Category: Destination4x4

Upper Soda Springs Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Upper Soda Springs Campground is a scenic, first-come, first-served campground in the Reds Meadow area of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at about 7,700 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River in a beautiful pine-forested setting within the Eastern Sierra Nevada.

The campground offers a peaceful, semi-primitive experience with direct river access and proximity to major attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is accessible via a narrow, single-lane road (Minaret Road / Reds Meadow Road) that is open only in summer, typically mid-June through early/mid-September, depending on conditions. The drive from central Mammoth Lakes takes about 20-40 minutes (campers can drive in with an amenity fee; day users often use the shuttle).

It features roughly 28-29 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs (no hookups). Sites are nestled among trees with many offering pleasant river views or proximity. This is a popular spot for hikers, anglers, and those seeking a base for exploring the Reds Meadow Valley.

Amenities

  • Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring/grill, and a mandatory bear-proof food locker (typically ~48″x30″x36″) at each site.
  • Water: Potable drinking water available.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets.
  • Other: Bear-proof trash receptacles. Additional amenities like showers and a general store/restaurant are available nearby in the Reds Meadow Valley (e.g., at Reds Meadow Resort). Firewood may be available for purchase locally. No electric or sewer hookups; cell service is poor or nonexistent.
  • Fees: Around $32 per night for a single site (plus additional vehicle fees); subject to change—check current USFS info. Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Dogs must be leashed.
  • Access Note: No reservations; sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. A camp host is often present.

Important Safety Note: This is an active bear area with a history of high bear activity. Properly store all food, trash, and scented items in the provided lockers at all times. Do not leave items in vehicles overnight.

Activities

  • Fishing: Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brook, brown, and sometimes golden trout) in the San Joaquin River right by the campground, as well as nearby lakes and streams. Fly fishing is popular.
  • Hiking & Backpacking: Direct access to trailheads for Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, the Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and many other trails. Day hikes and longer backpacking trips are highlights.
  • Wildlife Viewing & Photography: Abundant opportunities in meadows, along the river, and in the forest.
  • Other: Picnicking, horseback riding (nearby pack station), stargazing (dark skies), birdwatching, and relaxing by the
  • river. Nearby shuttle access to more attractions in the valley.

Wildlife in the Area

The Reds Meadow Valley and surrounding Inyo National Forest/Sierra Nevada are rich in wildlife. Common sightings include:

  • Mammals: Black bears (frequent and bold—hence the bear lockers), mule deer (often seen grazing in meadows like Soda Springs Meadow, especially at dawn/dusk), coyotes (heard howling at night), and pine martens (weasel family, agile climbers sometimes spotted near the Postpile). Less common: bobcats or mountain lions.
  • Birds: A wide variety, including water dippers along the river, cliff swallows, great horned owls, and many songbirds and raptors attracted to the meadows and forests.
  • Fish: Trout species in the river and lakes, supporting angling.
  • Other: Small rodents, squirrels, and seasonal pollinators/insects in blooming meadows.

Always practice wildlife safety: Maintain distance, never feed animals, and secure your camp to avoid attracting bears or other critters.

Upper Soda Springs offers a classic high-country camping experience with stunning scenery, river sounds, and easy access to iconic Sierra destinations. It’s ideal for nature lovers but best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and bear-country protocols. For the latest conditions, fees, and road status, check the Inyo National Forest website or contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Enjoy responsibly!

Minaret Falls Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Minaret Falls Campground is a scenic, rustic campground in the Reds Meadow Valley of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at approximately 7,600–7,700 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, offering shaded sites under lodgepole pines with many overlooking the river and nearby waterfalls.

The campground is popular with fishermen, hikers, backpackers, and those seeking a peaceful high-country experience close to natural wonders like Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. It features 27 first-come, first-served sites (no reservations) and is typically open seasonally in summer (roughly June through September, depending on snow conditions). Access involves a narrow, single-lane road with steep sections after the Minaret Vista entrance station (an amenity/entrance fee applies for driving in). It suits tent camping and smaller trailers/RVs best, providing a more primitive feel without hookups.

