Humboldt-Toiyabe - USDA Forest Service

28 Pages·2010·14.67 MB·English

u m b o l dt - To i yab e N A T I O N A L
H
F O R E S T

VISITOR G U I D E
Islands in the Sky
Includes Spring Mountains
Beaver Haven, Lamoille Canyon National Recreation Area
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Bristlecone Pine (© Susan Elliott)
What’s Inside
R
ising from the floor of the Great Basin—
Get to Know Us ................................. 2
the vast expanse between the Rocky and the Sierra Flora & Fauna.................................... 3
Nevada Mountains where creeks and rivers flow Austin & Tonopah Ranger Districts.. 4
Bridgeport Ranger District................ 6
inward rather than to the ocean—the steep green
Carson Ranger District...................... 8
mountains of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National
Ely Ranger District........................... 12
Forest provides critical water, wildlife habitat, Santa Rosa Ranger District............ 14
Mountain City, Jarbidge, & Ruby
relief from heat, and “accessible isolation” for
Mountains Ranger District............. 16
visitors and valley residents.
Spring Mountains National
Fast Forest Facts Ghost towns and historic mining Recreation Area ............................. 18
Off-Highway Vehicles...................... 21
cabins dot these vast, remote,
Know Before You Go....................... 22
Acres: 6.3 million (the largest largely undiscovered sky islands
Contact Information........................ 24
national forest in the contiguous
that offer freedom, solitude,
United States)
and a sense of discovery and

adventure for self-reliant visitors.
Elevations: Nevada is the
most mountainous state in the Although mostly remote, the
contiguous United States
forest also borders some of
the busiest urban areas in the
Superlatives: The Forest
country—Las Vegas and Reno.
encompasses 80,000-100,000
archeological sites
Come join us for a
grand adventure!
Horse petroglyph
This Visitor Guide provides the information you need to make
the most of your Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest experience.
HT_final_2017.indd 1 6/20/2017 4:17:42 PM
G
et to Know Us
History
S A
everal Native American tribes claim Humboldt- s early at the 1890s, lands were set aside as forest
Toiyabe lands as part of their ancestral homelands, reserves, in recognition of the need to protect watersheds
including Southern Paiute, Northern Paiute, Western (including those being grazed by cattle and sheep) and to
Shoshone, and Washoe Indians. All are descendants conserve timber resources. Components of the Humboldt-
of the prehistoric peoples that inhabited the vast Toiyabe National Forest continued to be set aside for the
landscape stretching east next 30 years.
from the Sierra Nevada
Mountains across the
basin and range lands T
he Depression Era saw thousands of young men
of Nevada. Evidence of
completing public works projects on the national forest,
both historic camps and
including the construction
prehistoric occupations
of roads, trails, campgrounds,
are abundant throughout
and ranger stations. The
the forest. Dating as long
Paradise Valley Ranger
as 13,000 years ago are
Station on the Santa Rosa
Bald Mountain Wash on
District and the Gold
the Tonopah District, and
Shoshone braves, date unknown Toquima Cave on the Creek Ranger Station
on the Mountain City
Austin District.
Ranger District have been
maintained to historic
E
uropeans began to travel through the Great Basin standards and are now listed
as early as the 17th century. However, it was not until on the National Register of
tshpeu rAremde roinc abny wtheset w18a4rd9 eCxapliafnosrinoina oGfo tlhde R1u9sthh, cthenatt ufruyl,l - Historic Places. nCaivtiiolinaanl Cfoornesste, r1v9a3ti0osn Corps camp on the
scale settlement occurred. The Comstock Lode was the
T
first major discovery of silver ore oday, people
and is located under what is now value the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Virginia City Historic District east for its vast open spaces, Wilderness, and
of Reno. After the discovery was conservation of flora and fauna. These resources
made in 1859, prospectors rushed belong to all Americans; however, they rely on
to stake their claims. Mining camps our stewardship if they are to be sustained for
thrived, becoming bustling centers future generations.
