Green River Lakes

The Green River Lakes form the headwaters of the Green River--the same Green River that flows through Flaming Gorge, Dinosaur and Canyonlands National Park.  Lower Green River Lake with the backdrop of Squaretop Mountain forms one on the most photogenic vistas in the state of Wyoming.  Located at the northwest corner of the reclusive Wind River Range--outside of any national park boundary--the Green River Lakes are far less known and less visited than the more familiar scenes of the Tetons and Yellowstone.  From the Cirque of the Towers in the south to Titcomb Basin in the north, the 80-mile long Wind River Range features some of the most remote, wild and dramatic terrain of the lower 48 states.  The Green River Lakes are no exception.  

Lower Green River Lake with Squaretop Mountain beyond

The western flank of the Wind Rivers is home to several large, natural, glacially formed lakes--the largest of which (Fremont Lake) is 12 miles long and up to 600 feet deep.  Lower Green River Lake, significantly smaller, is better proportioned for human-powered paddle craft.  The Green River Lakes Recreation Site is 50 miles north of Pinedale, WY along mostly unpaved road.  Despite the distance, the road is in decent condition and the miles pass surprisingly smoothly.  The northern half of the road is public land and has many pleasant and scenic dispersed camping sites in the rolling meadows between the Wind River Range foothills and the meandering Green River.  There is also a forest service campground at the lake.  Bears inhabit this area, so camp responsibly.

 

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 5
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Low-moderate
    Fee: None for day use
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev: 7975; minimal variation; natural

    Rec info

    Weather

Rocky Mountain and Estes Park

Majestic Rocky Mountain National Park is an immensely popular tourist destination that many locals avoid during peak season.  For the 2021 season, the park is planning to a timed entry system from 5/28/2021 through 10/11/2021.  Off-season is still busy but can offer a more leisurely experience if you get a little creative with when you visit.  We recommend visiting on a weekday, even in the off-season.  

The current published policy on watercraft is buried at the bottom of the park's fishing regulations, and allows non-motorized crafts on all park waters except Bear Lake.  There are a handful of nice paddleboarding lakes in the park that are both close to a road and area not Bear Lake.  The park has specific fishing regulations for different water bodies within the park, so carefully review the fishing page if you plan to bring a rod.  A parks entrance permit ($25/daily) or annual pass is required for all waters and trails.  

Lake Estes with Lumpy Ridge beyond

Estes Park--the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain--also features a pleasant paddleboarding destination in Lake Estes.  Lake Estes is a great backup plan for days when parking or entry to Rocky Mountain proves difficult, or when conditions higher up are less pleasant.  With a larger water surface and rentals available, it's also a great destination on its own.  Scroll to the end of the post for info on Lake Estes. 

Wellington Lake

Tranquil Wellington Lake is nestled in the rolling pine forests south of Bailey.  A well-recognized rocky peak called The Castle adds to the scenic backdrop of this inviting location.  Wellington Lake is 12 miles south of Bailey on County Road 68.  It is also quite close to the Buffalo Creek mountain bike trail network, and makes for a nice post-ride excursion after a day in the saddle. 

Wellington Lake and The Castle

Starting June 2021, Wellington Lake will be implementing an online reservation-only system for summertime day use, accessed here.  Camping is also available at the lake and can be reserved online as well.  However, sites may book up quickly in the summer due to the lake's popularity.  Dispersed camping is also permitted at designated sites in the Buffalo Creek mountain bike area, such as Forest Roads 550 and 554.  These areas are also popular on weekends.  

Vicinity Map

    Location info: [key]

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Moderate-High
    Fee: $14/person
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev = 8000; Best near full

    Rec. map

    Rec. info

    Weather

Wellington Lake is privately owned and operated, but has been open to public enjoyment for decades. Considering how many private lakes are not open to public, it's refreshing that Wellington Lake continues to be shared as a recreational gem for the region. The day use and camping fees collected here help the operator to sustain its presence in our mountains.

Day Use area at Wellington Lake

Wellington Lake

Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available at the lake during the summer. This makes Wellington Lake a great place to introduce family or friends to the sport as part of a larger, varied outing. A signed waiver and PFD are required for all paddling activities, whether rented or brought. Local hiking trails and a waterfall add to the diversions around the lake's perimeter.

Springtime mountain backdrop at Wellington Lake

The water can be quite cold in the spring, so PFD usage is prudent. The lake also has enough wind exposure to make for choppy conditions mid-lake. If the water is cold and a breeze exists, it's always a good option to sit or kneel on the paddleboard for a lower center of gravity.  But, as the top photo shows, conditions can just as easily be still and glassy.  Consider a wetsuit during the early season (before June) in case of an inadvertent dip, especially if still building comfort with the board.  For more information on cold water considerations, browse through the  safety page.  Have fun exploring the area, and stay safe on the water!

Please feel free to add observations of current conditions to the comments!