Walker Lake
Walker Lake is a large salt lake in western Nevada, fed by snowmelt from the Sierra and Great Basin. It is a crucial stopover for migratory *Oncorhynchus clarkii and *Ardea herodias.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Western United States |
| Subregion | Great Basin |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| County | Walker Lake County (historical) |
| District | Walker Lake watershed |
| City | Walker Lake |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 40.7 |
| Longitude | -118.1 |
| Maps |
6:15 PM LOCAL TIMEWalker Lake is a shallow, endorheic salt lake in west-central Nevada, lying to the northeast of the Sierra Nevada and southeast of the Twin Falls Plateau. With an area of roughly 70 square miles and an elevation around 1,280 feet, it receives primarily seasonal inflows from snowmelt and surface runoff that have no outlet to the ocean. This results in high salinity and a brackish environment supporting specialized plants and animals. Key species include Bonneville cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), .s*arcarcotus spp. (diving ducks), and *Ardea herodias (great egret)**, which rely on the lake during migration. The shoreline is open but can be expansive and flat; access varies and may be limited by surface conditions. Birdwatchers and anglers come here to seek rare and seasonal sightings, while winter and summer offer different bird concentrations and weather conditions. Nearby services are limited, so plan accordingly for visitation.
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