of fabulous wealth. Much of the
billions of board feet of wood used
for the mining operations were
Shafthouse of the Combined Consolidated Protecting Our Past For Our Future
cut from the mountains that now
Virginia and Consolidated California,
comprise the Humboldt-Toiyabe
which tapped ore from the lower portions Prehistoric and historic sites and artifacts are
National Forest. of the Comstock lode, Virginia City,
irreplaceable resources that provide clues and
Nevada, circa 1870-1880
understanding into our collective heritage. It
is illegal to damage or remove artifacts. When
F
ollowing the Comstock strike, visiting these sites:
prospectors roamed farther eastward across Nevada
in search of new ore deposits. From 1860 through the Do ~
early 1900s, prospectors seemingly searched every hill ¢ Use designated trails or walk on slickrock
and canyon, eventually supporting mining camps across ¢ Leave all artifacts in place
the state. Nearly a hundred mining towns and camps ¢ Take photos or sketch rock art
¢ View structures from a distance
now lie within the boundaries of the Humboldt-Toiyabe
¢ Let others enjoy the thrill of discovery
National Forest. Historic roads and trails link these
towns and districts together.
Don’t ~
¢ Create new trails or paths
¢ Gather artifacts into piles or take them home
¢ Touch or leave marks on rock art (the oil in
W your fingers may damage the fragile art)
here did the Forest
¢ Sit or walk on walls, or enter structures
get its name? ¢ Reveal site locations on websites or give out
GPS coordinates
Humboldt—The explorer John C.
For more information on the heritage resources
Fremont named the East Humboldt
of the forest, visit the heritage page at:
Mountain Range and the Humboldt
www.fs.usda.gov/htnf/.
River after German naturalist Baron
Alexander von Humboldt
Toiyabe—An ancient Shoshone word
Historic mining equipment (© Ted Navratil)
meaning “mountain”
Mining pan (© B. Holmes)
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Flora and Fauna
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest spans elevations from Aspen Woodlands
4,100 feet to over 12,374 feet, creating a diversity of wildlife
These areas are an important
habitats. Some of the largest areas include the following:
and easily recognizable forest
type in the Interior West.
Alpine Brilliant fall foliage and stark
white bark make them a
Alpine habitats are usually at an altitude of 10,000 feet or
popular photographer’s target.
more, above the snow line
Aspen is a clonal species
where trees are unable to
that produces individual but
grow. The alpine habitat is
genetically identical stems
very much like tundra—
from a single plant. One clone can cover over a hundred
both are very cold and dry
acres. Common wildlife found here include mule deer, elk,
throughout the year.
and cavity-nesting birds.

B
ecause of the severe climate, Pinyon-Juniper
alpine plants and animals have
developed adaptations The pinyon-juniper woodlands
to cope with those are an extensively distributed
conditions. Species rangeland community type in
that make their home the Great Basin, and support
here include pika, the largest nesting bird species
Alpine tundra in the fall, Ruby Mtns bighorn sheep, mountain list of any upland vegetation
goat, cougar, rabbits, type in the West.
nCaivtiiolinaanl Cfoornesste, r1v9a3ti0osn Corps camp on the and raptors. P
e Pinyon pine and juniper
r
e
Bristlecone Pine g provide fuelwood, posts, and
r
i
n poles. Pinyon nuts are a valued
These extraordinary trees can e
fa food item and are harvested for
reach an age far greater than that lc
o personal use and commercial
of any other single living organism n
(© sale. Juniper berries are used in
known, living to nearly 5,000
the distillation of gin.
C
years old. The wood is very dense .M
and resinous, and thus resistant .
to invasion by insects, fungi, and Lo The single leaf pinyon, Pinus Pinyon pine cone (© Tom Grundy)
r
e
other potential pests. As the tree n monophylla, is the only pine
z
ages, much of its bark may die, ) that bears a single needle per fascicle. Single-leaf pinyon is
often leaving only a narrow strip of the state tree of Nevada, sharing the designation with the
living tissue to connect the roots to bristlecone pine.
the handful of live branches. Trees
can remain standing for thousands Many animal species find refuge in pinyon-juniper
of years after dying, and will finally
woodlands, including mule deer, elk, desert cottontail,
fall over when the roots decay or are
pinyon jays, and Clark’s nutcrackers.
worn away by erosion. Clark’s nutcrackers
frequent bristlecone pine forests, along The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 declared that
with elk. wild, free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic
and pioneer spirit of the West—contributing to the diversity of life forms
within the nation while enriching the lives of the American people. The
Sagebrush Humboldt-Toiyabe provides a home to approximately 2500 wild horses
and 600 burros on 16 territories. These territories account for half of
the populated territories managed by the Forest Service.
