The Great Incline of the Sierra Nevada

Photo courtesy of Carleen Clark

Located 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 tract tramline.  This engineering feat would transport up to 300 cords a day from the mill located in what is now Mill Creek.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 246

DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION & ARCHEOLOGY

INCLINE VILLAGE ROTARY CLUB