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The Washakie Wilderness forms the eastern flank of the Continental Divide in the southern Absaroka Range, directly south of the Thorofare. It's a wild, untamed landscape of high plateaus, deep river valleys, and dense conifer forests, offering immense solitude. What makes it special is its isolation; it's one of the largest roadless areas in the Lower 48, meaning any buck taken here is truly earned. Access is primarily from trailheads near Dubois or through the East Fork drainage, requiring significant pack-in efforts, often 10-20 miles. Best hunting is typically late September to mid-October, taking advantage of crisp fall weather and early deer movements. This unit is for the extremely self-reliant, experienced backpacker who is comfortable navigating remote, rugged terrain. Standard Wyoming deer tags are needed; wilderness permits may be required depending on your exact entry point. Trade-offs include extreme remoteness, significant grizzly bear presence, and highly unpredictable weather that can quickly turn a pleasant day into a survival situation. River crossings can also be formidable. **Highlights** * One of the largest contiguous wilderness areas in the US * Excellent potential for finding unpressured, mature mule deer bucks * True wilderness experience with immense solitude * Abundant wildlife, including elk, moose, and sheep * Challenging but rewarding terrain for experienced adventurers **Watch-outs** * Extreme remoteness and multi-day pack-in/pack-out logistics * High density of grizzly bears, requiring vigilant bear awareness * Severe, rapidly changing mountain weather conditions * Difficult river crossings, especially during high water * Lack of easy exit points in case of emergency
Pros
- One of the largest, most remote wilderness experiences in the Lower 48
- Excellent potential for unpressured, mature mule deer bucks
- Abundant and diverse wildlife, including elk, moose, sheep
- True solitude and deep immersion in wild landscapes
- Incredibly rewarding for experienced, self-reliant adventurers
Cons
- Extreme remoteness with multi-day pack-in requirements
- High density of grizzly bears demands constant vigilance
- Unpredictable, rapidly changing mountain weather conditions
- Difficult river crossings, especially at high water levels
- Lack of easy emergency egress due to isolation
Best uses
- Experienced wilderness backpacking
- Remote high-country mule deer hunting
- Wildlife viewing for patient observers
- Serious solitude and self-reliance training
- Expedition-style backcountry travel
Specifications
- Location
- Southern Absaroka Range, Wyoming
- Designation
- Wilderness Area
- Primary Access
- Dubois, East Fork Drainage
- Terrain
- High plateaus, deep valleys, dense forest
- Roadless Area
- One of largest in Lower 48
- Typical Season
- Late September – Mid-October
Best for
Experienced wilderness backpacking, Remote high-country mule deer hunting, Wildlife viewing for patient observers, Serious solitude and self-reliance training, Expedition-style backcountry travel
The Washakie Wilderness, encompassing units 99 and 101, stands as a formidable expanse on the eastern flank of the Continental Divide, deep within Wyoming's southern Absaroka Range. Directly south of the famous Thorofare, this area represents one of the largest continuous roadless tracts remaining in the Lower 48. It's a landscape sculpted by high plateaus, carved by deep river valleys, and blanketed by dense conifer forests, offering an unparalleled sense of solitude for those willing to earn it. Access demands serious commitment, with primary entry points near Dubois or through the East Fork drainage, often requiring pack-in distances of 10 to 20 miles. This is not a casual destination; it's tailor-made for the supremely self-reliant and experienced backpacker comfortable navigating truly remote, rugged terrain. Successfully tackling the Washakie means embracing its isolation and understanding its challenges. The rewards, however, are substantial: a true wilderness experience, unpressured wildlife, and the satisfaction of navigating one of the continent's wildest corners. It’s an area where the elements dictate the terms, and preparedness is not just recommended, it’s essential for safety and success. Every mile gained feels earned, every vista hard-won, contributing to an outdoor experience that few other places can match in intensity or authenticity.
Geography & Terrain
This wilderness is defined by its rugged, high-country character. Expect a mix of vast, open plateaus at elevation, deeply incised river valleys, and expansive conifer forests dominating the landscape. Elevations vary significantly, demanding constant ascent and descent. The topography creates numerous hidden basins and draws, providing excellent cover for wildlife but also challenging navigation. While trails exist, they often fade, are unmaintained, or are simply game trails, requiring strong route-finding skills. The sense of scale here is immense, offering endless remote pockets for exploration away from any signs of human development.
