The 2nd Loneliest Road in America - Hwy 139

In 1986 Life magazine dubbed U.S. Route 50 through the middle of Nevada as the "loneliest road in America." Even though it was meant to be a negative comment, Nevada used the catch phrase as a marketing tool. Friends who have driven the road do say they hardly see any other vehicles on it.

After driving up Hwy 139 in the northeastern quadrant of California to Lava Beds National Monument, we'd like to nominate it as the 2nd loneliest road in America.

We start out on Hwy 395 from Bridgeport on our quest ever northward.

As we near the Nevada border, the contrasts in the countryside become sharper.

The land becomes drier

but is dotted with surprisingly large lakes - Topaz Lake

Then we cross the border for a short jaunt through the western corner of Nevada.

Land of casinos...

Welcome to Nevada

more casinos and big trucks.

Red Rock Canyon

Even the lakes contrast...

Honey Lake must get it's name from the dry lake bed

Eagle Lake is a stunning color rimmed with salt that attracts wildlife. We saw antelopes, deer, geese and ducks.

After picking up supplies in Susanville, we turn onto Hwy 139 northward... and while we did see other vehicles on the road, they were few and far between.

Even if we didn't actually see many fellow humans, we did see evidence of life in this region...

Metal warriors do battle beside the road

Old sawdust burner

Rivers and marshes attract migrating birds in the spring and fall.

We check out the campground at Lava Beds in the late afternoon. However, there are no suitable campsites.  Thinking that our campsite angels have let us down, we wander to the Visitor's Center where Peter meets our next camp angel, Barbara, who's a seasonal ranger at Lava Beds.  She's part owner of the Eagles' Nest RV Park not far away and directs us there.  We find a great campsite and settle in for an early start to explore Lava Beds the next day.

Camped @ Eagles' Nest $26/night for full hook-ups + great WiFi

Peter grilling our dinner