Sagebrush is well adapted to little rain,
heavy winds, hot summers, and cold
winters. Sage sparrows, sage thrashers,
W
and loggerhead shrikes all build their ildlife Viewing Ethics
nests in the plant’s branches, while other Wild burros
birds, including larks and burrowing (© Chris Curtis) ¢ Give wildlife their space. Use those binoculars!
owls, nest on the ground in stands ¢ If you find what you believe to be an "orphaned"
of sagebrush. The sage grouse is or sick animal, leave it alone. Often the parents are
dependent on sagebrush habitat for
close by and are waiting for you to leave.
nesting and a food source, while the
¢ Pets should be restrained at all times.
pygmy rabbit depends on sagebrush
¢ Do not feed wildlife. Animals that become habituated
habitat for cover and forage.
to handouts can eventually become nuisances,
Antelope, wild horse, burro,
losing their instinctive fears of people. Often the only
and mule deer also frequent
solution is to euthanize the animal.
sagebrush areas.
¢ Leave the area if an animal shows signs of alarm.
Antelope Watch and listen for raised ears, skittish movements,
or alarm calls.
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Mountain City, Jarbidge & Ruby
Mtns Ranger Districts
Santa Rosa
Ranger District 93
95 Wells
Winnemucca
Elko
80
Ruby Mountains
Ranger District
H u m b o l dt - To i yab e
Reno
Austin & Tonopah
Carson 80 93
RDaisntrgiectr Carson 50 Austin Ely
City Ranger
N A T I O N A L F O R E S T 395 Ely District
95
6
Tonopah
Bridgeport
Ranger Ranger
District Districts
93
95
91
Austin & Tonopah Ranger Districts NatiSopnrainl gR eMcoreuanttiaoinn sA rea Las Vegas
15
95
Campgrounds Toquima Cave
# of A
Name Season Amenities Reservable ccessed via a short trail in the Toquima
Units
Cave Campground, this cave depicts
R,*
Big Creek 6 May-Nov. No paintings from people that were here
thousands of years ago. The meanings
RZL,
Bob Scott 10 May-Nov. No behind the pictographs found on these
R,*\ walls are something we do not understand,
Columbine 5 May-Nov. No
but anthropologists believe that they
R,* provide us with information about
Kingston 12 May-Nov. No
prehistoric society. Today, the site is sacred
R*
to the Shoshone people and protected from
Peavine Creek 11 May-Nov. No
entry. An interior camera view can be found
R,*
Pine Creek 22 May-Oct. No here - http://www.allaroundnevada.com/
toquima-cave/
R,
Toquima Cave 5 May-Nov. No
Fees range from $10-$35 depending on amenities, and are subject to change.
Drinking Garbage
Restrooms Hiking Horseback Fishing
Water Pickup
Trails
Miles
Name Elevation Season Uses
(round-trip)
,\
Ophir Summit 9,000’ Summer-Fall .5
,\
Stewart Creek 8,600’ Summer-Fall 4.5
,\
Cow Canyon 7,500’ Summer-Fall 5
,\
Toms Canyon 6,900’ Summer-Fall 12
,\
South Twin River 7,400’ Summer-Fall 10
,\
North Twin River 6,400’ Summer-Fall 16
,\
Morgan Basin 8,200’ Summer 6
,\
Mosquito Creek 7,200’ Summer-Fall 14.5
,\
Barley Creek 7,500’ Summer-Fall 15
,\
Willow Creek 7,600’ Summer-Fall 6.5
,\
Clover Creek 6,700’ Summer-Fall 6
,\
Kingston 6,800’ Spring-Fall 0.5
,\
Columbine 8,500’ Summer-Fall 2
,\
Washington 6,200’ Spring-Fall 5
,\
North San Juan 6,000’ Spring-Fall 4
Basque sheepherder aspen carving
4
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Bighorn sheep in
Peavine Canyon
Looking north to Toiyabe Peak from Park Canyon
n
si
u
a To Battle Mountain, NV
R
k
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u
h
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© 305
n
nter To Fallon, NV To Eureka, NV
a Austin 50
L 50 !
