It is a 3 hour drive from Rexburg Idaho to Pinedale Wyoming, and the landscape changes from flat and gentle rolling farm fields of hay and potatoes in Idaho, to wide open expanses of sagebrush in Wyoming. The low mountains have the Tetons as a backdrop, and large ranches are marked by crisscross fences and tall wood arches. The towns we pass are small with a smattering of log ranch homes among the barren landscape, some with population less than 100.
We take a short tour through Jackson, simple but with a hint of an upscale village. We learn that the town is called Jackson but the valley and surrounding towns comprise Jackson Hole. Further east, the jagged peaks of the Wind River Range come into view, with homes and towns lush green at the foothills. We are staying in Pinedale, a friendly town with a few blocks of commercial business on the main thoroughfare, one grocery store, and a few fly shop and outfitters. A knowledgeable young man gives us suggestions for hiking, views and fishing of course. Everyone says there are masses of mosquitos in the mountains no matter what time of day.
We decide to take a short drive to Fremont Lake and admire the views from the overlook. After our simple dinner, we drive along the Green River in search of a good fishing spot. There is a couple from Connecticut, camping in their reburbished 1999 Westfalia, which he promptly says is a “deathtrap”. They let us park there in order to access the river. It is a small world- they are going to Illinois this week to see their daughter and will be visiting the UI.
The currents are fast and I promptly get my fly caught under a rock. After hooking onto a log, I abandon the rod for my camera and spend the remainder of the evening photographing the river. It is good to have a second hobby!
The Wind River Range is comprised of forest service land, not national or state parks, so access is somewhat limited to dirt and gravel roads. There are very few campgrounds and a lack of picnic areas; the area is rugged and less developed than what we are used to. Most of the trails are moderate to difficult multi-day backpacking trails. I think we have found a day hike for tomorrow that leads to some views. This Wind River Range trip is exploratory so it is all an adventure.
