Enjoy Scenic Walks and Wildlife at Virginia Lake Park in Reno

1980 Lakeside Dr
Reno, NV 89509

Website

Rentable Shelter

Yelp

Virginia Lake Park is a beautifully landscaped 32-acre park featuring a serene man-made lake surrounded by charming houses and vibrant wildlife. Here, you can spot various birds, including pigeons, geese, crows, double-crested cormorants, snowy egrets, and California gulls. The park offers a relaxing atmosphere, reminiscent of a beach setting, with the soothing sounds of fountains and the gentle rustle of nature all around.

Every since becoming a mom 11 years ago, I made it my life's goal to take my kiddos to the parks as much as I can & as much as my will allows (LOL) while also finding ways to entertain myself.  If you're a parent or guardian, I'm sure you can relate when I say that parks can get a little... boring, LOL.  So when you see me writing about a specific park (or any spot, really), it means I'm genuinely into it in some sort of way and want to share it with you.  I freakin got chu!  We're in this together, right?!!

The park is also just a short walk from South Virginia Street where you'll find tons of dining options and shops to browse and take advantage of.  My personal suggestions - RED District (includes Cinemark Century Park Lane Theaters, a small playground, Country Creamery, HUB Coffee, and more), and Reno Public Market - a uniquely local food hall.

Park Features

-1 Mile Loop Trail:  A short, flat trail lined with parking and houses, perfect for walking year-round. There's also a concentric dirt trail that circles the lake.

-Play Areas: Enjoy grassy areas with two play structures, swings, and a small stage for performances.

-Pavilions: Rent a pavilion with BBQ facilities that can accommodate up to 100 people.

-Restrooms: Available year-round

-Exercise Area (Lymbery St.): Stay active with a free exercise zone located right next to the park's parking lot.

-Fishing Pier: Spend a relaxing day fishing from the pier. Fishing permit required.

-Benches: Plenty of seating along the lake for bird watching and beautiful scenery.

-Dog Park (south side of lake on Eastshore Dr.): Gated & off leash.  Muddy when wet.

-Picnic Areas: Plenty of shaded spots under trees ideal for picnics.

Notes

*If you’re sensitive to bird droppings or have a dog that tends to eat them, you might want to consider visiting another park, as they can be common on the trail.

*An ice cream truck frequently parks in front of the playgrounds during the summer months. 

*The lake is home to in island that's home to a variety of birds.

*The park is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. 

*The trail around the lake is paved, making it accessible for everyone. Biking and horseback riding are not permitted on the paths. 

*Enjoy a smoke free environment throughout the park. 

*Explore a charming stone bench garden area near the pier.

*Designated feeding areas for wild birds are located at both ends of the lake.

*Virginia Lake Park is within walking distance of the Peppermill Casino.

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

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds," "Family Friendly Trails," "Picnic spots," & "Event/Birthday Spots"

Brown’s Creek Loop Trail Reno: Hiking Guide, Views & What to Expect

3584-3694 Joy Lake Road

Reno, NV 89511

AllTrails Map

Brown's Creek Snapshot

If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor escape near Reno, Brown's Creek Trail is the place to be. This scenic hike features stunning views, vibrant wildflowers, diverse terrain, and the soothing sounds of the creek. It’s perfect for families and anyone who loves nature.  A rewarding adventure that showcases the beauty of our area.

Level: Moderate

Trail Length: 4.8 mi. 

Elevation gain: 1,000 ft. 

Estimated time: 2hr 25mins. 

I'm always on the lookout for good hikes in Reno that are beautiful, come with shade, views, changes in elevation, and water features. Brown's Creek Trail, located in south Reno, in the Galena area, just off Mt. Rose Highway, checked all the boxes.

Since my kids were getting more skilled and interested in hitting the trails, I decided to push our limits with a longer hike. Usually, we stick to 2-mile trails, so tackling 4.8 miles felt like a bit of a stretch with a 5, 6, and 1-year-old in tow. But if there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that we humans are capable of so much more than we think, and pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones and discovering new places almost always comes with a pretty big payoff.