Bobac
Scott
50
50
722
452
caBig
Creek
The photos above and 376
below are the remains To Fallon, NV 002
of Three Level Mill in
Park Canyon ac 001
Kingston
ac
Toquima
Cave
Iona
376
(Historic
21
To Hwy 50 Site)
!
Gabbs! 844
361 !Berlin- 018 ca
To Ichthyosaur
Hwy State Monument Columbine
95
ARC DOME
WILDERNESS PCrineeek 096
ALTA TOQUIMA c
!Carvers
WILDERNESSa009
82 TABLE
MOUNTAIN
! WILDERNESS
018 020 RMoouunndta in
ca 376
Peavine
005
To State !
Hwy 89 377 Belmont
! (Historic Site)
Manhattan
(Historic Site)
82
Cave pictographs
376
View south towards Tonopah from the summit of Mt. Jefferson
in the Alta Toquima Wilderness (© Dennis Poulin) To Warm
To
Springs, NV
Hawthorne, NV
6
Tonopah
! 6
Forest Supervisor’s
Wilderness Office 80 Interstate Highway
District Ranger Office 93 U.S. Highway
Maximum
Size Permits Roads 11 State Highway
Name Group Size
acres Required? Scenic Byway
people/stock 098 Forest Route
[ Scenic Overlook
Humboldt-Toyiabe
Arc Dome 115,000 15/25 No
National Forest
5
Picnic Area
Alta Toquima 35,860 15/25 No Wilderness Areas
9 Campground ¯
Table Mountain 92,600 15/25 No ] Visitor Center Scale 1:450,000
National forest maps may be purchased at:
www.nationalforeststore.com
5
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Mountain City, Jarbidge & Ruby
Mtns Ranger Districts
Santa Rosa
Ranger District 93
95 Wells
H u m b o l dt - To i yab e Winnemucca
Elko
80
Ruby Mountains
Ranger District
Reno
N A T I O N A L F O R E S T Carson 80 93
RDaisntrgiectr Carson 50 Austin Ely
City Ranger
339955 Ely District
95
6
Tonopah
Bridgeport Ranger District
Austin &
Tonopah
Ranger 93
Districts
95
Bridgeport Ranger District
91
Las Vegas
Spring Mountains
National Recreation Area 15
95
Desert a
Creek
WOVOKA
WILDERNESS
Green Lake
Shingle c
Mill
a Bootleg Forest Supervisor’s
Chris Flata Office 80 Interstate Highway
Sonora a District Ranger Office 93 U.S. Highway
Bridge
c Roads 11 State Highway
Leavitt
a Meadows Scenic Byway
Leavitt 098 Forest Route
Falls aObsidian [ Scenic Overlook
Humboldt-Toyiabe
National Forest
5
Picnic Area
q
Buckeyea Wilderness Areas
H 9 Campground ¯
O
O Honeymoon
VE Flata ] Visitor Center Scale 1:450,000
R aRobinson California Scenic Highway
W CragsaCrk & Paha
I National forest maps may be purchased at:
L a
D www.nationalforeststore.com
E Lower Twin
R Lakes
N
E a
Pacific Crest Trail SSGreaenaT Cruremebkull Fish artwork © Joe Tomelleri
Lake
Virginia
Lakes
Rainbow trout
Brook trout
To Lee Vining, CA
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
Zig-zagging its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Fishing
Brown trout
Oregon, and Washington, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) boasts the
greatest elevation changes of any of America's National Scenic Common species in this area are non-native
Trails. The trail passes through six out of seven of North America's rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Native
ecozones including high and low desert, old-growth forest, and Lahontan cutthroat trout are found in a few
artic-alpine country. The 2,650-mile PCT is a trail of diversity streams on the District, and golden trout may
and extremes. also be found in a few lakes. Many lakes
historically were not inhabited with fish, but
On the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the PCT can be accessed
have been stocked over the last century with
from Leavitt Lake and Sonora Pass on the Bridgeport Ranger District,
non-native rainbow, brook, and brown trout.
