Buffalo Hills

The Buffalo Hills WSA is located primarily in Washoe County, Nevada (45,287 acres), with a small portion in Lassen County, California (856 acres). The WSA contains 46,143 acres of BLM-administered land and 1,293 acres of private land that is located in 10 parcels, ranging in size from 40 to 800 acres. The Eagle Lake Field Office administers 38,190 acres of this WSA and the remaining 7,953 acres to the north are administered by the Applegate Field Office. Most of this WSA is large and relatively flat, with small rims and shallow canyons however, the south and west sides are defined by deep canyons and steep rocky slopes. The dominant vegetation is sagebrush, with associated shrubs and grasses and juniper scattered throughout the northern half of the WSA. Features of topographic interest are Hole-in-the-Ground, a shallow 200-foot-deep, 1-mile-wide eroded caldera like geographic feature; and the canyons of the West, Middle, and North Forks of Buffalo Creek. The West and North Forks are particularly interesting because of their steep walls and depth that create dramatic scenery.