Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge |

Floating Seedskadee Wildlife RefugeRoadside Attraction Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge

Overview

RATING: Easy Paddling or Hiking
CURRENT CFS: Getting current CFS.... Full Details
MAPS: McCullen Bluff, WY; Thoman School, WY; Lombard Buttes; WY; Big Island Bridge, WY, Stevens Flat, WY;

Sat

Snow likely before 1pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 45. South southwest wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

45 | 27

Sun

Rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. South southwest wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

44 | 28

Mon

Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

46 | 24

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 53.

53 | 23

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 59.

59 | 26

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Spring through Fall.

Sat

Snow likely before 1pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 45. South southwest wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

45 | 27

Sun

Rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. South southwest wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

44 | 28

Mon

Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

46 | 24

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 53.

53 | 23

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 59.

59 | 26

View Full Weather Details
A moose watching us go by

A moose watching us go by

Established in 1965, Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge is an oasis in the otherwise bleak, high desert of Wyoming. The 26,400 acre refuge provides a welcome break in the limitless sagebrush plains. Visited as early as the 1300's by Indians, over 200 species of birds have been spotted here, not to mention many types of mammals and other wildlife that call the area home. The area was used, more recently, by travelers moving west in the mid-1800's. Some of the old wagon ruts are still visible in the area. On even a short visit, your are likely to see many different bird species as well as other mammals.

Seemingly overlooked by many, the refuge provides a great weekend getaway for sight seeing, fishing, and canoeing or rafting. While camping is not allowed in the refuge proper, just a few miles up the road near Fontenelle Dam, there are several free campgrounds that are within a 15 minute drive of the refuge. They provide primitive camping, with no water, but with garbage bins, and pit toilets.

Although there is an auto route through the refuge, and dirt roads with many turn outs and view points, the best way to experience it is via a canoe or raft. There are boat ramps, conveniently located about a 1/2 day float a part, making floating sections each day easy. The float is class I, with a few rocks and very small riffles to negotiate. It is very family and beginner friendly, and highly recommended. All total, Seedskadee encompasses over 30 miles of river, making for several days worth of paddling and exploring.

A sleepy owl in the morning

A sleepy owl in the morning

Getting There

The easiest access is west of Green River, Wyoming. 10 miles west of Green River, take highway 372 north. The refuge starts at about mile 17, and goes through 37.

Cristina getting ready to start the trip

Cristina getting ready to start the trip

Cristina admiring a dragonfly

Cristina admiring a dragonfly

Route

Many options exists, from viewing the refuge by car on the many dirt roads, to fishing and floating a section. Of particular note, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times. Also, mosquitos and other pesky bugs can be overwhelming at times, especially in late spring to early summer. Be prepared with bug spray and long sleeves/pants. The area often has a light breeze in the afternoon, which helps keep the bugs down. They are generally not a problem while floating on the river, but become an issue whenever you are on the river bank.

It goes without saying, but when you see wildlife, try not to disturb it, and given animals as much space as you can. Moose in particular, if they have a calf with them, can be very protective and dangerous.

Note: The best map for Seedskadee is available at http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/SeedskadeeGBmaps.pdf#a.


Maps

Visitor Center

12T 595248mE 4639928mN

N41° 54' 20" W109° 51' 06"

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