and from Ebbetts Pass and Tamarack Trailheads on the Carson
Try out some of these popular spots:
Ranger District. For more information, visit www.pcta.org.
¢ Buckyeye Creek
¢ Desert Creek
¢ East Fork & West Fork Walker River
¢ Green Creek
¢ Hoover Wilderness Lakes
¢ Leavitt Lake
¢ Robinson Creek, Twin Lakes, and
Headwater Lakes
¢ Virginia Creek
6
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To make reservations use
the National Reservation
Service at 1-877-444-6777
or www.recreation.gov
Campgrounds Sweetwater Range
Virginia Lakes Trail
Name # of Units Season Amenities Reservable
RZ
Bootleg 63 May-Sept. Yes

RZL*
Buckeye 68 May-Oct. No
RZL*
Chris Flat 15 May-Oct. No
R*
Desert Creek 13 May-Oct. No
RZL*
Green Creek 11 May-Sept. No
RZL*
Honeymoon Flat 46 May-Oct. Yes
RZL*
Leavitt Meadow 16 May-Oct. No
RZL*
Lower Twin Lake 15 May-Sept. Yes
RZ*
Obsidian 14 May-Oct. No
Forest Supervisor’s
Office 80 Interstate Highway RZL*
Paha 22 May-Sept. Yes
District Ranger Office 93 U.S. Highway
RZL*
Roads 11 State Highway Robinson Creek 54 May-Oct. Yes
Scenic Byway RZL*
098 Forest Route Sonora Bridge 23 May-Oct. Yes
[ Scenic Overlook
Humboldt-Toyiabe RZL*
National Forest Trumbull Lake 45 May-Sept. Yes
5
Picnic Area
R
Wilderness Areas
9 Campground ¯ Virginia Creek Dispersed 25 No
] Visitor Center Scale 1:450,000 Fees range from $10-$35 depending on amenities, and are subject to change.
National forest maps may be purchased at: GROUP SITES
www.nationalforeststore.com
RZL*
Crags 26 May-Oct. Yes
Green Creek Group Site 2 May-Sept. RZL* Yes Little Slide Canyon
DAY USE (open May-Oct.)
Name Amenities
RPV
Rainbow trout Leavitt Falls Vista
RL*P
Shingle Mill
RZc*
Sonora Bridge
Brown trout
Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area
The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area is a designated
motorized winter recreation area. Much of the
boundary of the area follows ridgelines and is posted
Alpine lake in the
in the area. Riders need to know where they are so
Hoover Wilderness
that they don’t inadvertently stray into the Emigrant
(© Peter Druschke)
Wilderness, Hoover Wilderness or onto the Pacific
Crest National
Scenic Trail—both Wilderness
of which are closed
Maximum
to motorized use. Size Permits
Visit the Bridgeport Name Group Size
acres Required?
Ranger Station for people/stock
more information, or
Hoover 128,421 15/25 Yes/Overnight
download a map of
the riding area from Sawtooth Ridge Zone (in Hoover) 8/0 Yes/Overnight
www.fs.usda.gov/htnf/.