The first part of the trail, before reaching the start of the loop, weaves through the woods with a gentle uphill slope over about a mile.  The first fork features a beautiful vista worth checking out on a little detour. Here, just a couple of minutes from the main trail, you’ll find a bench, breathtaking views, and an educational sign about Sundown Town, a short lived Old West themed family attraction that once stood nearby. The second fork marks the beginning of the loop, not far from the Vista. Take the left side if you want the easier route, as you’ll descend the steeper section rather than climb it.

Along the trail you'll come across three small bridges that cross the creek.  We took a break at the first bridge so the kids could dip their toes in the water and have some fun. It was a nice stop to for cooling down with plenty of shade provided by nearby trees. After crossing the second bridge, you'll find the third fork. We took a wrong turn at this fork, heading straight into the “National Forest” (the loop sign was a bit farther up and faced the wrong way) resulting in an extra 1.5 miles tagged onto our original route. We retraced our steps back to the sign, and, instead of going straight, made sure to head upward and to the right to get back on course. After the third fork, we crossed the final bridge and made our way back to the parking lot.

In total, we covered about 8.5 miles. It was such an empowering and rewarding journey. My family and I met plenty of friendly dogs, admired stunning wildflowers, encountered many kind people along the way, and leveled up our hiking game a bit.  The best part was being able to experience this adventure & complete wilderness without having to leave the city. 

Wandering through the Galena forest, crossing tranquil Brown's Creek, distracting the kids with tons of snacks & being their cheerleader, and getting over a hiccup with the family was incredibly fun, educational, and refreshing. 

I can't recommend this hike enough.

Notes

-It's super helpful to familiarize yourself with trail maps/apps that include navigation features that help keep you on track

-Dogs, horses, and cyclists are allowed on the trail 

-Enter the Galena Estates to find the trail entrance parking lot on the left side of Joy Lake Road.  

-Trailhead is located across the street

-Bring plenty of water, sun protection

-If hiking with kids, pack lots of snacks. 

-There’s plenty of shade throughout the hike, but there are also lots of exposed areas.  

-Have your phone handy for emergencies.  

-Alcohol pads and band-aids for unexpected scrapes

-Good footwear highly recommended  

-hiking poles may come in handy for those looking for more stability

-lots of vegetation, lizards, and insects to discover and enjoy

 Pick right side for more of a challenge to go up steep left side at end of loop. Left side to go down steeper side.

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

Photography 

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized Under Family Friendly Hikes & Scenic Overlooks

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

*DIRECTIONS

*Details on Komoot

Length:  1.3 miles

Elevation Gain:  62 ft. 

Duration:  .5 - 1 hr.

Snapshot

Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop is a must-visit for its easily accessible, family-friendly trail just off the highway. It offers stunning views and vibrant wildflowers in the spring, plus perfect trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing in the winter. Just a short, scenic drive from Reno and located right past the Mt. Rose Summit parking lot, this trail is popular year-round with outdoor enthusiasts and frequently used by photographers for seasonal photo sessions.

After having my first baby, I knew I didn't want to be cooped up all day at home.  I sought places that were perfect spot for a family walks.  My criteria included somewhere beautiful in nature, with great views, stroller-friendly, included some shade, and was easy to access.  This is the time when I discovered Tahoe Meadows, which checked all the boxes.  Over the years, it still remains of my favorite trails in the Reno-Tahoe region.

The Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Trail, also known as the Tahoe Meadows Loop, was created to give visitors an easy and educational way to explore the alpine environment just below Mt. Rose Summit. Sitting at about 8,700 feet in elevation, the trail winds through open meadows, gentle streams, and stands of pine and willow, offering a glimpse into the delicate high-mountain ecosystem of the Sierra Nevada. The 1.3-mile loop includes boardwalk sections that protect the fragile wetlands while allowing families, strollers, and wheelchairs to enjoy the scenery comfortably. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights about local wildlife, native plants, geology, and how snowmelt sustains the area’s creeks and meadows. 

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, park in the lot just outside the gates alongside the main street, which is a short walk to the trailhead.

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 more adventure, take the Mt. Rose Summit Trail to Galena Creek Falls (10.7 miles in length).  

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.

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

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes"