Carson River in Nevada

The Carson River in Nevada, begins it life high the Californian Sierra Nevada Mountains, skirting across the states' border and empties into what locals know as the Carson Sink. It is an picturesque location where many visitors enjoy varied activities. In fact, its history is equally as enticing, and local tours elaborate on the struggles of settlers and the race for gold.

What do the Gold Rush, the Carson River and Nevada have in common? In fact, there is much more to the Carson River than many realize, and this soon becomes apparent when people enter the famed Carson Sink, where the river flows, providing needed irrigation for local farms. However, the river is also a haven for fishermen and campers. Families also enjoy its peaceful sections, finding many a spot for a scenic picnic.

The river was originally named after the famous explorer called Kit Carson. It extends some one hundred and fifty miles from the northern part of California to its final destination at the Carson Sink in Nevada. Originating in the high Sierras, it is fed mainly by spring run-offs from melting snow packs and glaciers, flowing northward and eastward into Nevada.

As the river flows into Nevada, it joins with another fork of the same river close to Minden. These combined flows head northward to Carson City, passing Dayton. Once it reaches Churchill County, it is held back by the Lantontan Dam, which helps to create the Lahontan Lake Reservoir. This provides needed hydroelectric power to the region as well as irrigation waters. Finally, it floods further east, passing Fallon and tumbling into the sink.

Originally, back in the mid-19th century, the river was the main route for the famed Carson Trail, which led many prospectors, miners and settlers to the promised Gold Rush territories in western Nevada and California. It was also famed for the Pony Express. By the 1900's it was further dammed to allow for better green space and needed agricultural revenues. The main part that flows into the Carson area is now part of the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, created in 1918, a needed diversion of water flow to nearby Carson Valley.

Varied Nevada counties such as Lyon, Carson City and Douglas now enjoy increased tourism thanks to the river's diversion. People enjoy hunting, horse riding, off-road driving, cycling, rafting and most especially fishing.