The river has its headwaters on the north slopes of McAfee Peak in the Independence Mountains of northeastern Nevada.

It quickly exits the mountains and turns southward for approximately 25 miles (40 km), joining its waters with numerous other streams.

Making a sharp bend to the east, it flows through a small gorge called Devil's Gap and then combines with Beaver Creek before resuming its southward course.

The river, often with no more than a trickle of water left after its long journey through the dry hills of north-central Elko County, finally flows into the main branch of the Humboldt River about 15 miles (24 km) northeast of the city of Elko.

This reserve has since been incorporated into the Mountain City Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.