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Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

40.2044580, -115.4913870

Shanty Town, NV

Summary

Summery:
This National Wildlife Refuge is a 39,928 acres desert oasis in Northern Nevada made up of marsh, meadows, grasslands and brush covered uplands.

3 Hours

This bathroom icon indicates what types of bathrooms can be expected at this location.

Bathrooms:

Restrooms are located at the Bressman Cabin historic site as well at the Main and Narciss Boat Landings.

This bike icon indicates what types of Biking can be done at this location.

Bikeability:

None.

This Bouldering/Climbing icon indicates what types of Rock climbing or bouldering can be done at this location. Additionally what skill level is required to climb here.

Bouldering/Climbing:

None.

This Dog Friendliness icon indicates what a location is friendly to dogs (If a location is safe, and is accepting of dogs), additionally this icon indicates the what if a dog can run free, needs to be leashed, or any other level of restraint necessary to be within the laws governing a location or the spirit of a location (meaning the locations expectation regarding dogs)

Dog Friendliness:

Dogs must be leashed.

This Hiking icon indicates what trail conditions to expect at this location, how easy, medium, or hard a trail is to hike, and what type of ground the trail is made of (Dirt, paved, gravel, ect.)

Hikability:

There are no true hiking trails, but there is a half-mile interpretive trail at historic Fort Ruby as well as a series of shorter paths throughout the marsh.

This Road Conditions icon indicates what type of road you will expect to be driving on on the way to, and at this location.

​Road Type:

Unpaved roads, which are well-maintained in summer and early fall, but may require higher clearance in the off-season.

This Camping icon indicates what types of Camping can be done at this location. Additionally what the information provided can indicate if you will be able to camp here for free or with payment. This icon also indicates there is a tent, RV, or other types of camping at this location.

Campability:

South Ruby Campground is located right outside of the refuge boundaries. This US Forest Service campground offers tent and trailer camping sites. Picnic tables, potable water, and vault toilets are located at the camp. $17 single and $34 double in season (May-September). Off-season fees are $8. More developed campgrounds and other lodging is available near Elko or Wells.

This Kid Friendliness and expected crowds icon indicates what a location is friendly to children (If a location is safe, and age appropriate for children to come to it), additionally this icon indicates the expected crowd size of a location on a normal day.

Kid Friendly/Popularity:

Ruby Lake is fairly remote and crowds are rarely an issue. Ruby Lake might be a bit of a trek for children unless they are interested in birding.

This is a water features icon, this icon tells the type of water features you can expect to interact with at this location. Example: River, Creek, Lake, Wetland, Swamp, Beach, swimming safety.

Water Features:

Fishing and boating are allowed, but there are strict, legally-mandated regulations in place regarding season, location, and horsepower. There is no waterskiing, jet-skiing, or swimming is allowed.

This wildlife icon represents what type of wildlife is expect to be seen, and in many cases specific animals that are known to inhabit the area.

​Expected Wildlife:

This is a significant migratory bird area and is home to over 200 waterfowl, songbirds, and other migratory birds. In addition, mammals including the common muskrat, common porcupine, and mule deer are common.

What to know

Cell service is limited to nonexistent. NWR staff are generally at this location daily, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. There are a few different routes to get to the refuge, although some are not passable in winter.

Click "Directions" to navigate to location.

Thank you to

Claire White @nevada.claire (Original Submitter)

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