with running water, picnic tables with BBQ grills, and nearby Marilyn’s Pond. 

Tip: Bring a good book and relax on a bench by the bridge and creek. To find the parking lot for this trail, search "Galena Hatchery" on Google and park in the first lot on the right as you enter.



Other Highlights
Galena Fish Hatchery (reservations)
The Galena Fish Hatchery is often overlooked since many visitors enter the park from the other side, where the Visitor Center is. I absolutely love this part of the park because it’s scenic and fun to explore. You can stroll around the charming stone building (perfect for weddings) and enjoy the surrounding areas, including Marilyn’s Pond (1 acre, 10ft deep stocked pond. Permits) and Camp Wechme.

Creek Next to the Parking Lot (South Entrance)
I’ll never forget the first time I opened my door and heard the soothing sounds of the creek right next to the parking lot. Then I noticed the picnic table and BBQ grill right in the middle of the lot, with restrooms conveniently located nearby. I knew I had found one of my favorite picnic spots in Reno. 

Tip: I love bringing my kiddos here on hot days because it’s always a few degrees cooler in the park. With plenty of shade next to the creek, it’s the perfect summer spot to cool down and wade in the water.  Don't forget the Crocs!


The Lodge Bar & Patio
How often can you enjoy all the comforts and joys of life in a stunning forest setting with mountain views?

The Lodge is one of my absolute favorite spots in Reno. It’s conveniently located right off Mt. Rose Highway next to Galena Park and offers amazing entertainment, breathtaking views, excellent service, and a market trailer with farm fresh produce in their parking lot.

Address:

What I love about The Lodge:
-Full espresso bar with top-notch coffee from local roaster @nocityreno. Boozy coffee, anyone?
-Quality syrups from Monin
-Daytime bar hours for a rare chance to enjoy a drink during the day
-Relaxing outdoor patio
-Tasty bites like charcuterie, sandwiches, and pizza
-Year-round live entertainment from local artists
-Various classes and workshops
-Wide array of drinks, including cocktails, wine, and beer
-Local art on display and available for sale
-Conveniently located right off Mt. Rose
-Next to Galena National Forest—perfect for hikes and picnics
-Cooler temperatures in the summer for a refreshing retreat
-Breathtaking silhouettes of trees and mountains
-Kid- and dog-friendly
-The owner, Carly, is one of my favorite people in Reno. She’s kind, funny, and always attentive and welcoming.

Trailhead parking for Jones Loop
a little ways from Jones Whites trailhead

All Pictures Below- Bitterbrush & Nature Trail Loop