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"I frequently counted thirty or forty carcasses at one encampment, and in one place 100 wagons in less than a mile, all in sight at once -- many of them in good order, others split into pieces or partially burned. Everything that constitutes a Cal. outfit except grubb lies along the road in profusion; clothing, tents, harness, tools, &c, water casks innumerable that have been brought all the way for this desert are now thrown away." -- Byron McKinstry, 1850
This section of this historic California Trail was opened from the Sink of the Humboldt River to the Carson River at Ragtown in the fall of 1848 by a wagon train of emigrants captained by Joseph B. Chiles. From Ragtown, the trail followed the Carson River westward to a junction with the Carson Pass trail.
This forty-mile dry crossing was one of the most dreaded and most chronicled ordeals of the entire overland emigrant experience. Coming as it did so near the end of the overland journey -- when supplies were low, stock were weak, and wagons in poor condition -- it was a great challenge to the courage and fortitude of the emigrants.
One of the wonders along the trail, often referred to and visited by the emigrants, was Soda Lake. It is two miles southwest of this site:
"...by the Spring on the desert, there is a large lake of Salt water, it is almost Strong enough for brine to save meat with, this is another of the curiosities found on a California trip --" --Leander V. Loomis, 1850
Over the years, more emigrants were to travel this particular route to California than any other route.
Comments
The marker is placed at the edge of fine swales of the emigrant trail left in the sand. As you stand facing the marker, raise your arms out away from your body and you will be pointing in the direction the emigrants traveled. You can easily walk into the large swales to the right.
Location
Just northwest of Fallon, Churchill County, Nevada. SW corner, almost on southern line, Sec. 32, T20N, R28E.
Ownership
Public lands, Bureau of Land Management
Access
Open to the public
Directions
Leave U.S. 50 at the west edge of Fallon, Nevada, turning north onto Soda Lake Road. At the intersection there is a prominent sign reading "Coast Guard Station, Soda Lake." Proceed 4.3 miles on Soda Lake Road and turn left onto an unmarked dirt road. Passage may be very difficult in wet weather. Proceed 0.8 miles west. The marker is to the right of the road, near a large tree.
On the way back to U.S. 50, consider taking Workman Road 0.7 miles to the rim of Soda Lake. From Soda Lake Road, the small extinct volcano that holds Soda Lake appears to be a low hill. You can drive up onto the rim and look down into the lake.
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