Getting There: Chimney Peak and Chimney Reservoir are the nearest named locations  

Related Areas: Santa Rosa Wilderness is 25 miles West

Little Humboldt WSA is 6 miles southeast

Map Information: DeLorme Gazetteer pg 21

Benchmark Atlas Pg 35

Wilderness Area Status

Wilderness Study Area

Year Designated:

Act or Law:
Acres: 69683
State Region: Northwest Nevada
County Regions: Humboldt   

Management

Managing Agency: Bureau of Land Management
Local District: Winnemucca Field Office
Contact Info: (775) 623-1500
5100 East Winnemucca Boulevard  Winnemucca, NV89445

Area Description:

The North Fork Little Humboldt River WSA is an isolated and scenic part of Nevada that sees little human visitation.  Surrounded by private land and very rough roads, access to this beautiful area can be difficult but rewarding.  The WSA is mostly comprised of high plateau and bluffs, which are cut through by the North Fork Little Humboldt River.  Up to 700 feet deep in places, this gorge style canyon is a unique habitat for wildlife and vegetation, as well as a sharp contrast to the dry surrounding country.  Geologically, the area is dominated by tall basalt cliffs, evidence of past lava flows and volcanism in the area.  This rock creates unique formations, including some spectacular columnar jointing and beautiful tablelands.  From these tall cliffs, views are expansive and stretch across miles of similar landscape-a true desert escape.

The majority of the region is covered in sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and other grasses.  The canyon bottom is lush with willows, currant bushes, and other dense brush.  There is also a large meadow and semi-riparian area along the eastern portion of this area, which is wide open and contains similar vegetation.  In contrast, several areas have experienced recent wildfire and are revegetating nicely.  Although not as beautiful as the nearby untouched land, natural processes are occurring here and these areas will be unnoticeable in a short amount of time.  Antelope and mule deer can be frequently spotted grazing, as well as the occasional herd of wild horses.  Tall and steep cliffs provide nesting and hideouts for numerous birds of prey, while smaller birds live in the surrounding sage land.  Sand Hill Cranes can also be spotted in some of the wetter meadow areas.