A Hidden Gem in Wyoming’s Absaroka Foothills
Flowing out of the high Absaroka Mountains west of Meeteetse, the Wood River is one of Wyoming’s most beautiful and least-traveled waterways. Remote, wild, and steeped in both natural and human history, this clear mountain stream winds through meadows, cottonwood groves, and canyons offering a perfect escape for anglers, campers, hikers, and anyone seeking the kind of solitude you only find in the true West.
Whether you’re fly fishing its cool currents, hiking the rugged backcountry, or just driving the scenic Wood River Road, the Wood River delivers a deeply authentic Wyoming experience quiet, untamed, and unforgettable.
A River Born in the Wilderness
The Wood River begins high in the Absaroka Range, just east of Yellowstone National Park, in one of the most remote corners of the Shoshone National Forest. From its alpine headwaters, it travels eastward through forests, foothills, and open range country before joining the Greybull River near Meeteetse.
The landscape it carves is nothing short of spectacular. Towering volcanic cliffs, rolling sagebrush hills, and broad valleys full of wildlife form a dramatic and varied corridor that’s as rich in scenery as it is in solitude.
A Fly Fisher’s Retreat
For anglers, the Wood River is a hidden gem of a trout stream. Cold, clear, and lightly fished, it offers excellent opportunities to catch Yellowstone cutthroat trout, along with rainbow and brook trout in its upper reaches. Many stretches are on public land, with access via pullouts and trailheads along Forest Road 200 (Wood River Road).
Fishing here is rarely crowded often you’ll have entire stretches of river to yourself, with nothing but the sound of water, wind, and birds for company. Dry fly fishing in late summer and fall can be especially rewarding.
Keep in mind that parts of the river run through private ranchlands, so always respect signage and boundaries, or check in with local outfitters for access tips or guided trips.
A Road Into the Wild
The Wood River Road (FR 200) is a destination in itself. Beginning just west of Meeteetse, it follows the river deep into the Absaroka foothills, offering sweeping mountain views, excellent wildlife watching, and access to trailheads, campgrounds, and even historic ghost towns like Kerwin.
The road is generally well-graded gravel, but conditions can vary especially in spring or after storms. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended if you’re heading all the way to the end of the road or into the backcountry.
For those who prefer to camp, there are numerous dispersed sites and small forest campgrounds along the river, often right next to the water. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend of fly fishing, stargazing, and unplugging from the world.
Wildlife and Wilderness
The Wood River corridor is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Moose, elk, deer, black bears, bald eagles, and the occasional grizzly can all be spotted here, particularly in the early morning or evening hours. Birdwatchers will find a range of raptors and songbirds, and the wildflowers in spring and early summer are spectacular.
This is true wilderness country and it’s important to come prepared. Cell service is limited, and visitors should carry bear spray, practice proper food storage, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help keep the area pristine.
A Place That Stays With You
The Wood River isn’t flashy or famous, and that’s part of what makes it so special. It offers the kind of authentic, unpolished beauty that Wyoming does best a landscape shaped by time, weather, and silence.
Whether you come to fish, hike, explore, or simply sit by the water with a good book and a view of the mountains, the Wood River will leave its mark. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deep, and remember what it feels like to be fully present in wild country.
So if you’re exploring the Meeteetse area or looking to venture off the beaten path, let the Wood River guide you west into a place where the maps get quiet and the river keeps flowing.
Big Horn Basin Explorer 
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