The Humboldt River is a major river located in northern Nevada, USA. It stretches approximately 300 miles and flows eastward through the Great Basin, eventually emptying into the Carson Sink. The river is named after the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who explored the region in the 19th century. Historically, the Humboldt River served as a vital water source for early settlers and travelers during the California Gold Rush. It was an essential part of the Humboldt Trail, which connected the eastern United States to California, facilitating trade and migration across the arid landscape.