Wyoming
Sam's Field Notes: Catch a wave … in Wyoming? | Coastal Review
Editor’s Note: After Sam Bland retired from his position as superintendent at Hammocks Beach State Park, he joined the staff of the North Carolina Coastal Federation. During his time as a coastal specialist in the 2010s, he would periodically write about his time in the field for Coastal Review. Now traveling the country, Bland drops a line every once in a while to share a new adventure with his readers, such as the following:
In northwestern Wyoming, just south of the town of Jackson, a 20-mile stretch of road makes its way through the mountains down to the town of Alpine.
It’s a gorgeous drive any time of year with towering mountain hills covered in pine, fir, cottonwood and aspen trees. Identified as the Snake River Canyon, Grand Canyon of the Snake or Alpine Canyon, the river slithers right beside the road.
The upper part of the river runs slow enough in the canyon that beavers dam off braids of the river, forming placid ponds and wetlands beneficial to all wildlife. Gradually, the grade of the river begins to drop and the velocity of the water picks up the pace.
During our travels out west into Wyoming, Idaho and Utah, my wife, Bright, and I have driven this road many times.
We look for the beavers and otters swimming in the ponds, the moose in the willows, elk in the meadows and mountain goats high on the steep cliffs. Much of the landscape on both sides of the road are public lands, part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Every few miles, there are access areas for hiking, camping, fishing and picnicking. One access area sign caught our eye, but we would always drive past. The sign simply stated, “Lunch Counter” with the word “Kahuna” underneath it.
The use of the word “kahuna” on a national forest sign in Wyoming was quite intriguing. A Hawaiian word, kahuna is used to signify a professional expert, such as a doctor.
During my years of surfing the North Carolina coast, I would occasionally hear the word being called out as a big swell began to roll in. In late spring, fascinated by the sign, we drove down to the Lunch Counter to see what was cooking.
Arriving in the parking lot, we saw a man in a full wetsuit with a surfboard tucked under his arm disappear down a wooded trail towards the river. Wait, what? This looked so out of place in cowboy country. We dashed down the trail, and from an overlook we could see the Class III rapids of the Snake River.
The serene beaver pond waters of the upper river were now a raging whitewater serpent. In the mist of the aquatic chaos was a lone surfer riding the face of a large, standing wave. We now understood, the Lunch Counter and Kahuna referred to the rapids.
The Snake River Canyon was formed millions of years ago with tectonic plates butting heads, creating thrust-fold belts along with glacial gouging and erosion by the river itself.
At some point, geologic forces created a flat shelf with a large boulder lodged against it in the riverbed. Perhaps a massive flood rolled the boulder into just the right place. Prior to reaching the Kahuna and Lunch Counter rapids, the width of the river narrows with small granite walls on each side. It is here that the water shoots through like a firehose against the rocks creating the standing wave.
The wave is seasonal though, peaking in late spring and early summer due to melting snowpack. North of the Snake River Canyon, the flow is controlled by the Jackson Lake dam in Grand Teton National Park.
In early spring, the gates of the dam are cracked open to keep downstream reservoirs topped off for agricultural irrigation. Snowmelt from streams and creeks below the dam spills into the Snake River, causing the river to gush a high flow rate of 14,000 cubic feet per second.
Water flowing over the Lunch Counter at 7,000 to 13,000 cubic feet per second creates a wave tempting enough to lure a surfer into the maelstrom. Dam control, snowpack and daily temperatures dictate when and for how long this river surfbreak will last.
The flow can be variable. Thus, the wave may last for a month, a few days or not at all.
The Lunch Counter was first named in the 1960s by David Hansen, a local whitewater rafting guide. Out on his raft, with the undulating walls of waves looming ahead, he has been quoted as saying “if we are going to eat our lunch, it’s going to be right here.” The unique quote has become the identity of the Lunch Counter ever since.
It wasn’t until 1978 when a trio of brave whitewater rafting guides eyed the wave with envy, scrounged up a surfboard without an ocean in sight, and gave it a try. Surfing on the Snake was born. Like a siren, the wave continues to taunt, tempt and seduce surfers today.
Bright and I made our way down the worn gravel trail to a water-smoothed granite shelf along the river. Almost a dozen wetsuit-clad surfers were scattered about. Adorned with booties, gloves and a 5/4mm taped wetsuit, they were protected from the frigid 40- to 50-degree snowmelt.
