Designated in 1964 Washakie Wilderness was named in honor of Chief Washakie, a leader of the Shoshone tribe of Wyoming. The area now encompasses 704,274 acres in the southern Absaroka Mountains. Yellowstone National Park borders to the northwest, Teton Wilderness to the west, and the Wind River Indian Reservation to the southeast.
The land is characterized by deep, narrow valleys exposing volcanic strata. Broad, flat-topped mountains and plateaus separate canyons. This volcanic material, much of which is deposited in horizontal layers, is unstable and highly erodible, which results in steplike cliffs and buttes. These unusual geologic formations, along with petrified remains of forests and abundant wildlife, are the main attractions of the Washakie.
Elevations range from about 6,600 to 13,153 feet, with peaks exceeding 12,000 feet scattered throughout the Wilderness. Large portions of this land are rough and barren with sparse vegetation, and approximately half the area is forested.
The area is home to bobcats, coyotes, foxes, beavers, and numerous smaller furbearers, as well as bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Hunters come for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and black bears. Grizzly bears, wolves and mountain lions are numerous. Travelers should take appropriate precautions. Please educate yourself about special precautions necessary when in bear country.
There are several miles of trails available in the area. Snow may fall any day of the year in the higher country, and summer temperatures rarely rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Be prepared for rain showers in late summer.
Please view the special regulations associated with Wilderness and always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep these areas wild, clean, and pristine.
- Wilderness.net: Washakie Wilderness Wilderness.net web page
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