Soldier Creek Wilderness

Located in the Nebraska National Forest in Nebraska.

The 8,100 acre Soldier Creek Wilderness was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System by the Nebraska Wilderness Act passed in 1986. The area was part of the Fort Robinson Military Reservation and used as a horse and mule posture, a supply area for wood products and a recreation area for military personnel stationed at the fort. Soldier Creek is the main drainage within the area and pays tribute to the thousands of military personnel who were stationed at nearby Fort Robinson from the Indian Wars of the 1870's through WWII, until 1949.

Soldier Creek Wilderness represents an environment characteristic of the Pine Ridge escarpment in northwest Nebraska. The ponderosa pine covered ridges give way to open upland parks containing native grasses such as western wheatgrass, prairie sandreed, big bluestem and little bluestem. In the drainage bottoms, hardwood species including green ash, cottonwood, hockberry and boxelder predominate. Wild plum, chokecherry, wild grape and willow provide vital habitat for wildlife.

There is a variety of wildlife species that are permanent or transient residents of the area among them are whitetail deer, mule deer, wild turkey, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, golden eagle, red-tailed hawk and great horned owl.

An abundance of small birds and mammals are also present and, as with the larger animals, reward the patient and unobtrusive visitor with glimpses resulting in treasured memories.

Wilderness recreation is by definition confined to those activities which con be engaged in without mechanical assistance. Activities such as hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, semi-primitive camping and hunting or fishing (excellent trout fishing in Soldier Creek) are appropriate.

From July 8-14 1989, the 48,000 acre Fort Robinson Fire burned extensively in the Wilderness and on state and private lands west of Fort Robinson. Visitors will be able to observe the effects of wildfire for years to come since the Wilderness will be allowed to recover naturally.

Special Restrictions

In order to heighten the wilderness experience and reduce the chances of unwanted contact with other users as well as minimize the impacts on the land a few restrictions apply:

1. Party size is limited to 35.
   
   
2. Commercial outfitter-guides using horses are allowed on a day use basis only.
   
   
3. Competitive contest events, group demonstrations, ceremonies and similar events are not permitted.

For more information contact: The Nebraska National Forest.