One surfer was on the wave while another was drifting downstream after being bucked off the watery horse. Six surfers were sitting in a lineup on a rocky bench waiting for their turn on the curl as if kids patiently waiting for the music of an ice cream truck.
Watching the surfers, the first thing that hit me was that the power of the water is coming at you, not from behind like an ocean wave. What an adjustment for the mind and body for an ocean surfer.
Just to get to the wave was an endeavor in itself. First, you must jump off a rocky cliff with the surfboard underneath you, landing into a lower trough of water created by the uneven stream bottom. This trough, what the surfers called “the seam,” would then drift them into position below the standing wave.
Here, the current would pull them up and into the wave. Paddle, paddle, paddle in the whiteout of foamy madness before you are chewed up and spit out. Most of the surfers would quickly find the sweet spot at the base of the wave where they would lay on the board, adjusting their balance to keep the board forward on the wave. Then they would pop up, and if the surf gods are willing, ride a river wave.
Some surfers would just chill in the pocket of the wave, occasionally drifting up the face and back down. Off to the right of the wave, the pulsing waters would create a bit of a swell that allowed some surfers to drift to the right with a quick rip to the left, fanning the water up like a rooster tail.
Unlike ocean waves, some of these rides lasted for minutes. The more experienced riders would, at times, voluntarily bail on the wave, granting others a chance to catch the Snake. But more often than not, surfers were victims of a cold face-plant due to wandering concentration. Wipe out here and you are treated to another ride, rag-dolling down the rapids and tossed like a salad.
Here, the surfers are on high alert, keeping an eye out for hazards such as a tree branch hurling toward them like a water javelin. They also have to share the break with the hundreds of kayakers and rafting boats charging into the wave seeking their own thrill.
Whitewater kayakers in their short, stubby boats would back into the wave as well. Paddling to stay in the curl, they would dance on the wave, spinning circles much to the delight of the cheering surfers. A train of rafts might come along, aiming straight for wave.
Like a powerful bronco, the wave would try to throw them out of the boat under a shower of cold river rain.
We watched about a dozen surfers of various skill levels ride the standing wave. A few were still learning this break, but, for the most part, all the riders were solid.
One in particular, Amanda Studdard, originally of Portland, Oregon, was one with the wave.
Studdard’s movements on the wave were smooth and sure, taming the current surging under her board. She was calm and at peace on the wave while the chaos off the river surrounded her — a true soul surfer. At times, she would break away from the Zen of it all. Drifting higher and to her right on the wave, she would then make a slashing left turn gouging the wave with her stick. A wall of spray in her wake added to the watery mayhem.
A lover of river surfing, Studdard was on her lunchbreak, sneaking in a few rides. An appropriate thing to do while at the Lunch Counter. She has been hooked on river surfing ever since she dropped in on a wave at a human-made break in a waterpark in Bend, Oregon. Her occupation allows her flexibility to work remotely and drift down to the Lunch Counter each year — an idyllic life shared with her two dogs Loki and Laska along with her playful kitten, Violet. Her feel and connection with the wave were obvious, what she describes simply as “magical.”
Studdard was joined by her friend, Natalie Catania. After tasting the wave four years ago, she has returned each spring to get her fill. Catania, without hesitation, leaps off the bank, drifts the seam perfectly into the face of the wave and springs onto the deck of the board, making it look so easy. After learning to surf on river waves, she prefers them to ocean swells. Even her board is designed for river surfing.
She explained that with the evolution of river surfing, board shapers are now designing specifically for the river waves. An ocean board will do, but a board carved to meet the distinctive aspects of the river will provide better performance. Freshwater is less buoyant than saltwater, thus, a river board needs to be thicker to provide better lift. They are also wider and shorter, 4.5 to 6 feet in length. Different river waves might also require a uniquely shaped board, resulting in a surfer having a number of boards in their quiver.
Having ridden a number of other river waves, the Lunch Counter always coaxes Catania back to Wyoming. “It’s a raw experience,” she said. “Even though it is intense, you find a state of bliss.”
When I think of some of the famous surf breaks, places like Mavericks, Pe’ahi (Jaws), Banzai Pipeline, Teahupo’o, and Nazare come to mind. Now, I will need to add the Lunch Counter to the list.
