Two rivers share the spotlight for this final post in the Nevada Beyond the Neon series.
The Bruneau meanders beneath phyllite cliffs in northeastern Nevada before changing character in Idaho. The Idaho Bruneau churns through canyons carved into ancient lava flows, providing a thrilling whitewater rafting experience. The Nevada Bruneau invites trout fishermen on a leisurely stroll though placid waters.
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| Casting the Bruneau on a July evening. |
We prefer the Nevada experience and have camped by the river watching hawks soar the cerulean sky while frogs croaked from water’s edge. One evening we listened from inside the tent as cowboys drove herds of cattle across the water and through our camp.
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Our peaceful camp along the Bruneau—until an evening
cattle drive came through with galloping horses
and barking dogs. |
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| Bruneau River landscape. |
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| Campsite along another section of the Bruneau. |
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This small section of the Bruneau holds
good-sized trout. |
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The Reese River is contained entirely within the Great Basin. Its waters will never reach the sea and the river seems satisfied with this simple fact. Located south of Austin in the Arc Dome Wilderness area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Reese is a backpacker's and horse-packer's dream.
We backpacked the Cow Canyon Trail along the river and set up camp among the willows. Broad-tailed hummingbirds buzzed our campsite, and yellow warblers called from the brush.
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Cow Canyon Trailhead. This trail, with commanding views of the Arc Dome
Wilderness, descends and ascends along the Reese River. |
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| Prolific wildflowers along the trail. |
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| Setting up camp alongside the Reese River. |
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| Fishing for trout in the Reese River. |
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The results of Tim's efforts: a delicious
rainbow trout fillet for dinner. |
If you’re searching for Blue Ribbon Trout streams or a whitewater adventure, you won’t find them on Nevada's Bruneau or Reese. But what you will find are those qualities so common in Nevada’s backcountry—peace, tranquility, and a deep connection with the natural world.
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| Tim gazes across the wilderness to Arc Dome's 11,300 foot Peak. |
