Visit Northern Nevada and where to go

Visit Northern Nevada and where to go

Read more Where to go Northern Nevada
Walker Lake:
Walker Lake is a natural lake, 50.3 mi² (130 km²) in area, in the Great Basin in western Nevada in the United States. It is 18 mi (29 km) long and 7 mi (11 km) wide, located in northwestern Mineral County along the eastern side of the Wassuk Range, approximately 75 mi (120 km) southeast of Reno. The lake is fed from the north by the Walker River and has no natural outlet except absorption and evaporation.

The lakebed is a remnant of prehistoric Lake Lahontan that covered much of northwestern Nevada during the ice age. Although the ancient history of Walker Lake has been extensively studied by researchers seeking to establish a climatic timeline for the region as part of the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository study, this research has raised many puzzling questions. Unlike Pyramid Lake, the lake itself has dried up several times since the end of the Pleistocene, probably due to natural diversions of the Walker River into the Carson Sink. Also, this research found no evidence that the Walker Lake basin contained water during the Lake Lahontan highstand, although based on the surface elevation of the highstand evidenced elsewhere in the region it must have.

Walker Lake is the namesake of the geological trough in which it sits, and which extends from Oregon to Death Valley and beyond, the Walker Lane.

In the 19th century the area around the lake was inhabited by the Paiute. Extensive use of the water of the Walker River and its tributaries for irrigation since the late 19th century has resulted in a severe drop in the level of the lake. According the USGS, the level dropped approximately 140 ft (40 m) between 1882 and 1994.

The lower level of the lake has resulted in a higher concentration of stream pollutants. As of 2004 the salt concentration is above the lethal limit for most of the native fish species throughout much of the lake, and the survival of the Lahontan cutthroat trout in the lake will be threatened if inflow is not drastically increased. Also affected are the lake's Tui chub. In 2009, the town of Hawthorne canceled its Loon Festival because the lake, once a major stopover point for migratory loons, could no longer provide enough chub and other small fish to attract many loons.

The Walker Lake State Recreation Area is located along the western shore of the lake. The Hawthorne Army Depot, which claims to be the world's largest ammunition depot, fills the valley to the south of the lake. U.S. Route 95 passes along the western shore of Walker Lake.

Reno- Lake Tahoe Territory/Northwestern Nevada
Come winter, Lake Tahoe is one of the world's leading ski destinations, and it is just as impressive in warmer months too. The stunning alpine lake and its fantastic annual events draw water-lovers, hikers, bikers, climbers and sight-seers in droves. Nearby Reno and Sparks, the second largest metropolitan area in Nevada, also have no shortage of offerings. Downtown Reno is anchored by the Truckee River Whitewater Park and Riverwalk District, with regular events like wine walks, Hot August Nights, Artown and Street Vibrations. There's also excellent dining, boutique shopping and a thriving arts culture to be enjoyed. For a taste of the region's rich history, walk down the old wooden sidewalks of historic Virginia City or tour the quaint town of Genoa. After all, adventure comes in many forms in Reno-Tahoe Territory.

Cowboy Country/Northeastern Nevada
Cowboy up to Cowboy Country in northeastern Nevada. It is rugged Nevada at its best, known for endless vistas, open skies and Old West hospitality. Visitors come for all sorts of outdoor pursuits – unparalleled heli-skiing at the , miles of unspoiled beauty in Jarbidge Wilderness, fantastic ice fishing at no less than three reservoirs and all the hiking, biking, hunting and horseback riding you can imagine – but there are cultural pleasures to be enjoyed as well. When you've had your fill of the great outdoors, enjoy a savory meal at one of Elko's authentic Basque restaurants, tour a museum or two, or try your luck at one of West Wendover's five major casinos. Romantics, don't miss the Lovers Lock Plaza in Lovelock, the only place in the United States where you can lock your love on a never-ending chain.

Pony Express Territory/North Central Nevada
Named for the daring mail transport system of 150 years ago, the Pony Express Territory is still ripe with potential for adventure. In fact, U.S. Highway 50, dubbed"The Loneliest Road in America,” roughly follows the same route as the fabled Pony Express, so keep your eyes open for crumbling stops here and there. The road will also take travelers past the ruins of Fort Churchill, a 1960s U.S. Army base, the giant sand dune known as Sand Mountain, and an assortment of quaint and historic towns. Get a feel for the region's rich rail past thanks to restored historic buildings and railways in Eureka and Ely, then catch some fresh air with a hike up Wheeler Peak at Great Basin National Park.