River surfing is gaining popularity throughout the world with breaks in Germany, Austria, Norway, New Zealand and Canada. The Lunch Counter is thought to be one of, if not the, best natural river surf break in the United States.
Surfer Today has listed it as one of the best river surfing waves in the world. American Surf Magazine has it on the top of their list of best river surfing destinations in the U.S.
You would think with such a heady reputation that the surfers would be territorial. Quite the contrary. The vibe is peaceful, welcoming, encouraging and supportive. Compared to ocean lineups where I have seen punches thrown, this was a breath of fresh mountain air. Even the few youngsters who were cutting their teeth on this river wave were given the same respect and opportunity as the adults. And these grommets could shred.
While the melting of the snowpack diminishes and the gates of the reservoir dams are cranked down, the wave will subside as if a low tide. By mid-July, the wave will retreat into the riverbed, hibernating, waiting to roar again next spring.
As the wave-creating snow blankets the mountains this coming winter, the surfers will grow hungry — hungry with an appetite that can only be satisfied by a seasonal special found only at the Lunch Counter.
Some have described the call of a pinyon jay as laughter across the landscape, but the predicament of the noisy, gregarious jay is no joke, as it is one of the most rapidly disappearing birds in the West.
The pinyon jay has been identified as a species of greatest conservation need in Wyoming wildlife action plans across its range after seeing its population crater by 80% in the last half-century.
It was proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act in 2022, and in August 2023 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed a 90-day review of this petition and announced that a full 12-month review of the species’ status was warranted.
To help improve the bird’s chance of survival, two studies are underway in Wyoming.
“They’re just awesome birds and hopefully we do them right,” said Eric Atkinson, associate professor of biology at Northwest College in Powell, who is part of one of the studies. “Zach Wallace with Wyoming Game and Fish told me several months ago, ‘You know, this is one of those species that caught us all kind of flat-footed because we knew they were there, but nobody really showed a lot of strong concern about them. And when you look at the numbers, their precipitous decline, it’s about time that some of us look at it.’”
The Draper Natural History Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, along with research collaborators from the Bureau of Land Management, NWC, USFWS and the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology at the University of California-Davis began focusing on the birds in the Bighorn Basin this spring.
Meanwhile Wallace, a nongame biologist, and others in Game and Fish are conducting field research in several counties to learn more basic information on the ecology and management of pinyon jays to understand how the agency can better manage the species in Wyoming.
“Our main goal is to be able to provide timely information on the status and management needs of this species as the federal listing process proceeds,” Wallace said. “Most research available on pinyon jays is from the southwestern U.S., so it is very important for us to understand if and how that information applies in Wyoming. Regardless of whether the pinyon jay is listed, our management of this species into the future will benefit from the results of this research.”
‘You Hear Them Before You See Them’
About the size of an American robin, the pinyon jay travels in large, noisy flocks throughout pinyon-juniper and other woodlands in the western United States. This strong-flying jay gives a crowlike kaw to keep in touch with the group.
Flocks stick together year-round, breeding and foraging together in colonies that can range in size from a dozen to hundreds of individuals.
“You usually hear them before you see them, but don’t be misled; sometimes they can be amazingly quiet and you don’t even know that they’re present,” Atkinson said. “They’re kind of jokesters. One of the common names people use to apply to it is the blue crow. It does indeed look like a small blue crow. They act like it, they walk like it. Their faces are kind of crow-like.”
The bird is understudied and poorly known in most areas of its range, but data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey suggest that numbers have decreased survey-wide by 3.69% per year from 1967-2015, with an overall population loss of approximately 83.5%. Populations are predicted to be reduced by an additional 50% from 2016-2035.
Pinyon jay are found in the western United States mainly in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, central and northwest Wyoming and southeast Montana. And while there have been studies in other states, none had been done in Wyoming until these began.
“We know nothing about them really in the state of Wyoming,” said Jason Riggio, a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology at the University of California-Davis, who is part of the Draper study.
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The pinyon jay has been identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in state wildlife action plans across its range after having undergone an 80 percent decline in population in the last half-century. (Photo by Kathy Lichtendahl) -
The noisy, gregarious pinyon jay breed and forage together in colonies that can range in size from a dozen to hundreds of individuals. (Photo by Kathy Lichtendahl)
Are The Birds Breeding?
