Mason Valley is home to the newest Nevada State Park: the Walker River State Recreation Area. It stretches along 29 miles of the East Walker River, and includes the Pitchfork, Rafter 7, Flying M and Nine Mile Ranch.
Photos Courtesy of Walker River State Park:
Several upcoming events may be of interest to locals according to parks.nv.gov :
“Ranger Talks”
Join park rangers at the Walker River State Recreation Area headquarters for a series of ranger talks, with subjects ranging from how to practice Leave No Trace ethics, to outdoor survival techniques and conservation. This series started on Saturday, May 29, and continues each Saturday through the month of June.
WHEN: ( Past: May 29, June 5, 12),Coming up: June 19, and 26. Times vary, please contact WRSRA for details the week of the event.
WHERE: Pitchfork Ranch, 211 East Walker Road Yerington Nevada 89447. From highway 208 turn on to E. Walker Rd and follow approximately 4 miles, turning right into Pitchfork Ranch.
WHO: Open to the public
COST: $5.00 park entrance fee
CONTACT: Walker River State Recreation Area, (775) 463-1609″
And don’t miss:
“Astronomy Night”
Join Park Rangers at the Walker River State Recreation Area for an evening of star and planet viewing (weather dependent). Rangers and volunteers from different groups will assist in the viewing with their equipment and be there for Q & A during the event. Bring appropriate footwear, clothing, flashlights and water. Dogs are welcome to join as long as they are on a 6-foot leash. Meet at the visitor center at 7 p.m., the hike will begin shortly thereafter.
Registration is required. Please call (775-463-1609) or email wrsra@parks.nv.gov to sign up.
WHEN: Saturday, July 10, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
WHERE: Please meet at the Visitor Center at the Walker State Recreation Area, Pitchfork Ranch, 211 E. Walker Rd., Yerington, NV 89447. From Yerington, head south on Hwy 208 and turn left on East Walker Road, continue for 4 miles to the entrance of the Pitchfork Ranch.
COST: This event is free to the public, however the $5.00 day use fee per vehicle to enter the park still applies.
CONTACT: Shawn Horton (775) 463-1609, shorton@parks.nv.gov “
More information on the Walker River State Recreation Area (http://parks.nv.gov/parks/walker-river) and Nevada’s other parks can be found at parks.nv.gov.
The Walker State Recreation Area at the Pitchfork Ranch has pull through camping with electric and water for trailers and RVs, a campground with potable water, a primitive campground, and a day use area. There are bathrooms, walking & biking trails, and much more.
This park is one of the stars of Nevada and worth the dirt road driving to get there.
~Leah Moore Wilkinson, reporting
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