Overview
The Washakie Wilderness covers 704,000 acres of the southeastern Shoshone National Forest Wyoming's largest wilderness area and one of the most remote in the northern Rockies. Entering it via the Wiggins Fork provides access to the Absaroka Range in its most unmanaged expression: few trails, volcanic geology, and a scale that makes the adjacent Forest Service road feel like a distant memory within a mile of the trailhead.
The Shoshone National Forest administers this wilderness, and the contrast with the relatively accessible Wapiti Valley to the north is striking. While Yellowstone draws millions annually to the area, the Washakie's trails go days between parties. The 10-mile route via Wiggins Fork introduces the wilderness without requiring the full cross-country route-finding that the deeper Washakie demands, following a maintained trail through a dramatic canyon before climbing to an upper drainage viewpoint.
This is serious grizzly bear country. The Washakie lies adjacent to the Yellowstone core recovery area and has one of the denser grizzly populations in Wyoming. Bear spray should be immediately accessible at all times, not packed away. The USFS recommends traveling in groups and making noise in brushy terrain. Wildlife viewing elk, wolves, and grizzlies is exceptional here, particularly in fall.
The Route
Miles 0 to 3: Trailhead to Canyon
From the Wiggins Fork Trailhead, the trail enters the wilderness immediately, crossing the boundary at the trailhead register. The initial miles follow the creek through a canyon with volcanic walls that increase in drama as the trail penetrates deeper into the drainage. The trail is well-defined here, following the creek through cottonwood and willow at lower elevations and transitioning to conifer forest above the canyon floor.
Miles 3 to 5: Forest and Upper Viewpoint
Above the canyon, the trail climbs more steeply through dense spruce-fir forest toward the upper drainage viewpoint at mile 5. By mile 4.5, views open back down the canyon toward the Wind River country. The turnaround at mile 5 provides a natural rest point with views that extend toward the Absaroka peaks to the northwest. This is the logical day-hike destination; the trail continues into the backcountry for multi-day parties.
When to Visit
July through September is the reliable hiking window. The Wiggins Fork drainage can be muddy and buggy in June. September and October offer the best wildlife-watching conditions during the elk rut. Early-season snowstorms are possible by late September.
Before visiting, check current conditions and any bear management closures using the conditions-checking guide.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this route:
- Bear spray, immediately accessible
- 3 liters of water capacity with filter or purification tablets
- Full rain gear; Absaroka weather is variable
- Navigation tools: GPS with track and topo map; wilderness trail markers can be sparse
- Bear canister if camping overnight (see our bear canister guide)
- Insect repellent for June and early July visits
Individual needs vary. The remote character of this trail means self-sufficiency is more important than on trails closer to roads.
Practical Details
No permit is required for hiking or camping in the Washakie Wilderness as of 2026. Self-registration at the trailhead. Dispersed camping permitted throughout. Campfires may be restricted during dry conditions.
Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout. For more on what to expect in a national forest wilderness, see the national forest vs. national park guide.
Getting There
From Dubois, Wyoming (on US-26/287, approximately 55 miles east of Jackson), take US-26 east, then turn north on forest roads toward the Wiggins Fork drainage. The Wind River Ranger District in Dubois can provide current road numbers and trailhead directions. From Dubois, allow approximately 1 hour to the trailhead. Dubois has hotels, a grocery store, and basic gear supplies.