Amenities

  • Campsites: Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring/grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (typically 48″ x 30″ x 36″). Some sites offer riverfront views and good privacy thanks to spacing and vegetation.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets.
  • Water: Potable water available.
  • Other: Trash collection. Nearby Reds Meadow Pack Station and Resort offers a general store, limited groceries, camping supplies, horseback riding, and other services. Mammoth Lakes (about 17–20 miles away, roughly 30 minutes) provides more extensive amenities.
  • Fees: Around $23–$32 per night for a single site, plus additional vehicle fees (around $10) and any entrance/amenity fees for Reds Meadow Valley.
  • Rules/Notes: Active bear area—food and scented items must be stored in lockers (vehicles are not safe). Dogs must be leashed. Quiet hours 10 p.m.–6 a.m. Cell service is limited or unavailable.

Activities

  • Hiking and Backpacking: Direct access to trails, including the short Minaret Falls Trail, routes to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls (moderate ~5-mile round-trip hike with rainbow mist views midday), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Ansel Adams Wilderness, and various alpine lakes (e.g., Minaret Lake, Beck Lake). Multi-day backpacking opportunities abound.
  • Fishing: Excellent along the Middle Fork San Joaquin River (a Wild Trout River) and nearby streams/lakes.
  • Wildlife Viewing and Nature Appreciation: Stargazing (dark skies at elevation), photography, picnicking, and relaxing by the river or falls.
  • Horseback Riding: Available via the nearby pack station.
  • Other: Day trips to Devils Postpile’s famous basalt columns, swimming (in suitable areas), and exploring the broader Reds Meadow area. The location is ideal for those combining camping with monument visits.

Wildlife in the Area

The Sierra Nevada high country around Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile supports diverse wildlife typical of the region. Common sightings include:

  • Mammals: Black bears (very active here—proper food storage is critical), mule deer, coyotes, pine martens, and possibly mountain lions (less commonly seen). Smaller mammals like Belding’s ground squirrels and pikas are also present.
  • Birds: Over 100–115 species, including Steller’s jays, various songbirds, and raptors. The varied habitats (forests, meadows, river) support rich birdlife.
  • Other: Fish in the river and streams; amphibians and insects (mosquitoes can be abundant near river willows in early summer—bring repellent).

Always practice wildlife safety: Maintain distance, never feed animals, and store food properly to avoid conflicts, especially with bears.

This campground delivers a classic, immersive Sierra experience with stunning scenery, convenient trail access, and a sense of remoteness while remaining relatively close to Mammoth Lakes. It’s first-come, first-served and fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early. For the latest conditions, check the Inyo National Forest or Recreation.gov websites.

Reds Meadow

Reds Meadow (also known as Reds Meadow Valley or Red’s Meadow) is a stunning high-country destination in Inyo National Forest, located on the western side of Mammoth Mountain near Mammoth Lakes, California. Situated at approximately 7,500–7,700 feet elevation in the San Joaquin River Valley, it offers a mix of dramatic geological features, lush meadows, towering pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and access to world-class wilderness.

It is best known as the gateway to Devils Postpile National Monument (with its iconic 60-foot columnar basalt formations) and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, along with trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and John Muir Trail (JMT). The area provides a peaceful, immersive Sierra Nevada experience with opportunities for day trips or extended stays, about 30–45 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes via a scenic (and sometimes winding) road.

Access is primarily via the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle bus during peak summer months (typically late June to mid-September), as private vehicle restrictions often apply to reduce congestion and protect the area. Overnight campers, resort guests, and certain exceptions can drive in (an amenity fee usually applies). Note that road conditions and construction projects may affect access—check current updates before visiting.

Stillwater, Nevada – Churchill County Ghost Town

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Stillwater, Nevada, is a ghost town in Churchill County with a rich history tied to the early settlement of the American West. Once a bustling stage station and county seat, it played a significant role in Nevada’s development before declining into obscurity.