Quota season: Last Friday in June through September 15th, reservations required
Courtesy of Vic Bradfield
Drinking Picnic Scenic Garbage
Restrooms Hiking Fishing Campground
Water Area Overlook Pickup
7
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Mountain City, Jarbidge & Ruby
Mtns Ranger Districts
Santa Rosa
Ranger District 93
95 Wells
Winnemucca
Elko
80
H u m b o l dt - To i yab e
Ruby Mountains
Ranger District
Reno
80 93
Carson Carson 50 Austin Ely
N A T I O N A L F O R E S T Ranger City Ranger
District 339955 Ely District
95
6
Tonopah
Bridgeport
Ranger District Austin &
Tonopah
Ranger 93
Districts
95
Carson Ranger District 91
Spring Mountains Las Vegas
National Recreation Area
15
To Susanville, CA 95
Wilderness
Forest Supervisor’s
Office 80 Interstate Highway Maximum
District Ranger Office 93 U.S. Highway Size Permits
Name Group Size
Roads 11 State Highway acres Required?
people/stock
Scenic Byway
098 Forest Route
[ Scenic Overlook Humboldt-Toyiabe Carson-Iceberg 161,181 15/25 Yes
5 Picnic Area National Forest 4/1-11/30
9 Campground ¯ Wilderness Areas 395 12/8
a Mount Rose 31,310 No*
] Visitor Center Scale 1:450,000 Lookout overnight
National forest maps may be purchased at: Mokelumne 99,161 8/15 No**
www.nationalforeststore.com
Sparks *Wilderness permits are not required, but campfire permits
!
!
80 are required for all open fires (including camp stoves).
Reno
To Femley, NV ** No camping within 100 feet of streams. No fires allowed
MT ROSE
above 8,000 feet, including Winnemucca, Round Top, Fourth
WILDERNESS
of July, and Emigrant Lakes.
Galena
Visitor
Mt Rose Scenic Highway
Center
]
431
To Sacramento, CA
80
Lake Tahoe-
Eastshore National a
Scenic Byway Mt Rose
89
28
395
To Fallon, NV
50
!
28
Lake Tahoe Carson City
cP
50
Spooner
Summit
89
P
a
cifi Snow in the
c Cr South 28 High Sierra
e (© Art Whitehead)
st Tra LTaakheoe 207
il !
50 Trail
m
Ri
e
ho 88
a
T
50 395
To Sacramento, CA 89 Kit
Carson View along the Tahoe Rim Trail
a
(© John W. Sherwin Jr.)
a
Crystal
Hope
a Springs
Valley
To Jackson, CA 88 Maarkleeville 208
018 Bridgeport
89 Ranger
Topaz
District
Lake
Centerville a
Flat 89
MOKELUMNE a
WILDERNESS Silver
395
4 Creek
PWolf
Creek
CARSON-
ICEBERG
WILDERNESS
To Angels Camp, CA To Bridgeport, CA
Red Lake Peak winter scenery
8
HT_final_2017.indd 8 6/20/2017 4:18:45 PM
Mountain lion
To make reservations use
the National Reservation
Service at 1-877-444-6777
or www.recreation.gov
Campgrounds
Name # of Units Season Amenities Reservable
RZ*
Crystal Springs 22 May-Sept. No
RZ*
Hope Valley 20 June-Sept. Yes
RZ*
Kit Carson 12 May-Sept. No
R
Lookout 22 June-Sept. No
RZ*
Markleeville 10 May-Sept. No
RZ
Mount Rose 24 June-Sept. Yes

RZ*
Silver Creek 22 June-Sept. Yes © Peter Druscke
Fees range from $10-$35 depending on amenities, and are subject to change.
Trails
Miles
Name Elevation Season Uses
(round-trip)
,
Horsethief 6,900’ Summer-Fall 4
,
Charity Valley 5,800’ Summer-Fall 13 View along the Tahoe Rim Trail (© John W. Sherwin Jr.)
,
Thornburg Canyon 5,900’ Summer-Fall 15
,
Noble Canyon 7,400’ Summer-Fall 6.5
,
Wolf Creek 66,00’ Summer-Fall 17.5
,
Snodgrass 6,800’ Summer-Fall 6
,
Corral Valley 8,100’ Summer-Fall 11.5
,\
Spooner Summit South-Tahoe Rim 7,200’ Summer-Fall 164
.
Red Metal 4,600’ Spring-Fall 10
, .
Raleigh Heights 4,500’ Spring-Fall 10

, .
