Welcome to the Shoshone National Forest

America's first National Forest

Home to 2.4 million acres of rugged backcountry, historic areas, and beautiful alpine lakes. From hiking to hunting to camping and mountain biking, the Shoshone National Forest has it all.

Find your Adventure

Named after the Shoshoni people who have called this area of northwestern Wyoming home for thousands of years, the Shoshone National Forest is filled with special places. With more than 1.4 million acres of congressionally designated wilderness, the Shoshone National Forest is an integral part of the 10-million acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

  • Recreation

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    The Shoshone National Forest offers over 1,300 miles of trails, 32 campgrounds, and 11 picnic sites. Four scenic byways traverse the Forest, offering spectacular views of rugged mountain peaks, expansive plateaus awash in wildflowers, glaciers, rivers and streams, and unparalleled wildlife watching.

  • Passes & Permits

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    Passes and permits are needed for activities such as collecting firewood, cutting Christmas trees, commercial filming and other special events.

  • Maps & Publications

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    The Shoshone National Forest publishes a variety of map products to help you plan and enjoy your visit. Maps and brochures are available online with even more options available at Shoshone National Forest offices.

Features

Loop Road Decks Timber Sale

Sealed bids for the Loop Road Decks Timber Sale will be opened at 3:00 p.m. on June 15, 2023, at the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest Supervisor's Office, North Timber Zone, 2468 Jackson Street, Laramie, WY 82070.

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The story of the North Fork Shoshone River in spawning season

North Fork Shoshone River Trout

High in the North Absaroka Wilderness of the Shoshone National Forest, a river begins. Primarily fed by snowmelt, enhanced by springs and sometimes rainfall, the North Fork Shoshone River winds its way downstream through about 50 miles of Absaroka volcanics until it joins the South Fork Shoshone River at Buffalo Bill Reservoir. 

While many are familiar with the North Fork Shoshone River corridor as a great place to spot a grizzly, view a band of bighorn sheep, or hike along one of the dozens of trails, for a few, the primary draw is the unique fishery that exists. The river has a rich history and many stories to tell; this one is about the North Fork Shoshone fishery. 

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