Galena Creek Trail, NV

Geologically, Galena deposits often contain a large quantity of silver. Located just miles west of Virginia City, the first major find of silver in the United States, lies the settlement of Galena, Nevada. It is located on Galena creek, south of Reno, Nevada in the foothills of the Sierra mountains. Established in 1860 it rose out of the need for a smelter and the need for lumber to support the mining efforts on the Comstock in and around Virginia City, Nevada. Being the only smelter in the area, business was booming and Galena soon became a city with saloons, dozens of business... and by 1863 boasted eleven saw mills. Declining mine activity and two devastating forest fires in 1865 and 1867 saw the area abandoned soon after.


Our hike starts from this old settlement where nothing remains. The trailhead parking lot holds about twenty cars and has no water or facilities. Galena creek is whitewater in the spring and roaring of the water is audible immediately. The hike follows the creek, crossing three times back and forth over bridges in the first mile. Thick stands of ancient pines surround you with thick beds of pine needles and cones throughout . Mountain bikes, horses and dogs are allowed but seldom seen. The trail then stays on the south side of the creek. Look up occasionally as a break in the pines allows for spectacular views of Mt Rose and Slide mountain which loom ahead. About two miles into the hike is a flume. Flumes were and still are used extensively in this area for irrigation purposes. The hike eventually comes out at the Mt Rose highway at the Galena Washoe County Park . This is our turn around point where you can return the way you came. Another option would be to have a shuttle set up. There are also connecting trails at this point which lead into the Mt Rose wilderness.

2008-06-04 AZLOT69