Washakie Wilderness Area

Wilderness Areas
North Absaroka
Washakie
Fitzpatrick
Popo Agie

The Washakie Wilderness was named in memory of the famed and highly respected Chief Washakie of the Shoshone Indians and was established on October 9, 1972, from the existing South Absaroka Wilderness and the Stratified Primitive Area.

The total area of the Washakie wilderness is 704,529 acres, with 158,889 acres on the Wind River Ranger District, 143,098 acres on the Greybull Ranger District, and 402,542 acres on the Wapiti Ranger District. The Washakie extends from north of Dubois, WY, to near the highway (U5 Hwy 14/16/20) running between Cody, WY, and the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and borders the Teton Wilderness on much of its western side. Yellowstone National Park bounds it on the northwest and the Wind River Indian Reservation on the southeast. The eastern boundary is irregular and well inside the Forest Service boundary in most cases.

The Washakie Wilderness is characterized by deep, narrow valleys exposing volcanic strata of the Southern Absaroka Mountains. Broad, flat-topped mountains and plateaus separate the canyons. This volcanic material, much of which is deposited in horizontal layers, is unstable and highly erodible, which results in irregular, step-like cliffs and buttes. (The Pinnacles around Brooks Lake near Dubois, WY, are ideal examples). These unique geological formations, plus petrified remains of forest, other vegetation and animals, and abundant wildlife are the main attractions of the Washakie. The removal of petrified wood from the wilderness is prohibited. Elevations range from 6,600 feet to 13,153 feet, and the montane, subalpine, and alpine ecosystems are represented. About 50% of the wilderness is tree covered.

Fewer fishing opportunities exist than in the Wind River Range, because of fewer lakes, although there are important fisheries in the larger streams. Resident and migratory big game herds provide abundant wildlife for viewing, photography, and fall hunting. Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and both black and grizzly bears inhabit the area in varying numbers up to several thousand. Reports of grizzly activity in various locations in the Absarokas necessitate that backcountry travelers be alert and take precautions. All food, garbage and game meat must be stored unavailable to grizzly bears. Food storage facilities have been provided in some of the more popular campsites. There are numerous furbearers, including bobcat, coyote, fox, beaver, and others in the Washakie. Smaller mammals and a variety of birds including the bald eagle and peregrine falcon may also be seen.

The summer weather conditions are highly variable and temperatures range from the 80-degree mark to below freezing. Frost and snow may occur at any day of the year in the wilderness and afternoon rain showers are common at higher elevations late in the summer.