Marys River Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marys River Range |
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Highest point | |
Peak | Marys River Peak |
Elevation | 3,223 m (10,574 ft) |
Geography | |
Country | United States |
State | Nevada |
District | Elko County |
Range coordinates | 41°45′1.671″N 115°18′7.228″W / 41.75046417°N 115.30200778°W |
Topo map | USGS Gods Pocket Peak |
The Marys River Range is a group of mountains found in Elko County, Nevada, United States. It's a special part of the Jarbidge Wilderness, which is managed by the Jarbidge Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This mountain range is also considered a smaller part of the larger Jarbidge Mountains.
The range gets its name from the Marys River. This river is a branch of the Humboldt River, and it starts right here in the mountains near Marys River Peak. Marys River Peak is the highest point in the range.
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Discovering the Marys River Range
The Marys River Range is a natural wonder in the northeastern part of Nevada. When we talk about a "mountain range," we mean a long chain of mountains or hills that are connected. These ranges often form important natural borders and are home to unique plants and animals.
Where is This Mountain Range?
This mountain range is located in Elko County, Nevada. Nevada is a state in the western United States. Elko County is known for its wide-open spaces and beautiful natural areas. The range is quite remote, meaning it's far from big cities.
Part of a Bigger Wilderness
The Marys River Range is inside the Jarbidge Wilderness. A wilderness area is a protected place where nature is allowed to stay wild and untouched by human development. This means you won't find many roads or buildings here. The Jarbidge Wilderness is looked after by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This forest is one of the largest national forests in the United States. It helps protect many different types of land, from deserts to high mountains.
What is a National Forest?
A national forest is an area of land owned by the government. It is managed for many uses, like protecting wildlife, providing clean water, and offering places for people to enjoy nature. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest works to keep the Marys River Range healthy and beautiful for everyone.
The Highest Point: Marys River Peak
The tallest mountain in the Marys River Range is called Marys River Peak. It stands very high at 3,223 meters (about 10,574 feet) above sea level. High peaks like this often have amazing views and can be challenging to climb.
The Marys River's Beginning
The Marys River starts its journey high up in this mountain range, close to Marys River Peak. Rivers that begin in mountains are often fed by melting snow and rain. They flow downhill, collecting water as they go, and eventually join larger rivers. The Marys River flows into the Humboldt River, which is one of Nevada's most important rivers.
Nature and Wildlife
Mountain ranges like the Marys River Range are important homes for many different kinds of plants and animals. The high elevation and varied landscapes create many different habitats.
Plants of the Range
The types of plants you find in the Marys River Range depend on how high up you go. At lower elevations, you might see sagebrush and grasses. As you climb higher, you might find different types of trees, like pine or fir, that are used to cooler temperatures. The plants here are adapted to the dry climate of Nevada.
Animals of the Range
The wilderness setting means that many animals can live freely here. You might find large mammals like deer or elk. Smaller animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and various birds, also make their homes in the range. Predators like coyotes or bobcats might also live here, hunting for food. Protecting these wild spaces helps these animals survive.