Pinedale
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We spent a few relaxing days camped at Fremont Lake in Pinedale, WY, soaking up the views and keeping things low-key. The lake was right by our campsite, offering easy access to beautiful lake views. We took the kayaks out for a casual paddle one afternoon. Coming back, the wind picked up fast and so did the waves. I wondered for a second if I made a wrong turn to the ocean. One wave even slapped up and soaked me.
Fremont Lake
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Each day we walked the loop around the CCC Ponds, a peaceful spot created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. They turned what used to be swampy overflow from Pine Creek into a network of ponds and trails that are perfect for a mellow stroll. We spotted sandpipers out there and several flighty yellow warblers who refused to stand still for a pic.
The highlight was the Museum of the Mountain Man. An impressive place that dives into the fur trade era when trappers came out west hunting beaver, trading with Native tribes, and often marrying Native women to build relationships and survive out here. The exhibits cover everything from gear and weapons to the wild rendezvous gatherings where everyone met up, both trappers and natives, to trade and party frontier style. The Rocky Mountain fur trade spanned roughly from 1820 to 1840, and tanked when European fashion shifted from beaver felt hats to silk hats.
We ventured out one afternoon to drive up Skyline Drive, which started with a short hike at Half Moon Lake. The wildflowers were out, and it was a nice stroll by the lake, though we did admittedly opt for the meandering wildlife trails for better lake views. After that, we continued up the road, stopping at the overlook for a great view of Fremont Lake. Farther up, a few more pullouts gave us some views of the Wind River Range.
We wrapped things up with dinner at Pitchfork Fondue, where they literally skewer your steak on an actual pitchfork and grill it over an open flame. Add some cowboy tunes and a mountain view, and it’s a pretty unforgettable meal. We leaned into the area's history by having a modern cowboy version of a fur trade cookout.
Laid back town, great lake, a bit of history, and a surprise splash of kayak drama.
The highlight was the Museum of the Mountain Man. An impressive place that dives into the fur trade era when trappers came out west hunting beaver, trading with Native tribes, and often marrying Native women to build relationships and survive out here. The exhibits cover everything from gear and weapons to the wild rendezvous gatherings where everyone met up, both trappers and natives, to trade and party frontier style. The Rocky Mountain fur trade spanned roughly from 1820 to 1840, and tanked when European fashion shifted from beaver felt hats to silk hats.
We ventured out one afternoon to drive up Skyline Drive, which started with a short hike at Half Moon Lake. The wildflowers were out, and it was a nice stroll by the lake, though we did admittedly opt for the meandering wildlife trails for better lake views. After that, we continued up the road, stopping at the overlook for a great view of Fremont Lake. Farther up, a few more pullouts gave us some views of the Wind River Range.
We wrapped things up with dinner at Pitchfork Fondue, where they literally skewer your steak on an actual pitchfork and grill it over an open flame. Add some cowboy tunes and a mountain view, and it’s a pretty unforgettable meal. We leaned into the area's history by having a modern cowboy version of a fur trade cookout.
Laid back town, great lake, a bit of history, and a surprise splash of kayak drama.