Deadman's Loop

The Deadman's Loop Trail is a 1.8 mile loop within Washoe Lake State Park which is easily accessible, however not one of the main mapped trails. The result of this is that you will likely encounter no other people along this hike.

While portions of the trail act as a connector for those hiking from the core area of the park to the Deadman's Creek Trail overlook, the loop trail also stands as its own hike with a portion overlooking the entrance area of the park while being elevated enough to take in the views of Washoe Lake behind it with the Sierra Nevada range rising dramatically in the background. The trial reaches the unpaved County Road 224 which it follows for a short distance up a sloped climb before branching back off into single track and descending toward the Deadman's Creek path.

It is during this portion between the high point and the creek trail where several trail forks exist, offering hikers the choice of tacking a little bit more distance onto their hike or even turning the overlook at the end of the creek trail into its own loop trail hike.

Cel service tends to be present along this hike, which helps with the main confusing point of where exactly the faint single track branches off from the trail's high point. However it sits at a noticeable clearing so it is fairly easy to find when looking for it.

There are no amenities of any kind along this trail. The hike begins at a gate and signed trailhead along a gravel pullout from the road. All amenities including bathrooms, water and benches can be found across the road inside the state park area.