The Great Incline of the Sierra Nevada

"I remember the Ponderosa Ranch as if it were yesterday. I remember visiting the ranch in its heyday and would jump with ants in my pants for a quick horseback ride. I remember being one of the lucky kids one year, jumping in for a sleigh ride on three feet of freshly-fallen white stuff. The memories still sound the bugle. And, I am still listening. #246 conquered." -- August 2007


[246]       

Along SR 28 at the Bonanza Parking lot -- Incline Village

Reno & Washoe County
  39.236750, -119.928970


Original Date Visited: 8/24/07
Revisited: 3/12/23
Signed: No


Street View


Exact Description:
The scars on the mountain above are the remnants of the "Great Incline of the Sierra Nevada." Completed in 1880, this 4,000-foot long lift was constructed by the Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Company. A unique steam-powered cable railway carried cordwood and lumber up 1,800 feet to a V-flume which carried the lumber down to Washoe Valley where it was loaded on wagons for use in the mines of the Comstock. Driven by an engine on the summit, 8,000 continuous feet of wire cable, wrapped around massive bull wheels pulled canted cars up a double track tramline. This engineering feat would transport up to 300 cords a day from the mill located on what is now Mill Creek.

Marker 246 before its renovation. Being able to stop here and view the marker in the busy summer months will be challenge!


Evolution of the Flume System!

Moving Water: Mountains to Virginia City



US 50 Roadtrip
 COVERED IN MY US 50 ROAD TRIP

Next Marker

SITE OF NEVADA'S FIRST PUBLIC LIBRARY


Related Links & Markers:

 - 221 - Sand Harbor   - 225 - Spooner Area ...   Great Incline Bull Wheel (Trail information)   Spooner Lake State Park - Marlette Backcountry (Nevada State Parks)   Marlette Lake Trail (All Trails)   Timber for the Comstock PDF (Forest History) 

Have you been to this marker? Tell us all about it here!