Humboldt River (Nev.)

The Humboldt River is an extensive river drainage system located in north-central Nevada. It extends in a general east-to-west direction from its headwaters in the Jarbidge, Independence, and Ruby Mountains in Elko County, to its terminus in the Humboldt Sink, approximately 225 miles (362 km) away in northwest Churchill County. Most estimates put the Humboldt River at 300 to 330 miles (480 to 530 km) long; however, due to the extensive meandering nature of the river, its length may be more closely estimated at 380 miles (610 km). It is located within the Great Basin Watershed and is the third-longest river in the watershed behind the Bear River at 355 miles (571 km) and the Sevier River at 325 miles (523 km). The Humboldt River Basin is the largest sub-basin of the Great Basin, encompassing an area of 16,840 square miles (43,600 km2). It is the only major river system wholly contained within the state of Nevada. It is the only natural transportation artery across the Great Basin and has historically provided a route for westward migration. Additionally, two major railroad routes loosely follow its path. Interstate 80 follows the river's course from its source to its mouth. The river was named by John C. Frémont for the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.