Wyoming Game and Fish, including Wallace and fellow nongame biologist Frank Stetler, who are based out of Lander, began studying the bird last year to try and determine its breeding status in the state.
Other goals of their study are to identify habitats selected during the breeding season specific to Wyoming, as well as important areas for habitat conservation. They also plan further monitoring to see if birds return to the same breeding sites.
“We have many questions about pinyon jays in Wyoming, but for a species that we know so little about, it makes sense to start with the basic ones first: distribution (i.e., where are they?), habitat (i.e., why are they there?) and status (i.e., how are they doing?),” Wallace said.
During the breeding season from May to July, the pinyon jay can be found in southern Park County, southern and eastern Natrona County, northern Washakie County, southern Hot Springs County, southern Fremont County and southern Sweetwater County.
Habitats available to the bird in Wyoming differ from the core of their distribution because the state is near the northeastern edge of the species’ breeding range.
Recent studies in Colorado have shown pinyon jay to nest in juniper trees 75% of the time. Because juniper removal is a common habitat treatment for other species including greater sage-grouse habitat improvement, Game and Fish is trying to determine if pinyon jays nest in juniper woodlands.
“The Pinyon Pine tree that the species is named for barely occurs in our state, but Pinyon Jays occur in many areas of Wyoming,” Wallace said. “We are focused on understanding where jays occur and breed in the state and what kinds of habitat they are using. We are getting at that with a combination of observational surveys and tracking with satellite GPS transmitters.”
They began their research in April 2023, visiting 14 survey areas in the different counties two to three times throughout the season. Jays were detected at three of the 14 sites. Birds were observed a second time at each of these three sites in subsequent visits, two in Fremont County and one in Sweetwater County.
“We confirmed breeding at one of the 14 sites with approximately 35 birds present,” Stetler writes as part of the Nongame Section of the Annual Completion Report. “We confirmed breeding by observations of begging fledglings and recorded piping rattle calls, but were not able to determine the location of the colony site.”
The evidence of breeding was detected on June 11, 2023, in Fremont County. While no nests were located, the distance from closest known colony sites, presence of fledglings and observed behavior confirmed reproduction.
“We were pleased that our work last year documented the first record of breeding for pinyon jay in Wyoming,” Wallace said. “We had assumed they bred in the state, but it had never officially been documented.”
Coexisting With Greater Sage-Grouse
The Draper Museum of Natural History and its research collaborators began its study in the Bighorn Basin during the spring after being awarded $150,000 in funding earlier this year from the BLM.
Atkinson and Riggio are Co-Principal Investigators, along with Draper Natural History Museum Curator Corey Anco, wildlife biologist Destin Harrell of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and wildlife biologist Abel Guevara with the BLM Cody Field Office.
The study proposes to characterize habitat use by pinyon jays across limber pine-juniper stands and compare pinyon jay movement with greater sage-grouse foraging and breeding areas.
“With the new modern GPS transmitters and data loggers, we can accurately determine what components of the available habitat are most important to the species and then we can do our best to try to provide for pinyon jay habitat needs while at the same time finding areas where conifer encroachment into sage-grouse habitat is negatively affecting sage-grouse,” Harrell said. “It’s a dynamic balance of not competing habitat types, but two habitat types existing together with some common ground. What we do with this common ground, is a question we are looking to gain more awareness.”
BLM lands play a central role in the pinyon jay’s habitat in northwestern Wyoming. At the start of the project, Guevara said that “successful pinyon jay conservation efforts rely on the thoughtful integration of public and private land needs.”
“This project is important to find the right balance of vegetation treatments that would benefit both greater sage-grouse and pinyon jays,” he added recently. “Once areas of pinyon jay habitat are delineated, it will help us determine if a future project will be beneficial for pinyon jays or sage-grouse or both.”
The group is studying at a variety of sites around the western Bighorn Basin where the limber pine woodlands intersect with grasslands including near Meeteetse, the North Fork and South Fork of the Shoshone River outside Cody, near Clark and in the Oregon Basin.
So far, the group has had good success capturing the birds. As of early July they’d captured 64 and attached 19 GPS loggers and seven satellite transmitters.
