Learn about the history of the Washoe people in Olympic Valley and the Tahoe area.


The Washoe (or Wašišiw, which means “people from here”) inhabited the land around Lake Tahoe dating back thousands of years. Da ow aga, the Washoe word for “edge of lake,” is the source for the name Lake Tahoe.

Visit the Washoe Display, located on the mezzanine level of High Camp, to learn more about the history and culture of the Washoe people and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.


Washoe Display Highlights
  • Read about the history of the Washoe people in Olympic Valley
  • See a map of historic Washoe territory
  • Learn about the Washoe language
  • Enjoy artifacts generously on loan from the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California


Washoe Cultural Talks
Join us this summer for stories of Washoe history and culture from the Valley and surrounding mountains.

For more information and to register, please click on one of the following talks:

7/15: Rhiana Jones, Environmental Program Director for the Washoe Environmental Protection Department
7/29: Herman Fillmore, Cultural Resource Director for the Washoe Tribe
8/12: Herman Fillmore, Cultural Resource Director for the Washoe Tribe
8/26: Rhiana Jones, Environmental Program Director for the Washoe Environmental Protection Department


Further Reading
The Name Change, Part One: The Washoe Tribe
The Name Change, Part Two: The S- Word


Phone800-403-0206
Hours of Operation10am-4:30pm Daily
LocationHigh Camp
Address1960 Olympic Valley Rd Olympic Valley CA 96146

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