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White Pine County
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First off, let's clear things up: There are no White Pines in White Pine County! The term, 'White Pine' came to be when the "heavy growth of trees thought to be white pine", were actually limber pine found nestled high in the county's three great mountain ranges. Ask any Nevadan where the 'most scenic areas in Nevada' can be found. No doubt, there will be a tie between Elko and Ely. White Pine is a scenic wonderland, home to three of Nevada's highest mountain ranges, including Nevada's only year-round glacier, fully contained National Park and most extensive hunting and fishing areas in the state. If you're an outdoorsman, it's hard to forget about the country in White Pine. There is a reason I find myself coming to White Pine's gorgeous scenery every year, just to savor it all over again.
To understand White Pine, is to understand its terrain. The history of White Pine directly corresponds with its superb terrain. Highs and lows, valley to mountain has had more of a deciding factor than anywhere else in Nevada. There's a reason why Ely is located in the shadow of three mountain ranges, why copper, not gold or silver, has been the leading economy for close to a century. The Schell Creek Range, spanning over 70 miles from north to south is Ely's eastern backbone, a true island of wilderness with year-round streams and peaks nearing the 12,000 foot mark. Here, the elevation is extreme and the climate ever-demanding. Without these, there would be no water to persuade miners to build small camps such as Piermont, Berry Creek, Muncy or Kalamazoo. The Egans, just on the other side of Steptoe Valley form a solid barrier where elk and mountain lion find haven from the desert floors to the west. This is prime hunting ground, and you bet our ancient ancestors had the same idea. Even today, you'd be hard pressed to find a better hunting area than the ranges of White Pine. Of course, the highlight of White Pine is the Snake Range, barely within Nevada's borders near the Utah line. Here, Nevada's only year-round glacier, Wheeler Peak, which holds testament to the geologic history of the Great Basin. Limestone, not granite or sedimentary rocks are the key to White Pine's extensive underground world, told as such by Lehman Caves. The Snakes are a range more reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains, complete with Colorado species of plants that end their retreat westward here among the forested slopes. Rocks with variation, rocks with 'character' equal rocks with fortune. Those old timers knew a thing or two back then. Pathetic how today, our society forgets such basic things. Of course, with flat terrain, came avenues for transportation. The valleys of White Pine are among the most pristine in all of Nevada and aside from Steptoe Valley, remain completely and beautifully preserved. Today's Steptoe Valley is a busy avenue for commuters headed from Idaho to Vegas on US 93. About a hundred years ago, it was home to a railroad line, providing a means of transportation of ores and other material to nearby mining towns. Others valleys such as Butte, Goshute and Egan Valleys provided Pony Express Riders with a nice break from the steep mountain terrain. Such valleys today remain so isolated and cutoff from the rest of Nevada, remnants of these old stations sit preserved and untouched for all to enjoy. As you can see, to understand White Pine, is to understand its terrain.
The Markers
Historical Markers of White Pine County (10)
It's easy to see why everyone who has stepped foot on White Pine landscape has found it a great place to call home... even if most of its fortunes proved to be shallow or elusive. As a result, most of White Pine's markers deal with the finding and ultimate bust of now obscure mining camps. Such camps as Hamilton, Cherry Creek and Taylor can still be found by today's modern explorer, whereas some, such as Ruby, Treasure City and Ward are barely discernable from the sagebrush by a hollowed out hole or two. Regardless, most of these were full fledged towns within the 'wilderness' of White Pine. See for yourself by taking an adventure away from the US routes. Head southward from US 50 into the Egans and Pancake Range for Treasure City, Nevada's highest mining camp, or the beautiful ruins and cemetery at Hamilton! Other markers, such as #51 and 84, talk about first impressions of the land. What stories to read! This is perhaps one of the only 17 counties in Nevada where history can hide without many worries from a modern world. People are set in old fashioned ways, enjoying life and the wonders that abound. White Pine is discernable by three main highways, US 6, US 50 and 93, that converge then traverse away in every direction from Ely. Ely, White Pine's seat and largest community, sits on top in terms of services for your marker hunting and with friendly people and a quiet atmosphere, you'll definitely find it a 'home away from home'. All of this combined and you'll quickly see White Pine as an absolute joy to conquer. Of course, don't let the US Routes limit your adventures. More than 3/4 of the county's secrets lie away from the paved highway and visitors tend to limit themselves thanks to Ely's abundant services. I implore you to think the opposite. White Pine provides some of the best camping in the state, some very far away, others that only need to be within a few miles from Ely! Some of my favorite campouts are Ward Charcoal Ovens SP, Cleve Creek CG. accessible via Spring Valley, Strawberry Creek & Lower Lehman and Baker Creeks in Great Basin NP. Other great camps are the Ward Mountain Recreation Area just outside of Ely, the Duck Creek Basin near McGill, Butte Valley, anywhere in the Goshute Range and the Upper Snakes near the Moriah Wilderness boundary. Believe me folks. There is too much to see here just to limit yourself to a hotel or lodge. White Pine beckons for you to call.
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