Bridger-Teton National Forest

Big Piney Ranger District

Big Piney Office

315 South Front Street
P.O. Box 218
Big Piney, WY 83113
307-276-5800
Fax: 307-276-5835

Fishing: Generally speaking, fishing opportunities are more limited on this District than in some other parts of the forest. Middle Piney Lake is popular and is a pretty setting. Access is via Rt. 350, approximately 26 miles west of Big Piney. The last 15 miles or so is gravel road. Services are available in Big Piney and Sacajawea Campground is nearby. The road past Sacajawea Campground is narrow and not suitable for trailers. The Hoback River runs along Rts. 189/191 at the northern end of the District. It is located in a pretty setting and has easy access to the Jackson Hole area. North Piney Lake is another popular fishing spot.

Camping: Sacajewea Campground, located 25 miles west of Big Piney, has 26 sites, basic amenities, and is open June 15th through September 30th. The camping fee is $7.00 per site, per night. This campground has running water, an on-site host, and is well maintained. Middle Piney Lake has 5 tent sites, tables, pit toilets, no running water, and no fees. Because of the narrow winding road, it is not recommended to take trailers to the lake site. CAUTION: These campgrounds are in bear country. Visitors are strongly encouraged to practice clean camping techniques and store attractants in a manner that makes them unavailable to bears.

Hiking: The 75 mile long Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail (WRNRT) can be accessed from Snyder Basin or McDougall Gap and follows the crest of the Wyoming Range. Topo. maps are Wyoming Peak, Mount Schidler, Triple Peak, Poison Meadows, and Box Canyon. Difficulty varies from moderately easy to difficult, as there are short, steep sections where the trail is poorly marked and indistinct. Much of the trail is above 9,000 feet in elevation. Weather is unpredictable and changes rapidly with frequent thunderstorms and lightening in the summer. Bring extra food and clothing. Avoid high ridge tops and open parks during storms and lightening activity. Filter your water as giardia exists throughout the Wyoming Range. The trail heading to Wahelo Falls begins at Middle Piney Lake, and provides access to the WRNRT and Wyoming Peak, for a panoramic view. The trail is sometimes faint and there is a significant increase in elevation.

Wildlife Viewing: Antelope and mule deer may be spotted nearly anywhere on the District. Elk, moose, black bear, and mountain lions inhabit the more remote areas of the District. Bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and the grey wolf also live here.

Snowmobiling: Popular snowmobile loops are the Middle Piney Creek to South Cottonwood Creek and Middle Piney Creek to South Piney Creek, both of which are groomed when conditions permit. Horse Creek, west of Daniel Junction, is another very popular snowmobiling area.

Hunting: Deer, elk, and antelope hunting are popular in the fall. For more information, contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The address is 117 South Sublette Avenue in Pinedale, WY, 82941. You may also reach them by calling 307-367-4352.

Cross Country Skiing: Cross country skiing is possible in most areas of the District when conditions permit. There are no groomed trails, but solitude abounds. Avalanches are a very real danger even on slight grades. Anyone headed for the back country should familiarize themselves with the risks and warning signs, use common sense, and take preventative measures. The Avalanche Hotline number is 307-733-2664.

Guard Stations: The District has two guard stations available for rent for a cost of $30.00 per night. Snyder Basin Guard Station is located at the southern end of the District, approximately 42 miles west of Big Piney. Hoback Guard Station is located at the north end of the District, near Bondurant, and offers easy access to the Jackson area. Amenities include a rustic setting, electricity, running water and gas cooking stoves. Each is equipped with bunk beds, basic cooking utensils and some cleaning supplies. For more information, call 307-276-3375. For reservations, visit www.recreation.gov

USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20 May 2008 at 20:25:49 EDT