Another hiking day – we decide that we should go east and explore the eastern side of the Wind River Range since we might not come this way again. I am only able to find one day hike that is doable for us, most of the trails are a 1,000-2,000 elevation gain and 20+ miles. The challenge will be to find the access road. Going east on the highway toward Dubois, we pass the Continental Divide at over 9,000 ft in elevation. Brooks Lake Road is on our left and we immediately are confronted with a large sign saying there has been bear activity, and a horse carcass; the trail is closed. Oh no- we have no bear spray and really do not want any bear encounters!
Brooks Lake seems like a good alternative so we continue on the dirt road, passing the stables which must have been the home of the unfortunate horse. The lake is pretty, with rocky spires rising up on one side. We see others hiking on the trail and run into another couple, so with safety in numbers decide to venture out a little. They are from Louisiana and he tells us he is a former gymnast. He asks us our ancestry then tries to say ni hao, and tells us about their trip to China. Despite us telling him we are born and raised here in the US, he keeps trying to talk about China, and as we separate, says zai zhen (bye) to us. We never find the lake and end up turning back as the trail enters a wooded area- no need to see a bear today!
At the campground, the host tells us a black bear has been making the rounds every afternoon. There has also been a grizzly spotted in the area a week ago.
Onward to Dubois, what an incredible surprise the guidebooks did not mention. This little western town is nestled in the foothills of striated red rock formations on the east and gentle slopes of the Wind River Range on the west. How different this side of the range is! I am struck by the vastness of the red landscape and how beautiful the scenery is. Upon the recommendation of the forest service ranger, we drive up the steep dirt road to the scenic overlook. It truly takes my breath away to be at the very top with a 360 degree view. Despite the threatening thunder and ominous black clouds, I take the path to the viewpoint and can’t stop photographing this scene. Extraordinary!!
It is getting late and time to head back to Moran. The last bit of excitement – we see several cars stopped along the side of the road and it is a mother grizzly and her sow alongside the creek. She finally leaves the area and we turn into the lake area, only to find she is there with a captive audience. One woman has been photographing her for 3 years; she said the cub is 8 months and for about 30 days, they were separated and the cub had to fend for itself. No one knows why.
Our final activity is evening fishing on the Snake River but no luck tonight and we call it a night.
