2011 Map of Massacre Lake

About this map

Massacre Lake dominates this high desert landscape in northwestern Washoe County, where seasonal water and flat-topped volcanic features shaped the movement of early travelers and ranchers. The presence of Evans Camp and Black Camp reflects the region's history of cattle ranching and seasonal encampments. The terrain is defined by distinct topographical markers such as Table Butte and Bitner Table, which provided high-ground navigation points across the basin. Water resources, though sparse, are anchored by the Massacre Creek drainage and the isolated Willow Spring. To the east, the smaller basin of Fatty Martin Lake sits below the volcanic plateaus, illustrating the unique hydrologic character of the Great Basin's ephemeral lake systems in the early 21st century.