West Keystone 4,400’ Spring-Fall 9

Tahoe Rim Trail Association
,\
Ophir Creek 5,200’ Summer-Fall 15 The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is a
,\ volunteer organization established to
Tahoe Meadows 8,750’ Summer-Fall 2.3
plan, construct, and maintain the Tahoe
,\ Rim Trail. This 165-mile single-track
Fay Luther Canyon 4,800’ Summer-Fall 4.5
trail is open to hiking, equestrians, and
.
Stead Motortrail 4,500’ Summer-Fall 3 mountain biking (in most areas). The
. trail encompasses the ridge tops of the
Horizon Hills 4,500’ Summer-Fall 4
Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties
,\
and two states. Visit them
Sonora Pass (PCT) 7,600’ Summer-Fall PCT trailhead
on the web:
,\
Ebbetts Pass (PCT) 8,800’ Summer-Fall PCT trailhead
http://www.tahoerimtrail.org/
,
Wet Meadows (PCT) 8,600’ Summer-Fall 1.4
,\
Tamarack (PCT) 8,000’ Summer-Fall 5
Hoary marmot, sometimes
called whistling pig
(© Fremme)
Red Lake Peak winter scenery
Drinking
Restrooms Hiking Horseback OHV Fishing
Water
9
HT_final_2017.indd 9 6/20/2017 4:18:49 PM
Carson Ranger District (continued)
Fishing Snowmobiling
© ALPO
Several streams on the Carson Ranger District in The fabulous winter scenery of the Humboldt-
the Sierra Nevada provide a multitude of fishing Toiyabe National Forest is accessible to
opportunities. The most common fish are non-native people of all ages who enjoy the excitement
rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Native Lahontan of snowmobile travel. Snowmobile routes are
cutthroat trout are found in a few streams on the open when there is sufficient snow to protect
District, and golden trout may also be found. Many resources (approximately eight inches in most
lakes historically were not inhabited with fish, but places). Snowy conditions can start as early as
have been stocked over the last century with non- late October and can last until April or May.
native trout. Popular areas include: Snowmobiling is not allowed in Wilderness areas.
¢ Alpine County Lakes Highlights:
¢ Blue Lakes
* Hope Valley - 40 miles south of Carson City,
¢ East Fork Carson River
off Hwy 88. All California state regulations and
¢ Heenan Lake
permits apply. For more information, visit
¢ Hot Springs Creek
¢ Silver Creek www.ohv.parks.ca.gov
¢ Truckee River * Tahoe Meadows - Off Mt. Rose Highway, Lake
¢ West Fork Carson River Tahoe, Nevada. Snowmobiling is allowed on the
¢ Wolf Creek north side of Hwy 431. The south side is designated
for non-motorized activities.
Brook trout Skiing
(© Joe Tomelleri)
Tahoe Meadows, along the Mt.
Rose Scenic Byway, provides
backcountry skiing opportunities.
Parking is limited on weekends
Carson River and holidays; try a weekday to
avoid the congestion.
Traversing a variety of ecosystems,
Mt. Rose Ski Resort is considered
the Carson River descends the
to be the “birthplace of alpine
eastern slope of the Sierra. It runs
skiing.” This beautiful resort is just
through granite canyons with pine
25 minutes from Reno, Nevada
forests and alpine meadows to
on the Mt. Rose Scenic Byway. For
emerge into the sagebrush covered
more information, visit:
foothills and desert canyons of
www.skirose.com
Nevada. The East Fork of the
Carson offers whitewater, used © Packshot © Mountainpix
extensively by commercial and
private rafters, May through July (water levels permitting).
Check the Snow Before You Go
Slide Mountain
The Sierra Avalanche Center
provides 24/7 forecasting of avalanche
The Ophir Creek Trail accesses two small but scenic conditions and offers classes
lakes, a beautiful two-mile long subalpine meadow, throughout the winter season. Visit
tumbling Ophir Creek, and the evidence of a major them at www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/
geological catastrophe. In the spring of 1983, the entire
flank of appropriately named Slide Mountain, saturated
with meltwater from the thawing winter snows, broke
loose and plunged into the canyon of Ophir Creek and
partially filled Upper Price Lake with rock debris.
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