“Those movement tags are critical to this study because right now, we don’t know where these birds are roosting, where they nest, where they forage and how far they traveled between those sites,” Anco said. “And we need that information because we can’t address how large of an area these birds need if we don’t know how far they’re traveling between areas.”
The birds are weighed and measured to determine if there’s a morphological difference between pinyon jays at the northern part of the range where they’re using limber pine juniper habitats versus the pinyon pine habitats. They’re also tested for different diseases and parasites such as avian malaria and West Nile virus.
“So every bird that we have in hand we’re just trying to get as much information as we can,” Riggio said. “Is there a disease issue in the population that’s causing decline? Are they genetically and morphologically distinct in this northern part of the range where they have a really unique habitat versus the southern part of the range? And then also can we get some movement data to see how and where they’re using the landscape around here?”
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Co-Principal Investigator Destin Harrell, left, attaches a GPS tag to an adult pinyon jay held by Co-Principal Investigator Eric Atkinson. Various vials for blood and West Nile Virus samples are shown on the table below. (Draper Natural History Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West) -
Juvenile pinyon Jays can be identified by their lighter, dusky blue color, shorter beaks, and characteristic pink gape in the corners of their mouth. (Draper Natural History Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West) -
When pinyon jays are observed as a survey site, the team searches the surrounding vegetation to look for evidence of nesting activity. Pinyon jays nest in colonies so if one nest is found they would expect to locate more. (Draper Natural History Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West) -
Some of the captured birds have colored bands placed on their legs. Bird banding is one of the only ways researchers identify individual birds of the same species. (Draper Natural History Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West) -
Researchers believe that pinyon jays are using the limber pine-juniper woodlands as its primary habitat in Wyoming. (Draper Natural History Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West)
Keep An Eye Out
Citizen scientists are encouraged to participate in this project by monitoring backyard bird feeders and documenting observations of pinyon jays in the wild. Datasheets are available to track observations by emailing DNHMSampling@centerofthewest.org.
“The partnership with landowners who provide the trapping locations is amazing to see,” Harrell said. “People love their birds and provide seed for the birds they enjoy watching and have around. It is a wonderful setting to give back to the pinyon jay for all the joy they bring.”
Both the Draper group and Game and Fish are sharing information with the Pinyon Jay Working Group, which was formed in 2017 with a goal of bringing together pinyon jay experts to discuss conservation needs of the species. The large, diverse partnership plans to develop a range-wide conservation strategy for the species.
“We are already in discussions with Scott Somershoe, who is a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and chair of the group,” Anco said. “He’s tasked with gathering and compiling all of the data for this species status assessment. So we’re working with Scott to provide as much useful information for that as possible.”
As their study progresses, Game and Fish biologists are continuing to do landscape-level surveys to understand exactly where pinyon jays occur in Wyoming and locate more breeding colonies. It was also a pilot year for marking birds with GPS transmitters, which will allow them to better understand the species’ habitat requirements, space use and seasonal movements.
“This year we documented breeding in another location in central Wyoming and tagged four birds with transmitters,” Wallace said. “We are currently doing on-the-ground surveys in the areas with tagged birds to understand how they are using habitat.”
Meanwhile, Draper study will extend to the eastern side of the Bighorn Basin in the upcoming year. They also hope to document breeding and roosting areas. Anco said ideally this will become a longitudinal study.
“We are not putting a cap on it,” he said. “I would like to see this study persist as long as I’m the curator at the Draper Natural History Museum.”
Imagine yourself basking in the warm sun, surrounded by crystal-clear waters reminiscent of the Caribbean, but instead, you’re in the heart of Wyoming. Yes, you heard that right ! Wyoming’s Flaming Gorge Reservoir, also affectionately known as the “Caribbean of Wyoming,” is a hidden gem that beckons visitors with its stunning landscapes and thrilling activities. Let me take you on a journey to this incredible destination and reveal why it should be at the top of your summer travel list.
Unveiling the natural beauty of flaming gorge reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a marvel of nature that stretches over 91 miles amidst the rugged terrain of Wyoming and Utah. This vast body of water, created by the damming of the Green River, offers a striking contrast to the arid landscapes surrounding it.
