Recreational Opportunities
The Pine Forest Range provides some of Nevada’s best scenic and recreational opportunities. The area provides excellent opportunities for fishing, hunting, primitive camping, hiking, back-packing, mountain biking, horse packing, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, photography, nature study and rock hounding.
For avid rock-climbers the northern portions offer high, rugged, rocky terrain with several peaks rising to 9,000 feet (2,743m). The highest peak, Duffer Peak, reaches 9,400 feet (2,8665m).
Blue Lakes are remnant lakes left behind by glaciers. Access to the lakes is by a short 1/4 mile hike along a maintained trail. The terrain is steep. The lakes offer exceptional trout fishing opportunities. Check with the Nevada Department of Wildlife for fishing regulations in this area.
A camping area with picnic benches, fire rings, and vaulted toilets, is located at Onion Reservoir just outside the wilderness boundary.
Accessibility to the Pine Forest Recreation area is limited by season and road conditions. Visitors are advised to call the Bureau of Land Management, Winnemucca Field Office at 775-623-1500 for road conditions. A four-wheel drive vehicle is always recommended. Some areas may require high clearance vehicles as well.
Climate and Special Equipment Needs
Precipitation periods occur in two seasons. The first is from November (sometimes as early as October) through April where the majority of precipitation is in the form of snow. Average temperatures during this period are from 30ºF(-1ºC) during the day to nighttime lows of 20ºF (-7ºC). The second precipitation period occurs from May through July. Thunderstorms and flash floods may be a concern. On average, winds are from the south and generally strong, 25-30 mph (40-48 kmph). Summer temperatures can reach 90ºF (32ºC) but on average daytime highs are 80ºF (27ºC) cooling to 50ºF (10ºC) at night.