The Longest River In Wyoming Is Both Wild And Scenic
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Caryl
Author
This river in Wyoming snakes along the western portion of the state and is very appropriately named. Can you guess which river it is? It has earned the distinction as being the longest river in Wyoming and possesses the qualities of being both wild and scenic.
If you guessed Snake River then you are correct. Snake River is not only the longest river in Wyoming but it is the largest North American river to empty into the Pacific Ocean.
This 1,078 mile long river flows through Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. It is the 13th longest river in the United States.
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Abundant wildlife can be found in the upper Snake River Valley. Areas around Snake River are a great place to spot wildlife such as moose, bison and elk. Check out this bull elk crossing the Snake River.
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The river is formed by the confluence of three small headstreams of Two Oceans Plateau in western Wyoming.
The Snake River starts out in Yellowstone National Park, flows past Flagg Ranch, through John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and into Jackson Lake. It runs through Jackson Hole Valley between the Teton Range and the Continental Divide and finally into Grand Teton National Park.
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The river winds through Snake River Canyon and cuts through the Snake River Range before flowing into eastern Idaho.
The section from Jackson Lake Dam to Pacific Creek provides calm water and scenic views. This section is framed by the Grand Tetons and Oxbow Bend provides plenty of opportunities for viewing wildlife.
The current picks up in the Pacific Creek to Deadman's Bar section due to a descending water flow. This section consists of braided channels and a beautiful view of the Cathedral Group of the Tetons.
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Deadman's Bar to Moose Landing is the most difficult section due to the steeper drops, strong currents and complex braiding channels.
This image was made famous by Ansel Adams who took this iconic photo from the Snake River Overlook back in 1942.
Snake River is also home to a unique species of cutthroat trout also known as the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout.
For other rivers in the state, check out There’s Something Incredible About These 11 Rivers In Wyoming.
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