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Hope Valley Wildlife Area

Description

Hope Valley Wildlife Area consists of approximately 2,900 acres of high elevation wet meadow, montane chaparral, Jeffrey pine forest, and aspen-lodgepole pine forest communities. Wildlife species commonly seen here include mule deer, black bear, bobcat, blue grouse, northern goshawk, Clark's nutcracker, and white-headed woodpecker. The west fork of the Carson River flows through the southern portion of the property, supporting beaver and occasionally willow flycatcher.

For more information, call the North Central Region's Rancho Cordova office at (916) 358-2900.

Recreational Opportunities

wildlife viewing fishing archery hunting deer hunting bear hunting quail hunting restrooms disabled access

Passes: A CDFW Lands Pass must be in possession by each visitor who is 16 years of age or older, however, visitors who are in possession of a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are exempt from this requirement. Lands passes may be purchased on-line, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Lands passes cannot be substituted for Hunting Passes, which are required for adult hunters on Type-A and Type-B wildlife areas.
School and organized youth groups, including accompanying adults, are exempt from the lands pass requirement, but should contact the area to schedule a field trip at least two weeks in advance.

Activities: wildlife viewing, nature walks, birdwatching, photography, seasonal fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, backpack camping (east of Highway 89), and seasonal hunting

Hunting: Deer, bear, rabbit, tree squirrel, quail, grouse, and dove may be present.

Type C: Hope Valley Wildlife Area does not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry. Entry permits and/or passes or special drawing may be required for hunting on some Type C wildlife areas.

Facilities: Disabled accessible parking and restroom facilities are located on the west side of Pickett's Junction on Highway 88. Disabled accessible fishing piers are located north of the restroom.

NOTE: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of Department lands.

Refer to the Public Uses on State and Federal Lands section of the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

no drones icon
You may not operate a drone on CDFW Lands without a Special Use Permit.

Area History

In the mid-1800s, the overland route for the Pony Express Trail and the Mormon-Emigrant Trail passed through what is now the wildlife area. Activities that have occurred in the Hope Valley area are grazing, logging, mining, and outdoor recreation. Mining is not evident within the wildlife area, but timber harvest has occurred, with the latest operation in the mid-1980s. The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1989.

map of Hope Valley WA - click to enlarge in new window
Click to enlarge

Location

North Central Region (Region 2)

Alpine County

approximately 12 miles south of South Lake Tahoe

Access: The Wildlife Area spans Highway 89 at its junction with Highway 88, known as Pickett's Junction. Expansion areas are located south of this main parcel on both sides of Highway 88.

Aerial Map (PDF)

CDFW Lands Viewer