playa with snow on mtns

North Jackson Range

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Thought to have been an island when prehistoric Lake Lahonton covered much of the region, the North Jackson Range is still strongly defined by water. Tree-lined creeks wind through the area’s deep canyons, attracting wildlife and creating a lush haven that feels like it was made just for you.

Wilderness Reference Map

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About the North Jackson Range Wilderness

The North Jackson Mountains Wilderness includes 23,437 acres of rugged mountains, rocks, and cliffs covered with juniper and sagebrush.

From its highest points – Parrot and Deer Creek Peaks – you’ll get incredible views of the wild, pristine landscape, including the Black Rock Desert Wilderness just to the west. Elevations range from 4,000 feet to 8,400 feet on the top of Parrot Peak.

In the deep canyons that crisscross the land, you’ll find creeks lined with aspen, willow, and cottonwood groves standing tall above snowberry, gooseberry, wild grape, and red osier dogwood.

These rich riparian areas are common in this wilderness, providing food, water, and shelter for wildlife. Several streams even support small populations of rainbow trout. Mary Sloan, New Years, and Deer Creeks are three of the major riparian areas to check out on your day hike or backpacking adventure.

With abundant wildlife, this area is a popular choice for hunting deer, antelope, and chukar. The rugged dirt routes that form the boundaries of this Wilderness are excellent for four-wheel driving and mountain biking.

North Jackson Range Wildlife

  • Chukar
  • Mountain Lion
  • Mule Deer
  • Mourning Dove
  • Painted Lady
  • California Bighorn Sheep
  • Green-tailed Towhee
  • Mountain Bluebird
  • Violet Green Swallow
  • White-throated Swift
  • Western Kingbird
  • Bullock
  • Wild Horse

How to Get to the North Jackson Range

From Winnemucca, take the Jungo Road (Humboldt County Road 55) west 35 miles to Bottle Creek Road (Humboldt County Road 330, and then north along Bottle Creek Road to Trout Creek Road 
(Humboldt County Road 217).

You can also take Leonard Creek Road (Humboldt County Roads 214 & 216) or Bottle Creek Road south from Highway 140.

Jackson Creek Ranch Road (County Road 216), which runs north-south along the west side of the Wilderness, provides good access.