Pyramid Lake
Location: Central Washoe County, Pyramid Lake
Directions: Along SR 445 overlooking Pyramid Lake, 1 mile west of SR 446
Location: 3
Visibility: 1
Accessibility: 1
Marker type: St (L)
Date Conquered: 7/14/07
Nearest intersection: Sutcliffe Hwy (SR 446)
Quick Description: A fine marker honoring Pyramid Lake and the Indian Reservation.
Signed: Yes -- Signed on both lanes of SR 445.
Marker History: [18] Pyramid Lake was originally erected in 1986 as a stone marker. It didn't take long, however, for Pyramid Lake's fierce winter winds and biting cold to take its toll on its face. Within five years, the Stone face was in poor condition and its lettering was barely legible. By orders of both NDOT and the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation (the information gets sketchy here), [18] was removed for re-facing. In 1994, [18] was remade using in the Standard (L) type issue. In addition, the Pyramid Lake tribe installed wind breaks and picnic tables at this turnout primarily for the re-erection of the new marker. Many, many kudos go to the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in cooperation with NDOT for re-erecting this fine representation of Nevada history.
Pyramid Lake's austere waters continue to mystify its visitors.
Full Description:
Exact description as reads ...
America's most beautiful desert lake is a remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, which during the Ice Age covered over 8,000 square miles. Caves along its shores have revealed a prehistoric people with a well-developed community life.
John C. Frémont discovered the lake on January 10, 1844, and named it for the pyramid-shaped island it contains. From 1844 to the 1860's, the lake's history is an account of native people in contention with the white invasion of northwestern Nevada. With the Indian victory in the first battle of Pyramid Lake, May 12, 1860, more white men died than in any prior White-Indian engagement in the far west. The Pyramid Lake Reservation was set aside for the Indians in 1859.
The unusual calcium carbonate Tufa formations along the lake shore are formed by algae, by precipitation from hot springs, from concentration during drier periods, and from wave-action shoreline deposits.
The 41-pound world record size cutthroat trout was taken from Pyramid Lake, in 1925, by Johnny Skimmerhorn, a Paiute Indian. The lake is the home of the Cui-ui, a peculiar lakesucker now found nowhere else in the world.
Anaho Island, a national wildlife refuge, is probably the largest white pelican nesting colony in North America.
This plaque was erected by the PLIR and sits next to [18].
A typical July afternoon at Pyramid Lake.
