Spring
An unnamed 73-degree spring flows on BLM land in Washoe County, Nevada, sitting 376.7 meters from Winnemucca Ranch Road at 4,248 feet elevation. The spring maintains temperatures just 18.1 degrees above the 54.9-degree ambient air. Sierra Front Field Office manages this federal public land near Spanish Springs.
The spring emerges in the western Nevada high desert where the Sierra Nevada influence creates relatively higher precipitation. Annual precipitation totals 13.1 inches with 36 inches of snow, more than typical basin locations. The short walk from Winnemucca Ranch Road crosses sagebrush terrain. The elevation and climate support denser shrub communities than lower, drier basins. Chilcoot Campground sits 38.2 kilometers away along Last Chance Creek below Frenchman Lake.
The lack of a specific name suggests this spring was documented in the 1980 NOAA inventory as a minor thermal feature without significant historical use or development. The location near Spanish Springs places it in an area experiencing suburban growth from the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area.
The 377-meter walk requires navigating sagebrush and uneven ground. Spring and fall provide moderate temperatures and accessible conditions. Winter snow can accumulate significantly. The modest 73-degree temperature and limited documentation suggest this may not be suitable for bathing. Verify current access and land status before visiting as development pressures affect this region.
Is Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Chilcoot Campground (5,100 feet) is located just downstream from Frenchman Lake alongside Last Chance Creek. The sound of flowing water along with shade from the surrounding pine and cottonwood forest are key features making this a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Chilcoot Campground is one of five campgrounds in the popular Frenchman Lake Recreation Area of Northeastern California's Plumas National Forest. The campground is far enough away from the lake that visitors can...