The South Fork Shoshone River begins its journey from the Fremont County/Park
County boundary high in the Absaroka Mountains draining north into Buffalo
Bill Reservoir.  
  
The BLM administers a handful of parcels along the South Fork, all of which
offers fishing opportunities, and other dispersed recreational opportunities.

The South Fork Shoshone River begins its journey from the Fremont County/Park County boundary high in the Absaroka Mountains draining north into Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The BLM administers a handful of parcels along the South Fork, all of which offers fishing opportunities, and other dispersed recreational opportunities.

Bird's eye view of the park

S.F. Shoshone River

Bird's eye view of the campground

Barlett Lane Day Use Area

Lake Shore

North Fork

Sheep Mtn. Day Use Area

Shreve Lodge

Stagecoach Lodging

Trout Creek Groupsites and Shelter

Buffalo Bill State Park

Buffalo Bill Dam, of the Shoshone Project, constructed 1905-1910 on the
Shoshone River about 6 miles upstream from Cody, Wyoming, is one of the first
high concrete dams built in the United States. It is a feature of the Shoshone
Project, one of Reclamation's earliest irrigation projects. Colonel William F.
"Buffalo Bill" Cody made the area now occupied by the Shoshone Project, famous
in the early days of the West. He and his companions were the first to
perceive the possibilities of turning the sagebrush flats of Wyoming's Bighorn
Basin into a land of agricultural abundance through irrigation. The main
historic site is Buffalo Bill Dam, which is listed in the National Register of
Historic Places as a major engineering achievement. A needle valve, ball
valve, and a cableway winch once used at the dam are on display in the parking
lot west of the dam. Fishing open year-round. Wyoming State fishing license
required. Fish species (coldwater) include rainbow trout, brown trout, lake
trout (mackinaw), and cutthroat trout. Good access via shoreline roads and 3
boat ramps. Water surface covers approximately 8,000 acres. Additional blue-
ribbon quality fishing available on Shoshone River above and below reservoir.
Available services include developed campsites and RV sites with dump
stations, drinking water, tables, restrooms, wind screens, primitive
campsites, and a new visitor center. Other activities include watchable
wildlife, big game, and waterfowl hunting in season with Wyoming State
license. Hiking and horseback riding. Popular windsurfing area. Current
Reservoir Levels

<a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Buffalo+Bill+Dam" rel="nofollow">Buffalo Bill Dam</a>, of the <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Shoshone+Project" rel="nofollow">Shoshone Project</a>, constructed 1905-1910 on the Shoshone River about 6 miles upstream from Cody, Wyoming, is one of the first high concrete dams built in the United States. It is a feature of the Shoshone Project, one of Reclamation's earliest irrigation projects. Colonel William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody made the area now occupied by the Shoshone Project, famous in the early days of the West. He and his companions were the first to perceive the possibilities of turning the sagebrush flats of Wyoming's Bighorn Basin into a land of agricultural abundance through irrigation. The main historic site is Buffalo Bill Dam, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a major engineering achievement. A needle valve, ball valve, and a cableway winch once used at the dam are on display in the parking lot west of the dam. Fishing open year-round. Wyoming State fishing license required. Fish species (coldwater) include rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout (mackinaw), and cutthroat trout. Good access via shoreline roads and 3 boat ramps. Water surface covers approximately 8,000 acres. Additional blue-ribbon quality fishing available on Shoshone River above and below reservoir. Available services include developed campsites and RV sites with dump stations, drinking water, tables, restrooms, wind screens, primitive campsites, and a new visitor center. Other activities include watchable wildlife, big game, and waterfowl hunting in season with Wyoming State license. Hiking and horseback riding. Popular windsurfing area. <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/gp-bin/arcweb_bbr.pl" rel="nofollow">Current Reservoir Levels</a>

Buffalo Bill Reservoir

The Sheep Mountain Trail is a foot/horse trail that winds up an impressive box
canyon to the top of Sheep Mountain, where visitors have the freedom to
explore over 25,000 acres of BLM-administered public lands.  
  
