Lakeview

"A lot of Nevadans are unaware of the elaborate pipeline that still carries water from the mountains to the fine residents of Virginia City. This is a betting state after all, so I'll make mine. I'd bet one out of every hundred? If you're a born-and-raised Nevadan, I'd say the odds are lowered. And I don't gamble very much." -- June 2007

[213]       

Along ALT US 395 at Hobart Rd, 5.1 miles north of Carson City

Washoe
  39.207952, -119.804106

Original Date Visited: 6/6/07
Revisited: 11/30/21
Signed: No

Notes: The approach to Marker 213 might be one of the trickiest in the state. In addition to it being a measly 3-foot tall concrete slab for poor visibility, the only way to conquer this one is by double backing from a freeway onramp where you'll find this tiny marker just before merging onto the interstate.

This marker used to be located on the northbound shoulder of I-580/US 395, and the horrendous traffic on this grade made its approach fairly dangerous. This marker was moved right across the freeway in 2022 to ease this problem. (Maybe because of yours truly?) However, this hasn't helped its visibility issue. Here's what you need to do.

- From Carson City, head north on the freeway and use Exit 10 for "Lakeview Blvd." Turn left for ALT US 395 then another left to head back to Carson City on this frontage road. This marker is extremely easy to miss even if you're looking for it! When you see the Lakeview house (the white mansion on your right), you'll spot Marker 213 tucked right along the fence just inside the Washoe County line. DO NOT MERGE BACK ONTO THE FREEWAY! Use caution when parking here as most traffic won't be expecting a stopped vehicle and instead will be racing to use the on-ramp to the 580. If you happen to pass Hobart Rd, you'll have to do this all over again.

Street View

Here's what you'll see!

Exact Description:
As early as 1863, two hotels appartenant stables were located here. In 1872, one hotel became a station on the newly-completed Virginia and Truckee Railroad between Carson City and Reno.

Crossing under the highway are three inverted siphon pipelines furnishing water from the Sierra Nevada watershed to Virginia and Carson Cities. Work was first undertaken in 1873 on the 76 mile box flume and pipeline system with the construction of a maintenance station here. The Virginia and Gold Hill Water Company's historic water-gathering and transportation complex immediately became world famous.

As early as 1881, Lakeview became a lumber storage area for timber cut in the Lake Tahoe Basin. In 1887, shipping activity was accelerated as lumber was fed to the yard by a V-flume originating above present Incline Village. From here timber products were shipped to the Comstock mines and other points via V.& T. R.R. cars. Activity ceased in 1896.

Marker 213 before it was moved to the other side of the freeway prior to 2022. You can see just how dangerous this approach was!

Marker 213 after it was moved to the other side of the freeway! Notice the amount of traffic.

Marker 213 and its new view of the mountains.

Evolution of the Flume System!

Moving Water: Mountains to Virginia City

US 50 Roadtrip
 COVERED IN MY US 50 ROAD TRIP

Next Marker

RAFAEL RIVERA

Related Links & Markers:

 - 13 - The Comstock Lode   - 193 - Historic Flume & Lumber Yards   - 246 - Great Incline of the Sierra Nevada   - 248 - Virginia & Truckee Railroad Right of Way   Lakeview -- Nevada Ghost Towns   History of the Marlette Water System (Claritage) 

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