As you stand at the edge of the reservoir, the panoramic views will leave you breathless. The turquoise waters glisten under the sun, creating a scene that rivals the most beautiful beaches in the world. The reservoir’s 42,020 acres of water surface provide ample space for water-based recreation, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers a unique blend of rugged cliffs, lush forests, and serene waters. This magnificent setting provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone looking to relax and soak in the natural beauty, Flaming Gorge has something for everyone.
Adventure awaits : thrilling activities at flaming gorge reservoir
If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, Flaming Gorge Reservoir won’t disappoint. The opportunities for recreational activities are endless and guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Boating : With such vast waters, boating is a must ! Bring your own vessel or rent one from the many marinas dotted along the shoreline. Feel the wind in your hair as you zip across the lake, exploring hidden coves and scenic spots.
Fishing : Flaming Gorge is renowned for its world-class fishing. The reservoir is teeming with species like trout, bass, and kokanee salmon. The annual fishing tournaments held here attract anglers from far and wide, adding a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition to the experience.
Hiking and Biking : The surrounding landscapes offer excellent trails for hiking and mountain biking. Trails like the Canyon Rim Trail provide breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding canyons. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature and experience the region’s unique geology.
Camping : For those who love to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, camping at Flaming Gorge is a must. Numerous campgrounds provide stunning views and easy access to the water, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of adventure.
Water Sports : If you’re up for some excitement, try your hand at water skiing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding. The calm and clear waters of the reservoir are perfect for these activities, ensuring a memorable time for all.
Discovering the rich history and culture around flaming gorge reservoir
While the natural beauty and outdoor activities of Flaming Gorge Reservoir are undoubtedly captivating, the area also boasts a rich history and vibrant culture.
The Utah Museum of Natural History is a great starting point to learn about the region’s geological and paleontological significance. You’ll discover that the area around Flaming Gorge was once home to prehistoric creatures, including dinosaurs.
For history buffs, the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center provides insights into the reservoir’s creation and the engineering marvel that is the Flaming Gorge Dam. Constructed in 1964, this colossal structure stands as a testament to human ingenuity and offers guided tours that delve into its history and impact on the region.
Additionally, you can explore the charming towns nearby, such as Green River and Dutch John. These towns are steeped in history and offer a glimpse into the life of early settlers and the development of the American West.
Plan your perfect trip : practical tips and recommendations
To make the most of your visit to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, I’ve compiled some practical tips and recommendations.
Best Time to Visit : Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit. This season provides ideal conditions for all outdoor activities and ensures a comfortable experience.
Accommodation : From cozy cabins and lodges to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s a range of accommodation options to suit every preference. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Essential Gear : Depending on your planned activities, pack appropriate gear. If you’re boating or fishing, ensure you have life jackets, fishing rods, and tackle. For hiking and camping, good quality hiking boots, tents, and sleeping bags are essential.
Local Cuisine : Don’t miss the chance to savor local delicacies at nearby eateries. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures or a relaxing dinner with a view, the local restaurants offer delicious options for every palate.
| Activity | Equipment Needed | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Boating | Boat, Life Jackets | Rent from local marinas |
| Fishing | Fishing Rods, Tackle | Join annual fishing tournaments |
| Hiking | Hiking Boots, Backpack | Explore Canyon Rim Trail |
| Camping | Tent, Sleeping Bag | Book campgrounds in advance |
| Water Sports | Jet Ski, Paddleboard | Rent from local facilities |
Stay Safe and Respect Nature : Finally, remember to prioritize safety during your trip. Follow local guidelines and respect the environment by leaving no trace. The beauty of Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a treasure that we must preserve for future generations.
So, there you have it ! With its stunning scenery, thrilling activities, rich history, and practical tips, Flaming Gorge Reservoir truly is the “Caribbean of Wyoming.” Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure !
Editor-in-Chief at The Oracle CE
My goal is to become a foreign correspondant and I’m currently learning Russian.
Mostly sunny in Wyoming on Sunday with a chance of afternoon rain in many areas. Smoky or hazy in some locations. Highs from the low 70s to near 90. Lows from the mid 40s to near 60.
Central:
Casper: Chance of rain mainly after noon, otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 81 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph. Areas of smoke between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., otherwise mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 55 and wind gusts as high as 22 mph.
Lander: Sunny today with a high near 81 and mostly clear overnight with a low near 56.