The area provides abundant recreational activities such as hiking, horseback
riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, sightseeing and shed hunting. The ample
amount of BLM-administered public lands, unique settings and resources, and
its location make it an excellent recreation resource.  
  
The trail is a popular destination due to it's desirable settings and its
close proximity to Buffalo Bill State Park and along the popular US Highway 14
connecting Cody to Yellowstone National Park.

The Sheep Mountain Trail is a foot/horse trail that winds up an impressive box canyon to the top of Sheep Mountain, where visitors have the freedom to explore over 25,000 acres of BLM-administered public lands. The area provides abundant recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, sightseeing and shed hunting. The ample amount of BLM-administered public lands, unique settings and resources, and its location make it an excellent recreation resource. The trail is a popular destination due to it's desirable settings and its close proximity to Buffalo Bill State Park and along the popular US Highway 14 connecting Cody to Yellowstone National Park.

Sheep Mountain Trail

The North Fork Shoshone River begins its journey on the slopes of
Stinkingwater Peak high in the Absaroka Mountains managed by the Shoshone
National Forest and drains down the North Fork into Buffalo Bill Reservoir.  
  
The North Fork Highway, the road to Yellowstone's East Gate, follows the North
Fork from Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center all the way to Pahaska.  
  
The BLM manages parcels of public accessible lands along the North Fork, which
offers opportunities for fishing, boating, sightseeing, and hiking.

The North Fork Shoshone River begins its journey on the slopes of Stinkingwater Peak high in the Absaroka Mountains managed by the Shoshone National Forest and drains down the North Fork into Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The North Fork Highway, the road to Yellowstone's East Gate, follows the North Fork from Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center all the way to Pahaska. The BLM manages parcels of public accessible lands along the North Fork, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, sightseeing, and hiking.

N.F. Shoshone

The Four Bear Trailhead provides access to the Four Bear Trail that is
suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and limited mountain biking. Facilities
at the trailhead include an information kiosk, horse trailer parking, horse
hitching rails, and toilet facilities. The trail provides access to Four Bear
Mountain climbing north approximately four miles to the Shoshone National
Forest boundary where it connects to many trails on the forest.  
  
The Four Bear Trail also intersects the Jim Mountain Trail about two miles
east of the U.S. Forest Service Jim Mountain Trailhead. The elevation ranges
from 5,600 feet to 7,600 feet.  
  
Spectacular views are offered of the North Fork Shoshone River valley and
fascinating volcanic spires, turrets and banded rock formations. Wildlife such
as deer, elk, grizzly and black bear, and numerous bird species such as golden
eagles and mountain bluebirds are often found in the trail area. This is
grizzly bear country, so be bear aware!

The Four Bear Trailhead provides access to the Four Bear Trail that is suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and limited mountain biking. Facilities at the trailhead include an information kiosk, horse trailer parking, horse hitching rails, and toilet facilities. The trail provides access to Four Bear Mountain climbing north approximately four miles to the Shoshone National Forest boundary where it connects to many trails on the forest. The Four Bear Trail also intersects the Jim Mountain Trail about two miles east of the U.S. Forest Service Jim Mountain Trailhead. The elevation ranges from 5,600 feet to 7,600 feet. Spectacular views are offered of the North Fork Shoshone River valley and fascinating volcanic spires, turrets and banded rock formations. Wildlife such as deer, elk, grizzly and black bear, and numerous bird species such as golden eagles and mountain bluebirds are often found in the trail area. This is grizzly bear country, so be bear aware!

Four Bear Trail

Newton Lakes are jointly managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Wyoming
Game and Fish Department. The West lake is managed as a family fishery for
Yellowstone Cutthroat trout and several warm water species including bluegill
and crappie. The East lake is managed as a trophy fishery for Eagle Lake
Rainbow and brown trout. It is well known regionally and nationally among
serious fly fishermen. Hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, boating (10 HP
motor limit) and swimming opportunities are available. Facilities include a
solar-vented restroom, picnic tables and fishing pier. No overnight camping is
permitted. The area includes 554 acres of land and 60 surface acres of water.

