Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Galena Creek Regional Park is a haven of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Located just a short drive from Reno, Nevada, this park offers a rich tapestry of ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and a variety of activities that make it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Galena Creek Park where the high desert environment ends and the forest lands begin. You will find yourself at the base of Mt. Rose in a wonderful natural setting of tall trees, mountain streams, and rocky canyons. Hiking and biking trails wind through the forest and into the hills while several lead to ridges providing panoramic views of the valleys below.

This is one of the lesser known public spaces in Washoe County that should not be overlooked, located south of Reno.

With a picturesque creek, beautiful trees, spectacular views and fascinating history, Galena Creek is a great spot to spend part of a day enjoying nature at its finest. The 440-acre park is located off the Mount Rose Highway (State Route 431), about six miles west of U.S. 395.

Washoe County acquired the land for the park in 1931 for 10 dollars per acre. Named for a mining town that once existed a few miles to the east, the area was originally part of the Galena mining district.

The word, “galena,” derives from the type of lead sulfide rock that was found with the gold mined in the district.

Later, the town of Galena (off what today is Callahan Ranch Road) became an important lumber center, boasting 11 sawmills by 1863, as well as stores, hotels, a court, school, homes and, of course, saloons.

Disastrous fires in 1865 and 1867 destroyed the town, which was abandoned after the second fire.

With its groves of White Fir and Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines, the park is a wooded sanctuary that rises from a high desert, sagebrush vegetation zone to the more heavily wooded alpine environment.

At the lower elevations, there are shrubs like Bitterbrush, Manzanita and clumps of twisted Mountain Mahogany. Animal life includes a wide variety of birds, such as jays and hawks, as well as an occasional black bear and mountain lion (although both are rarely seen).

The park also encompasses several beautiful creeks, including its namesake, Galena Creek. The easiest and most accessible hike is the Bitterbrush Trail, which stretches from the north picnic area (the first turn-off into the park when driving west from Reno or Carson City) to the south picnic area.

The trail wanders about a quarter of a mile through the pines before reaching the sturdy wooden bridge that spans Galena Creek. This is a particularly beautiful place to observe the rapidly rushing water tumbling over the smooth rocks.

The Galena Creek Visitor Center is located on the Mount Rose Highway, 7 miles from the intersection of Highway 395 and State Route 431. There are two different entrances (North and South) with parking, picnic areas and trailheads.

North of the Galena Creek Bridge is a Nature Trail that winds up the hillside to a variety of local flora and fauna.

Visitors often wonder about the huge concrete blocks supported rusted metal boxes that can be seen along the trail. These are actually old camping stoves placed there in the 1940s when the girl scouts had a camp there. The campers would put charcoal into the box and heat pots and pans on top.

More challenging hiking can be found on the Jones Creek-White's Creek Loop Trail (9.2 miles roundtrip) and the Black's Canyon Trail. Both are considerably more challenging than the lower trails but offer some of the best views found in the park.

Snow Plant (Sarcodes sanguinea) is a rare sight in most areas, though they are native to the eastern Sierra. Their blood-red color is attributed to their lack of chlorophyll. They're abundant along most trails until about July 4th.  

The Galena Creek Park has 68 individual picnic sites, available on a first-come, first-serve basis, as well as two group picnic areas, which can be reserved in advance. No woodcutting or private campfires are permitted.

A couple of years ago, the county restored an historic stone building at the park’s south entrance. Known as the Galena Creek Park Stone House, it contains a visitor center filled with historic photos and displays describing the history of the area as well as the geology, plant and animal life.

Galena Creek Regional Park is a jewel in the crown of northern Nevada’s natural attractions. Its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and wide range of recreational and educational opportunities make it a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Whether you’re hiking through its scenic trails, learning about the local ecosystem at the visitor center, or simply enjoying a picnic by the creek, Galena Creek Regional Park offers a refreshing escape into nature.