Shoshone National Forest
The Shoshone National Forest was established in 1891 as part of the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve. With over 2.4 million acres of varied terrain ranging from sagebrush flats to rugged mountains, this vast landscape provides a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities. more info
Yellowstone National Park is located on the western border of Shoshone National Forest. From there, it encompasses the area from the Montana state line south to Lander, Wyoming, which includes portions of the Absaroka, Wind River, and Beartooth Ranges. The western boundary south of Yellowstone runs along the Continental Divide
Elevations on the Shoshone range from 4,600 feet at the mouth of the spectacular Clarks Fork Canyon to 13,804 feet atop Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highest. The higher mountains of this National Forest are snow-capped for most of the year. There are immense areas of exposed rock that are intertwined with gentle meadows and thick forests.
Those who hike into the back country or drive through the North Fork of the Shoshone River Canyon or over the Beartooth Plateau agree that the varied scenery is second to none. All Yellowstone National Park visitors entering from the east or northeast travel through the Shoshone National Forest. There are many resorts and dude ranches within or near the Forest that provide food, lodging, guide and outfitting services. Be sure to spend some time venturing out into the landscape of the Shoshone National Forest.
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