What a difference a few days can make! With today's snowfall and fierce winds on Mt. Rose — and wind and rain on South Reno's valley floor — it's probably not the best time to visit the Galena Creek Recreation Area. But as of this past Friday, the weather was still glorious at this peaceful and picturesque nature retreat, just a 10-or-15 minute drive from The Summit shopping center.
Galena Creek Recreation Area, adjacent to Galena Creek Regional Park, is situated within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The area offers places to hike, snowshoe, fish and learn about nature.
There is ample outdoor signage about the history, geography and culture of the region, as well as a small but lovely museum-like building, the Galena Creek Visitor Center.
Admission to the recreation area and to the Galena Creek Visitor Center is free; donations are welcome. Be aware, however, that the visitor center is now on a winter schedule, open only Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Inside the visitor center, you'll find exhibits about mining, local plants and animals, including auditory and tactile features: Push buttons to hear the sounds of footsteps crunching on a trail, rain pouring down, wind and thunder. Feel animal pelts. Learn the difference between native and invasive plant species.
Great Basin Naturalists conduct kids' camps and all-ages programs such as bird-watching and astronomy, in and around the visitor center. Schedules are posted in the building.
Also at the visitor center, you can purchase books, greeting cards and calendars depicting local wildlife. Plus, free maps and brochures are available, to help you safely navigate the park.
The Galena Creek Recreation Area and Galena Creek Visitor Center are located at 18250 Mt. Rose Highway in South Reno. For more information, call (775) 849-4948 or visit
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