With more than 2,000 miles of rivers and 626 lakes and reservoirs, the Wind River Range is a great place for whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking. Boysen Reservoir covers 19,000 square acres and is ideal for water skiing or jet skiing. A Native American guide service can take you on an unmatched whitewater rafting trip through the Wind River Canyon, which passes through the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Follow the Wind River as it winds north along the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway from the town of Shoshoni ending just south of Thermopolis. This 40-minute drive features dramatic views with rock walls rising 2,500 vertical feet and exposing rock layers dating back 2.5 billion years. A driving tour of Sinks Canyon includes stops at museums and visitor centers as well as Sinks Canyon State Park, Shoshone National Forest and Red Canyon. The Circle the Continental Divide Driving Tour includes the Wind River Mountains.
Animal lovers can add an extra boost to their outdoor experience with horseback riding or llama packing. An abundance of dude ranches and outfitters offer trail rides and pack trips in the Wind River Range. For a more unique experience, let a llama carry your gear as you explore the Wind River Range. Outfitters in Lander and Dubois offer pack llama rentals or guided tours that can enhance your hunting, fishing, hiking or camping experience.
The Wind River Indian Reservation, covering 2.2 million acres in the Wind River Basin, is home to Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Visitors can learn about history, artifacts, artwork, language and storytelling at the Northern Arapaho Experience Room and the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center at Fort Washakie; experience music, dance, dress and cultural traditions at various powwows throughout the year; and buy Native American crafts and beadwork at St. Stephens Art Center. A special permit is required to visit the recreational lands on the reservation.
Peak Floating and Fishing Season
Spring runoff draws out the high-water rafters to test the whitewater at famed Northgate Canyon. Located between the Routt and Six Mile Gap public access areas, this part of the river promises big waves, white water ripples and an all-out thrilling adventure through five series of rapids that can rang up to Class IV. Navigation on this part of the Upper North Platte River is technical due to numerous rocks and maneuverability issues, so cinch up your life jacket, find an experienced guide and be prepared for an unforgettable rush!
Early season fishing peaks when the runoff ends, typically mid-June through early-August. You can always find a stretch that’s fishing well among the 14 public access areas along the North Platte River from Colorado to Interstate 80. One of the local favorites is to launch a boat at Bennett Peak and drift through beautiful canyon scenery to Treasure Island. At Treasure Island, you can stop and stretch your legs. Then continue downstream as the river flows through cottonwood and willow-lined banks to Saratoga. This is a wonderful all-day trip in early summer, before the flows drop and water temperatures rise. Be sure to get an early start. You’ll be rewarded with eager trout and beautiful landscapes. It’s also worth noting that in Wyoming, the navigable water over private land is public. However, the riverbanks and river bottom are still considered private–so you aren’t allowed to stop and get out and wade, drop anchor, etc. Please watch for signs that indicate public lands and avoid trespassing on private land.
As the season progresses and water levels drop, slower sections downstream from Saratoga offer good fishing, no matter where you launch. Late-July and August brings hatches of Tricos and blue wing olives which can draw prolific strikes from surging browns and rainbows. If you prefer to wade the river and fish, there are miles of scenic trails that hug the shoreline through the National Forest, BLM, and Treasure Island access areas.
Fall Fishing
Fall brings cooler water temperatures and hot fishing from mid-October through November. Healthy, fat brown trout become more aggressive as spawning season approaches. Fall is the time of year when brown trout are their most colorful. Float season is typically finished upstream of Saratoga. And many adventurers are hunting or viewing the fall colors, so fishermen have long stretches of the river and thousands of trout all to themselves. This is a great time to take advantage of one of the best fishing spots in Wyoming – the Miracle Mile. This 7-mile stretch of the North Platte River garners its name from the large numbers of rainbow and brown trout and several trophy-sized fighters. The Miracle Mile is located between the Kortes Dam, below Seminoe Reservoir, and the headwaters of Pathfinder Reservoir. It’s roughly 1.5 hours from Saratoga and well worth the trip!
