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Wilderness Watch: Pine Forest Range Wilderness
Photo: Remnants of a glacial lake in the Pine Forest Range; Bob Wick & RIta Ayera, Public Domain via Bureau of Land Management.
This unexpected wilderness area is one of incredible and strange beauty. Amid the dry sagebrush of Nevada's northwestern corner, a small oasis of glacial lakes, aspen stands, and alpine peaks provides respite for wildlife and recreationists. Just south of the town of Denio and the Oregon border, this wilderness managed by the Bureau of Land Management centers on the Pine Forest Range and Duffer Peak, which sits just below 9500 feet. The area is known for its clashing landscapes, where glacial features similar to landscapes in the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Range sit in a "sky island" surrounded by sagebrush desert, granite cliffs, and other landscape features more typical of the Southwest.
The western edge of the wilderness has a designated recreation area for those wanting developed campsites, bathrooms and other amenities. Though they have decent views, streams and some of the forest cover, hiking into the wilderness is essential to access the most beautiful lakes and mountains the area has to offer. The lakes and streams are stocked by the state of Nevada and provide fantastic fishing opportunities. Hiking, backpacking, and camping in the wilderness are other popular activities, and in nearly 25,000 acres you're sure to find some privacy. There are ample opportunities for hunting and wildlife watching, especially in the denser pine forest areas below the summits.
This will be a prime viewing location for the October Annular Eclipse as well!
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