Maint Street of Stillwater, Nevada, 1907 - - Stanley W Paher, "Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell-North Books, William Kornmayer collection, p 91
Maint Street of Stillwater, Nevada, 1907 – – Stanley W Paher, “Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell-North Books, William Kornmayer collection, p 91

Early History (1862–1868)

The area that became Stillwater was originally home to the Northern Paiute, who thrived in the marshy environment of the Carson Sink, relying on its resources for fish, waterfowl, and vegetation. In July 1862, the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company established a stage station named after the Stillwater Slough—a deep, sluggish waterway. This station served as a vital stop for travelers and mail routes, including the Pony Express. J.C. Scott became the first non-native settler in autumn 1862, followed by others in spring 1863, drawn by the fertile valley and agricultural potential. These early settlers built irrigation ditches and fences, and by 1865, a post office opened, marking Stillwater’s formal establishment as a community.

Growth as County Seat (1868–1904)

In December 1868, Stillwater was designated the county seat of Churchill County, a role it held until 1904. This period marked its peak, with a population reaching about 150 by 1868. The town developed significant infrastructure, including a wooden courthouse (completed in 1869 and replaced in 1881), the Sanford Hotel (built in 1870), and a grammar school (1872). Agriculture flourished, supported by one of Nevada’s earliest irrigation systems, which enabled farmers to supply produce to nearby mining camps. By 1880, Stillwater boasted a variety of businesses—stores, saloons, hotels, an ice house, restaurants, a hay yard, and a school—reflecting a vibrant, self-sustaining community at its height.

Decline and Factors (1904–Present)

Stillwater’s decline began with the Newlands Project, launched in 1903, which redirected irrigation efforts to the Lahontan Valley near Fallon. The Southern Pacific Railroad’s extension to Fallon in 1907 further shifted economic activity, prompting the county seat’s relocation to Fallon in 1904. By this time, Stillwater’s population had dwindled to around 30. Natural disasters compounded the town’s woes: a major flood in 1907 inundated the valley, and earthquakes in the 1930s and 1950s caused extensive damage to remaining structures. Over time, buildings like the courthouse and school were dismantled for lumber, leaving little of the town intact.

Current Status and Legacy

Today, Stillwater is a ghost town, though the surrounding area remains sparsely populated by ranches. A significant legacy of the region is the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1949, which preserves 163,000 acres of wetlands and serves as a haven for wildlife and a point of interest for visitors. Personal stories, such as those from Nathan Bailey Jr., whose family has owned property there since 1955, highlight the area’s quiet persistence despite its faded past.

Chronological Table of Key Events

YearEventDetails
1862Stage station establishedCentral Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company, named after Stillwater Slough
1862–1863Early settlers arriveJ.C. Scott first, followed by others for farmland
1865Post office openedFormalized town establishment
1868Became county seatPopulation about 150, courthouse built in 1869
1880Population peakedVarious businesses, irrigation system developed
1903–1904County seat moved to FallonDue to Newlands Project and railroad growth in Fallon
1907Major floodInundated town and valley
1930s, 1950sEarthquakesCaused extensive damage to remaining structures
1949Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge establishedPreserves 163,000 acres of wetlands

Conclusion

Stillwater’s history encapsulates the rise and fall of many Western towns, from its origins as a stage station to its prominence as a county seat and its eventual decline. While the town itself has faded, its story endures through the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and the ranches that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into Nevada’s historical and environmental evolution.

Nevada State Historic Marker 216

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged

Stillwater

Stillwater’s beginning predates Nevada’s advent to statehood by two years. Named for large pools of tranquil water nearby, the town originated as an overland stage station in 1862; was granted a post office in 1865; and became Churchill’s third county seat in 1868.

Farmers developed one of the state’s first irrigation systems to supply booming mining camps with produce. The community population peaked in 1880, and when the county seat was removed to Fallon in 1904, barely three dozen residents remained.

The National Wildlife Refuge of 22,000 acres of wetland habitat, natural breeding and feeding grounds for waterfowl, was created in 1948. The Stillwater Indian Reservation adjoins the reserve.

Although their community center has disappeared, the valley’s lush fields and abundant crops attest to the untiring efforts of Stillwater’s pioneer ranchers and their descendants who met the desert’s challenge with dedication and determination. To those who survived and to those who did not we pledge our remembrance.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO 216

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAN COLONISTS

RENO CHAPTER

Nevada State Historic Marker Map

Key Citations

Johntown Nevada – Lyon County Ghost Town

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Johntown, Nevada, holds the distinction of being the state’s first mining town and its first ghost town. Situated in Gold Canyon, between Dayton and Silver City in Lyon County, Johntown emerged in 1853 as a key settlement during Nevada’s early mining era. Its brief existence laid the foundation for the discovery of the Comstock Lode, a monumental event in American mining history. Though no physical remnants of the town survive today, its legacy endures through historical markers and its role in shaping Nevada’s identity.

