Ruby Lake National Wildlife Reserve

It appears to be true that Nevada has a large marshland called the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge in the Ruby Mountain area.  Actually two lakes make up the marsh…one that stays wet 100% of the time and the other that slowly dries out as the summer heat progresses.  Both are fed only by snow melt and the over 200 springs in the valley…there is no outlet for the water except by evaporation.  

Blue Heron

 We were able to drive through a small section of the wetlands via the raised roadway through the marsh.  Along the way we found numerous ducks, a couple of Trumpeter swans, a Blue Heron and a hawk.  The marshland draws migratory birds from the Pacific and the Central Flyways during the Spring and Fall migrations…over 200 species of birds make their way here every year.  We’re sure that would be a spectacular sight to be able to see that many birds in one area.  Another reason to return… Spring water falls, snow, and migratory birds.

Canvasback ducks

Trumpeter Swans

On the return leg we headed through the Secret Pass…elevation was only 6300 feet.   We’re pretty sure it wasn’t a secret as to the location of the lowest spot to cross the mountains because the spot was right where the Ruby Mountains no longer existed.  Lunch was eaten at the Pass…along with the hot sun and constant wind.  Cooper still recovering from his hike yesterday so he spent his time hanging out in the car resting. 

Tomorrow is our last hike in Lamoille Canyon…right by the campsite too.  It’s called Thomas Canyon and we may have to take turns if Cooper’s toes still ache.  Poor thing should have listened about those pesky rocks and remained on the dirt trail…he’s kind of hard headed when thoughts of Chip and Squirrel run through his head.