Best Season & Weather
The prime window for experiencing the Washakie Wilderness typically runs from late September through mid-October. During this period, the crisp fall weather often provides stable conditions, though this is mountain country, so rapid changes are always possible. Snow can fall at any time, even in summer, but this autumn window generally coincides with clearer skies and cooler temperatures, ideal for strenuous activity. Expect freezing nights and cool days. Early season (July-August) can be warm, but high-water river crossings and increased insect activity are factors. Late season presents a greater risk of severe winter storms.
Wildlife Encounters
The Washakie is a living testament to healthy North American ecosystems. It supports a robust population of mule deer, often mature and unpressured due to the remoteness. Beyond deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep are common sightings, particularly in higher, more open country. However, the most significant wildlife consideration is the grizzly bear. This area boasts a high density of grizzlies, demanding meticulous bear awareness, proper food storage, and carrying bear spray as standard protocol. Other carnivores like wolves and mountain lions also inhabit the region, adding to the truly wild experience.
Routes & Access
Access points are primarily concentrated near Dubois, Wyoming, or through the East Fork drainage. These trailheads typically require a multi-day commitment just to reach the deeper wilderness areas. Routes are often long, challenging, and involve significant elevation changes. Expect to navigate some unmaintained trails or follow game paths, demanding good map and compass skills or reliable GPS. River crossings can be substantial, especially during high water. There are no easy exit points; contingency planning for emergencies is paramount. This unit is about earning every mile and every view.
Permits & Regulations
Standard Wyoming deer tags are required for hunting in Units 99/101, obtained through the state's draw system. As a designated wilderness area, specific regulations apply concerning group size, mechanized travel (prohibited), and Leave No Trace principles. While formal wilderness permits may not be universally required for all entry points, it's crucial to check with the Shoshone National Forest or Wyoming Game and Fish Department for the most current regulations specific to your intended access and activities. Respect for the land and its wildlife is paramount in this protected environment.
How we picked
We built this ranking from trip reports, agency data, permit records, and our editors' own time on the ground. 10 places made the final cut out of a much longer working list, and each one had to clear the same set of criteria before it earned a spot.
- Quality of the terrain
- Landscape, route variety, and whether the place rewards multiple days rather than one overlook.
- Season and weather windows
- How long the reliable window is, and how badly the shoulder seasons punish a bad forecast.
- Access and permits
- Trailhead logistics, permit odds, quotas, and how much lead time a trip realistically takes.
- Solitude vs. crowding
- How far you have to walk before the place feels like wilderness instead of a queue.
- Wildlife and ecology
- What you can reasonably expect to see, and what you have to plan around.
- Risk and skill required
- Navigation, water crossings, exposure, and rescue distance — stated plainly.
Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101) — frequently asked questions
- Is Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101) worth the trip?
- We rank it #6 in WY Mule Deer Backpacking Units. The Washakie Wilderness forms the eastern flank of the Continental Divide in the southern Absaroka Range, directly south of the Thorofare. It's a wild, untamed landscape of high plateaus, deep river valleys, and dense conifer forests, offering immense solitude.
- Who is Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101) best for?
- Best for experienced wilderness backpacking, remote high-country mule deer hunting, wildlife viewing for patient observers and serious solitude and self-reliance training. Standouts: one of the largest, most remote wilderness experiences in the lower 48 and excellent potential for unpressured, mature mule deer bucks.
- What are the drawbacks of Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101)?
- Extreme remoteness with multi-day pack-in requirements, High density of grizzly bears demands constant vigilance and Unpredictable, rapidly changing mountain weather conditions.
- What are the key details for Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101)?
- Location: Southern Absaroka Range, Wyoming · Designation: Wilderness Area · Primary Access: Dubois, East Fork Drainage · Terrain: High plateaus, deep valleys, dense forest · Roadless Area: One of largest in Lower 48
- Geography & Terrain — what should I know about the Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101)?
- This wilderness is defined by its rugged, high-country character. Expect a mix of vast, open plateaus at elevation, deeply incised river valleys, and expansive conifer forests dominating the landscape.
- Best Season & Weather — what should I know about the Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101)?
- The prime window for experiencing the Washakie Wilderness typically runs from late September through mid-October. During this period, the crisp fall weather often provides stable conditions, though this is mountain country, so rapid changes are always possible.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101), Wyoming, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Washakie Wilderness, Cody, WY 82414, USA · 44.417, -109.959
Wildlife found around Washakie Wilderness (Units 99/101)
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