Placer mining, 1880s, in Gold Canyon. The original site of Johntown mining settlement , south of Silver, City Nevada - Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, Howell North, 1970, p 70. courtesy of Nevada Historical Society
Placer mining, 1880s, in Gold Canyon. The original site of Johntown mining settlement , south of Silver, City Nevada – Stanley W. Paher, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, Howell North, 1970, p 70. courtesy of Nevada Historical Society

Founding and Early Development

Johntown was established in 1853 by James Fenemore, a teamster who created a mining camp along the Gold Canyon road. The region had seen minor gold discoveries as early as 1849, when emigrants passing through to California found traces of gold near Dayton. By the early 1850s, the area attracted a growing number of miners, including a significant population of Chinese prospectors. Their presence inspired the town’s name, “Johntown,” derived from “John Chinaman,” a term commonly used to refer to Chinese immigrants during that period.

The town’s early economy relied on placer mining, with miners using rudimentary tools like rockers and long toms to extract gold from the canyon’s deposits. Mining was seasonal, constrained by water availability, which limited operations to the wetter months of winter and spring. Despite these challenges, Johntown grew into a thriving camp and became the largest mining settlement in what was then the western Utah Territory.

Role in the Mining Industry

Johntown’s miners focused on gold, though the yields were modest and labor-intensive due to the scarcity of water. The town’s significance, however, lies in its connection to the Comstock Lode. Several individuals who would later become central figures in that silver discovery resided in Johntown during its peak, including the Grosh Brothers, Peter O’Riley, Patrick McLaughlin, H.T.P. Comstock, and James Finney (“Old Virginny”). Their presence in Johntown positioned the town as a launching point for one of the richest mining booms in the American West.

Cultural and Social Life

Life in Johntown reflected the rugged nature of a frontier mining camp. One notable resident, Eilley Orrum (later Mrs. Sandy Bowers), ran a boarding house that served as a social hub for miners. She provided lodging and meals, later leveraging her earnings to become a prominent figure in the Comstock era. Nearby, “Dutch Nick’s” saloon hosted weekly “grand balls” every Saturday night, featuring music, dancing, and gambling. With only three women in town, local stories claim that Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute Indian princess, occasionally attended to even out the dance floor.

Johntown also made history with the Gold Canyon Switch, Nevada’s first newspaper. Handwritten by editor Joe Webb from 1854 to 1858, this unique publication circulated among miners, offering news and entertainment. No copies of the Switch have survived, but its existence underscores Johntown’s cultural vitality.

Decline and Legacy

The discovery of silver in the Comstock Lode in 1859 triggered Johntown’s rapid decline. As miners abandoned Gold Canyon for the richer deposits near Virginia City, Johntown emptied out, earning its status as Nevada’s first ghost town by the early 1860s. Key establishments, including Dutch Nick’s saloon and Eilley Orrum’s boarding house, relocated to Gold Hill, leaving Johntown behind.

Today, the site of Johntown is private property, marked only by a historical plaque on Nevada State Route 341, south of Silver City. Erected in 1967 by the E Clampus Vitus organization, the marker commemorates Johntown’s pioneering role in Nevada’s mining history.

Conclusion

Johntown, Nevada, was a short-lived but influential settlement that bridged the gap between small-scale gold prospecting and the massive silver boom of the Comstock Lode. Its early miners, diverse population, and cultural contributions highlight the tenacity of those who shaped Nevada’s frontier. Though it stands today only as a memory, Johntown’s story remains a vital chapter in the history of the American West.

Nevada’s first mining town established in 1853. A boarding house was operated here by Eilley Orrum (Mrs. Sandy Bowers). Other prominent residents, discoverers of the fantastic Comstock Lode, included the Grosh Brothers, Peter O’Riley, Patrick McLaughlin, H.T.P. Comstock, and James Finney (Old Virginny).