Newton Lakes are jointly managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.  The West lake is managed as a family fishery for Yellowstone Cutthroat trout and several warm water species including bluegill and crappie.  The East lake is managed as a trophy fishery for Eagle Lake Rainbow and brown trout.  It is well known regionally and nationally among serious fly fishermen.  Hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, boating (10 HP motor limit) and swimming opportunities are available.  Facilities include a solar-vented restroom, picnic tables and fishing pier.  No overnight camping is permitted. The area includes 554 acres of land and 60 surface acres of water.

Newton Lakes

The Shoshone River runs from the Buffalo Bill Dam through an awesome canyon
bordered by Cedar and Rattlesnake Mountains through Cody, Wyoming, and
ultimately draining into Yellowtail Reservoir (fed primarily by the Bighorn
River).  
  
The Shoshone River offers many different types of recreational opportunities
such as fishing, floating, waterfowl, upland bird, and big game hunting,
hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and other dispersed recreational
activities.  
  
The majority of river activities are observed in the upper stretch of the
Shoshone, ranging from advanced kayaking at the Haden Arch (within the
Shoshone Canyon) to rafting from the boat ramps within Cody east to the
McCullough Peaks area. The BLM parcels along the Shoshone offer wonderful
access to the river and provides for exceptional outdoor recreation within and
outside of Cody.

The Shoshone River runs from the Buffalo Bill Dam through an awesome canyon bordered by Cedar and Rattlesnake Mountains through Cody, Wyoming, and ultimately draining into Yellowtail Reservoir (fed primarily by the Bighorn River). The Shoshone River offers many different types of recreational opportunities such as fishing, floating, waterfowl, upland bird, and big game hunting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and other dispersed recreational activities. The majority of river activities are observed in the upper stretch of the Shoshone, ranging from advanced kayaking at the Haden Arch (within the Shoshone Canyon) to rafting from the boat ramps within Cody east to the McCullough Peaks area. The BLM parcels along the Shoshone offer wonderful access to the river and provides for exceptional outdoor recreation within and outside of Cody.

Shoshone

The picturesque Bobcat/Houlihan Trailhead is a popular trailhead surrounded by
the magnificent Absaroka Mountains located deep in the South Fork Shoshone
River Valley. The trail features a moderately steep hike to the Shoshone
National Forest boundary, suitable for horseback riding and hiking.  
  
The trail begins near the South Fork of the Shoshone River and provides access
to trails along both Bobcat and Houlihan Creeks. Facilities at the trailhead
include an information kiosk, horse trailer parking, horse hitching rails, and
toilet facilities. Fishing access to the South Fork of the Shoshone River is
also available adjacent to the trailhead.  
  
Elevations ranging from 6,020 feet to 6,280 feet provide views of the South
Fork Shoshone River valley and Carter Mountain. Deer, moose, grizzly and black
bear, elk, antelope, bald eagles, and predators such as bobcats, coyotes, and
mountain lions may be seen throughout the area.  
  
Please note: Although there are no camping facilities here, camping is allowed
at the trailhead. This is grizzly bear country, so be bear aware and maintain
a clean campsite.

The picturesque Bobcat/Houlihan Trailhead is a popular trailhead surrounded by the magnificent Absaroka Mountains located deep in the South Fork Shoshone River Valley. The trail features a moderately steep hike to the Shoshone National Forest boundary, suitable for horseback riding and hiking. The trail begins near the South Fork of the Shoshone River and provides access to trails along both Bobcat and Houlihan Creeks. Facilities at the trailhead include an information kiosk, horse trailer parking, horse hitching rails, and toilet facilities. Fishing access to the South Fork of the Shoshone River is also available adjacent to the trailhead. Elevations ranging from 6,020 feet to 6,280 feet provide views of the South Fork Shoshone River valley and Carter Mountain. Deer, moose, grizzly and black bear, elk, antelope, bald eagles, and predators such as bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions may be seen throughout the area. Please note: Although there are no camping facilities here, camping is allowed at the trailhead. This is grizzly bear country, so be bear aware and maintain a clean campsite.

S.F. Shoshone River

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks