Wild Nevada

Use the map to follow our trip from the city of Elko, Nevada into the Ruby Mountains and onto to Lamoille. This trip is featured in Wild Nevada #114, "Elko to Lamoille."

The Trip:
This adventure begins in Elko, Nevada. This community, located in the northeastern part of the state, had its foundation as a transportation center. Wagon trains on the Emigrant Trail followed the Humboldt River through the area on their way to California. The townsite was founded in 1868 by the Pacific Railroad, the first US transcontinental rail line. In the later part of the 19th century, ranching became an integral part of the Elko economy. Today, Elko is home of the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering and the Western Folklife Center.

We head out of Elko and on to South Fork Reservoir. We take State Route 227 south for about seven miles. Then, turning onto State Route 228, we drive around the west side of the Ruby Mountains. After only a few miles, we see the reservoir in the distance.

Jerry Stager, Mike Stager and Riley Manzione of the Currant Creek Outfitters The South Fork State Recreation Area is a popular spot for fishing. It also offers camping and wildlife viewing. At the boat launch, we meet our guides from the Currant Creek Outfitters: Jerry Stager, Mike Stager, and Riley Manzione. Between them, Jerry and crew have a wealth of experience in duck hunting, coyote calling and fishing.

Jerry shares some of his favorite fishing tricks with us, and we have success with a bigmouth bass. We carefully release our catch and return him to the waters of the reservoir. Back at the launch, we thank Jerry, Mike and Riley for an enjoyable morning.

Back on State Route 228, we continue south to the Ruby Marshes. We pass through Mound Valley and the very small community of Jiggs. This area has had a few names in its history, including Skelton and Hilton. The local ranchers finally settled on the name Jiggs, derived from a popular comic strip of the time. About 15 miles from the Ruby Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, we run out of pavement and it's dirt road from there on in.

Wildlife biologist Jeff Mackie greets us at the Ruby Lakes National Wildlife Refuge headquarters and shows us some of the sights. The refuge is 65 miles south of Elko and serves as habitat to 270 species of animals and more than 200 bird species. The area encompasses more than 37,000 acres, 17,000 of which is marsh land. Ruby Lake is actual not a lake at all, but a vast open-water marsh fed by more than 150 springs.

While at Ruby Lakes, we have the opportunity to visit Bressman Cabin, which was built in 1880 by Jacob Bressman. His family did not enjoy the remoteness of the region and moved back to town, but Jacob continued to live in the area until his death in 1896. His cabin now stands as a symbol of the men and women who moved west and struggled to build a better life for themselves and their families.

There's much more to see and enjoy here, but we have to get back to State Route 229 and on to Lamoille if we're going to make it before dark. Driving along the east side of the Ruby Mountains is a scenic, pastoral trip. Farms and ranchland spread out around us, and the landscape is dotted with houses and hay barns.

The Ruby Valley Lamoille is a picturesque town at the base of the Ruby Mountains, about 20 miles from Elko. In addition to incredible views of the mountains, the community offers a choice of restaurants and a small lodge that boasts a handful of very spacious rooms.

Sharon Reynolds is a step-on tour guide as well as a resident of Lamoille. On the second morning of our trip, she introduces us to the town, including the community's charming, steepled church. With its charm and quiet sense of presence, it is easy to see why the Little Church of the Crossroads is one of the most photographed churches in the west.

The aspen outside of Lamoille On the last leg of our adventure, we head out of Lamoille and up into the Ruby Mountains with John Haney, a staff officer of the Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest. We drive up the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, which is about 13 miles of pure scenic enjoyment. It offers Interpretive stops along the road that teach visitors about the geology of the canyon, as well as picnic areas along the road and one campground.

Our visit coincides with the autumn's changing of the aspen leaves. The colors are incredible. The drive into Lamoille Canyon offers a multitude of breathtaking views, a treat for visitors, photographers, hikers, campers, or just about anyone who appreciates a bit of mountain scenery.

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