Nevada Historical Marker No. 39

Johntown Trail Map

Town Summary

NameJohntown
LocationLyon County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.251944, -119.623611
GNIS858442
Elevation4,720 feet
Population180
NewspaperThe Gold Canyon Switch (handwritten)

References

Midas Nevada – Elko County Ghost Town

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Midas, Nevada, is a small unincorporated community in Elko County, celebrated for its historical significance as a gold mining town. Established in the early 20th century, Midas has experienced cycles of prosperity and decline, yet it persists as a “living” ghost town with a small, enduring population.

In 1907, the settlement of Midas, was called Gold Circle, because the mining area encircled the camp. - Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970)
In 1907, the settlement of Midas, was called Gold Circle, because the mining area encircled the camp. – Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970)

Early History and Founding

The story of Midas began in June 1907 when James McDuffy discovered gold at the base of the Owyhee Bluffs. Initially named Gold Circle, the town emerged as a bustling mining camp alongside a neighboring settlement called Summit. By April 1908, Gold Circle’s population surpassed 1,000 as prospectors flocked to the area. A post office opened in 1907 and operated until 1942, supporting the growing community.

In 1909, the federal government renamed Gold Circle to Midas, likely to distinguish it from other Nevada towns with “gold” in their titles, which had caused postal confusion. The name Midas, evoking the mythical king who turned everything to gold, aptly reflected the town’s raison d’être. However, early growth was hampered by the absence of local stamp mills to process ore, forcing miners to ship only the richest material to distant facilities. By late 1909, the population dwindled to 250, though the addition of six stamp mills that year laid the groundwork for future resurgence.

Midas, 1908 - Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North,
Midas, 1908 – Stanley W. Parmer, Nevada Ghost Towns and Mining Camps, (1970), Howell North,

Mining Industry in Midas

Gold was the lifeblood of Midas, though the ore also yielded silver, copper, lead, and zinc. The Elko Prince Mine emerged as a key operation during the town’s early years. After the initial boom of 1907–1908, the lack of processing infrastructure led to a bust. A second boom from 1916 to 1921 was fueled by the stamp mills, which processed 119 tonnes of ore daily, revitalizing the economy.

Mining declined after the 1920s, and operations halted in 1942 amid World War II, reducing the population to a mere handful by 1950. A modern revival began in 1998 with the Midas Mine, operated by Hecla Mining. This underground facility employs advanced techniques to extract gold and silver, sustaining Midas’ mining legacy into the 21st century.

Social and Cultural Life

At its peak, Midas supported a lively community with saloons, restaurants, a jail, a town hall, and a schoolhouse built in 1927, which served until 1952. The school burned down in 2005, leaving behind playground remnants as a nostalgic relic. Social life included dances, elections, and occasional violence, such as murders on Main Street.

The Midas Bighorn Saloon, housed in a 120-year-old building, remains a cultural cornerstone, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Since 1994, the nonprofit Friends of Midas has preserved the town’s history through photographs, letters, and documents, ensuring its stories endure.

Current Status and Legacy

Today, Midas blends history with modest vitality. With an estimated population of 349 and a median age of 46.4, it hosts full-time residents and seasonal homeowners. Beyond mining, the town attracts hunters and recreationists drawn to its rugged surroundings and historic charm. Preservation efforts by Friends of Midas and the saloon’s continued operation keep the past alive.

Conclusion

Midas, Nevada, embodies the resilience of America’s mining frontier. From its Gold Circle origins to its modern mining renaissance, the town has navigated booms, busts, and reinvention. Though small, Midas remains a vibrant link to Nevada’s gold rush heritage, balancing history with a quiet, enduring present.

Town Summary

NameMidas, Nevada
Also Known As Rosebud, Gold Circle
LocationElko County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude41.2440709, -116.7967729
GNIS845906
Elevation1750 meters / 5742 feet
Post Office1908 – 1942
Population2000
NewspaperGold Circle Miner (The) Apr 11, 1908
Gold Circle News June 20 – Sept 26, 1908
Gold Circle Porcupine May 20, 1914

Midas Town Map

References