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Platte River Wilderness
Platte River Wilderness mainly lies within the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming, but also includes a small portion within the Routt National Forest in Colorado. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is located on the Brush Creek/Hayden, Laramie and Parks Ranger Districts. Average elevation is 7,700 feet.
The United States Congress designated the Platte River Wilderness in 1984 and it has a total of 23,492 acres. Colorado contains approximately 743 acres. Wyoming contains approximately 22,749 acres.
The North Platte River features blue-ribbon trout fishing, as well as rafting and kayaking. North Gate Canyon is a popular white-water rafting section of water. Douglas Creek is also noted for its' excellent trout fishing opportunities. Hiking, backpacking and hunting are other popular activities.
Dispersed camping opportunities are widespread or several developed campgrounds are nearby, such as Six Mile Gap Campground and Pelton Creek Campground.
The Douglas Creek Trail follows the creek for 9.5 miles through an open canyon with trailheads at both ends. You can hike a loop from the Pelton Creek Trailhead by exiting the Douglas Creek Trail to return via the Platte River Trail.
Elk and deer find excellent winter habitat in this Wilderness area.
- Wilderness.net page for Platte River Wilderness
Trails/Trailheads that access the Platte River Wilderness include:
- Douglas Creek Trail
- Pelton Creek Trailhead
- Pike Pole Trailhead
- Platte River Trail
- Routt Access Trailhead
- Six Mile Trailhead
Select 'Hiking' on the Brush Creek/Hayden, Laramie and/or Parks Ranger Districts' Recreation pages for a complete list of trails.
At a Glance
| Restrictions: | Please review wilderness regulations. |
|---|---|
| Water: | Treat all non-potable water before consuming. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Brush Creek/Hayden, Laramie and/or Parks Ranger Districts |
General Information
General Notes:Topo maps
Forest Service Topography Maps: These maps overlay Forest Service assets, such as roads, trails, and campgrounds, on USGS's topographic maps. They are available for download by quadrangle.
Buy maps online
National Forest Store: Offers a full, nationwide selection of National Forest, Ranger District, Wilderness, and Specialty Maps for purchase online or by phone, fax, and mail.
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for additional maps and information about Wilderness.
Activities
Dispersed Camping
River and Stream Fishing
The North Platte River is classified as a blue-ribbon trout stream by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). Fish species present include brook, brown and rainbow trout. Douglas Creek also offers good fishing opportunities.
Special fishing regulations apply to the North Platte River upstream of Saratoga, Wyoming. For additional information regarding fishing and boating regulations, contact the WGFD in Laramie or Cheyenne.
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Horse Riding
Big Game Hunting
Small Game Hunting
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Viewing Scenery
Boating - Non-Motorized
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Caring for the Land