Shoshoni: Sunny and breezy today with a high near 86 and wind gusts as high as 24 mph. Areas of smoke after midnight, otherwise mostly clear overnight with a low near 58 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph.
Southwest:
Evanston: Patchy smoke after 3 p.m., otherwise sunny today with a high near 84. Patchy smoke before midnight, otherwise mostly clear overnight with a low near 51.
Rock Springs: Sunny and breezy today with a high near 83 and wind gusts as high as 21 mph. Mostly clear overnight with a low near 53 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph.
Kemmerer: Sunny and breezy today with a high near 81 and wind gusts as high as 30 mph. Mostly clear overnight with a low near 50.
Western Wyoming:
Pinedale: Slight chance of rain after noon, otherwise sunny today with a high near 77 and mostly clear overnight with a low near 45.
Afton: Sunny today with a high near 85 and mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 49 and wind from 13-18 mph.
La Barge: Sunny today with a high near 79 and breezy, gradually becoming clear overnight with a low near 50 and wind gusts as high as 23 mph.
Northwest:
Dubois: Chance of rain mainly after 3 p.m., otherwise sunny today with a high near 77 and mostly clear overnight with a low near 48 and wind gusts as high as 20 mph.
Jackson: Sunny today with a high near 85 and mostly clear overnight with a low near 47.
Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park: Sunny today with a high near 78 and mostly clear overnight with a low near 42.
Bighorn Basin:
Thermopolis: Areas of smoke after 1 p.m., otherwisesunny today with a high near 87 and mostly clear overnight with areas of smoke after 3 a.m. and a low near 59.
Cody: Sunny today with a high near 84 and mostly clear overnight with a low near 58.
Powell: Sunny today with a high near 90 and mostly clear overnight with areas of smoke after midnight and a low near 58.
North Central:
Buffalo: Slight chance of rain after noon, areas of smoke, otherwise sunny and breezy today with a high near 82 and wind gusts as high as 28 mph. Areas of smoke, otherwise mostly clear overnight with a low near 61.
Sheridan: Widespread haze, slight chance of rain after noon, otherwise sunny and hot today with a high near 90. Widespread haze, otherwise mostly clear overnight with a low near 55.
Dayton: Widespread haze, slight chance of rain after noon, otherwise sunny today with a high near 86. Widespread haze, otherwise mostly clear overnight with a low near 56.
Northeast:
Gillette: Widespread haze, slight chance of rain after noon, otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 84 and wind gusts as high as 16 mph. Widespread haze, otherwise mostly clear overnight with a low near 57 and wind gusts as high as 16 mph.
Sundance: Chance of rain, widespread haze, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 78. Partly cloudy overnight with widespread haze and a low near 56.
Hulett: Widespread haze, chance of rain mainly before 3 p.m., otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 84. Widespread haze, otherwise mostly clear overnight with a low near 56.
Eastern Plains:
Torrington: Chance of rain, otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 83 and partly cloudy overnight with a low near 55.
Lusk: Chance of rain, otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 79 and partly cloudy overnight with a low near 53.
Wright: Widespread haze, slight chance of rain after noon, otherwise mostly sunny today with a high near 81 and wind gusts as high as 16 mph. Partly cloudy overnight with widespread haze and a low near 55.
Southeast:
Cheyenne: Chance of rain mainly after noon, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 74. Slight chance of rain before 9 p.m. tonight, otherwise partly cloudy overnight with a low near 52.
Laramie: Chance of rain, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 71. Slight chance of rain before 9 p.m., otherwise mostly clear overnight with a low near 47.
Pine Bluffs: Chance of rain, otherwise partly sunny today with a high near 78. Slight chance of rain before midnight, otherwise partly cloudy overnight with a low near 52.
South Central:
Rawlins: Slight chance of rain after noon, otherwise sunny and breezy today with a high near 78 and afternoon wind from 15-20 mph. Mostly clear overnight with a low near 50 and wind gusts as high as 25 mph.
Saratoga: Slight chance of rain after noon, otherwise sunny today with a high near 78 and mostly clear overnight with a low near 46.
Wamsutter: Sunny and breezy today with a high near 79 and wind gusts as high as 22 mph. Mostly clear and breezy overnight with a low near 48 and wind gusts as high as 24 mph.
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