No matter when you visit Wyoming, one of the best experiences is floating and fishing the North Platte River. Hopefully, you’ll find yourself in Saratoga soon.
Want to get the most bang for your buck during your stay in Sweetwater County, Wyoming? Read up on all of our favorite free activities and events available this summer in Green River.
Free Events in Green River
| Date | Event | Time | Place |
| June 3-4, 2022 | Quilting on the Green | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Expedition Island |
| June 3-4, 2022 | Trails Day | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | FMC Park |
| June 23-25, 2022 | Flaming Gorge Days | 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Throughout Green River |
| August 19-20, 2022 | Art on the Green & River Festival | 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Expedition Island |
For a full list of events, visit our Sweetwater County calendar.
Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway & Bus Tours
After exploring the city of Green River, make sure to take a breathtaking drive on the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway and see colorful landscapes, a variety of wildlife and more. View or download a map of the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway. Or reserve your spot on a Flaming Gorge Bus Tour and leave the planning to us. Discover Flaming Gorge Country on an all-inclusive motorcoach tour that stops at key points along the Scenic Byway. The tour includes a local guide and lunch.
Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel
The Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel in Green River offers not only the easiest access around but also the most options for cooling off. Split into two channels which wrap around Expedition Island, the park encompasses challenging rapids as well as gentle wading pools for families. The Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel is located at 475 South 2nd East St. For more information contact the City of Green River. Learn more about renting tubes and other adventure gear here.
Be Safe—Don't forget to check current whitewater conditions with USGS!
Wilkins Peak Bike Trail System
Warm up your legs on the lower-elevation and easier trails along the Green River such as the 10 Ring and Channel Surfing trails. Then get your heart racing on the labyrinth of singletrack trails on the peak's western face, such as the Brent and Mikes and Quick Draw trails. For technical biking, hit up the aptly named 4.5-mile Pick Your Poison. The Wilkins Peak Bike Trail System is located at 175 Scott’s Bottom Rd. in Green River. Click here for more information.
Farmers Market
FInd fresh milk, produce and eggs at the local Green River Farmers Market held every Wednesday 4-7 p.m. from July 6 - September 14, 2022 at 440 Uinta Dr. in Green River.
Cultural Activities
Learn about the culture of Green River at one of our local, free educational centers.
- Sweetwater County Historical Museum: Located at 3 East Flaming Gorge Way. Open Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
- Sweetwater County Library: Located at 300 N. East First Street. Open Monday - Thursday: 9 am - 8 pm Friday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
Green River Parks
Get active or bring a blanket and picnic and simply relax at one of the beautful parks in Green River. Open Daily from 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Find even more parks here.
| Park | Address | Park Amenities and Features |
| Evers Park | 370 South Second East Street | Splash Park, Picnic Area and Playground |
| Expedition Island Park | 475 South Second East Street | River Access, Picnic Area, and Playground |
| Green River Bike Park | 1795 Bridger Drive | Pump Track, Jump Area and Skill Zone |
| Stratton Myers Park | 1795 Bridger Drive | River Access, Ponds and Picnic Area |
Sweetwater County Parks
Still looking for more activities and fun in Green River? Sweetwater County Parks have some unique features like trap shoooting and an archery range for you to use for free. Open daily from dawn to dusk. For more information, click here.
| Park | Address | Park Amenities and Features |
| Aero-Models Park | Exit 111 off I-80, 3.5 miles east | Model Airplane Runway and Picnic Area |
| Archery Range | Little Firehole Road | Archery Range |
| Shooting Range | Little Firehole Road | Shooting Range |
| Trap Club | 655 Gookin White Mountain Road | Trap shooting |
Walking Trails
Take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful town of Green River on one of our walking trails.
- Scott’s Bottom Nature Trail: Located at 175 Scotts Bottom Rd.
- Green Belt Pathway: Located at 475 South Second East St.
For more information give us a call 307-382-2538.
