Wyoming is world-famous for its national parks, and as a result, many of our state parks get completely overlooked by travelers coming through the Cowboy State. Make it a point to check them out and you'll fall in love with these hidden gems! Bear River State Park in Evanston is one that's worth the drive for a family-friendly day trip.
Bear River State Park is tucked away in the southwestern corner of Wyoming, right off of I-80.
The park is a popular spot for road-trippers to stop and enjoy a picnic, and it's become a favorite day-trip destination for people in the Salt Lake City area, too!
The river itself is the main attraction at the park, and you'll see kids wading in it and fly fishers casting their line, hoping to catch Wyoming trout.
The park is a wonderland of lush green wetlands and forest, which is a break from the typical sagebrush flats you see if you're traveling I-80 from the east, heading west!
Bear River State Park is great for the entire family. There are playgrounds for children, and exercises along the walking paths to help get your blood pumping!
Say hello (from a safe distance!) and get a good look at these beautiful beasts that once roamed the land in huge numbers. Now, conservation programs seek to re-establish herds.
There's even a small museum on the property that shows off a replica wagon and lots of information about local history and wildlife. If you like to learn, you'll love it!
A visit to Bear River State Park is sure to be the highlight of any trip down towards Evanston, and it's a bit of a hidden gem that's sure to capture your heart.
In the age of social media, it's no secret that the masses tend to flock to the most unsecretive of locations - often searching for that perfect post-worthy photo. We know all too well how popular our state's national parks have become in recent years! But Wyoming's state parks, preserves, and national monuments are all worth a visit as well, and it's in these humble, little-visited places that we find some of the most scenic and rejuvenating rewards. In total, Wyoming may only have 12 state parks to its name, but they each showcase an incredible amount of beauty and diversity that can't be found anywhere else.
advertisement
At Edness K. Wilkins State Park near Evansville, you’ll find refreshing scenery, awesome adventures, plenty of wildlife, and way fewer crowds than you'd expect for being right in the heart of Wyoming. For a picture-perfect escape into nature, this quiet state park is one of the best places to be!
Edness K. Wilkins State Park is a natural haven nestled beside the North Platte River just a short drive from Casper. It's relatively petite at only 362 acres but offers a fantastic respite for nature lovers despite its small footprint.
Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the landscape while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding are particularly popular!
Bird watchers will delight in spotting various avian species along the riverbanks. Keep an eye out for eagles, herons, ibis, warblers, sparrows, and a variety of birds as they gracefully navigate the skies and water.
We aren't exaggerating when we say that this park is a bird watcher's mecca. The Audubon Society of Wyoming lists Edness K. Wilkins State Park, which is situated along the Migratory Flyaway, as a prime region for rare birdlife. Up to 100 different species can be seen in any season and there's no bad time to visit!
Visitors will love that Edness K. Wilkins boasts a number of hiking trails that wind through the varied terrain. These trails provide opportunities to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from riverbanks to wooded areas - all of which are prime areas for different types of birds. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, there’s a trail suited to your pace and preferences.
While Edness Wilkins is primarily a day-use area, the park is all about bringing nature and nature lovers together. Throughout the year, you'll find group hikes, waterfront outdoor movies, all-ages nature crafts, stargazing events, and more.
Keep an eye on the Edness K. Wilkins State Park Facebook page for upcoming special events, or check out the Wyoming State Parks website for details on park amenities, group areas, and fees.
What are your favorite places to eat and play in the Evansville area?
Next, drive to nearby Alcova for a trip back in time all the way back to Oregon Trail days! The Devil's Gate is a one-of-a-kind formation that isn't just surrounded by history - it's literally a part of it.
We'll say it time and time again - there's truly no place on earth like the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. If you think that Yellowstone is all tourists and crowded trails, you just have to get a little more creative in your exploring! Take Dunanda Falls Hot Springs, for example. This remote Yellowstone National Park backcountry hot spring is one place where you can truly get away from it all in a magical setting.
advertisement
To discover more incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations across America, Destination Detour has you covered.
Dunanda Falls is one of many Yellowstone backcountry cascades. Shown here is Boundary Creek, which tumbles 150 feet and is a stunning waterfall that belongs on every hiker's bucket list. However, you must keep in mind it's a long trek to get here — nearly 17 miles round trip. But it's worth it, and you'll see why!
Heading into Yellowstone's backcountry can be a daunting experience, but if you truly want to get to know the greater ecosystem, there's no better way to do it. For a truly rewarding adventure, hike from the Lone Star Geyser Basin or Bechler Ranger Station to Dunanda Falls Hot Springs.
The most common route to Dunanda Falls in Yellowstone departs from the Bechler Ranger Station and takes you 17 miles out and back through some of the most remote wilderness in Wyoming. There is minimal elevation gain along the trail, and you'll mostly be hiking through forests and meadows.
advertisement
This area does often close for bear management, so be aware, and be sure to secure permits before heading out.
If you're not one for backcountry hiking, there are outfitters offering pack trips to Dunanda Falls Hot Springs. This is the safest way to get back to this beautiful hot spring with seasoned hikers.
Wildland Trekking offers llama hikes through this beautiful backcountry! The llamas will carry most of your gear and you'll end up enjoying a relaxing trip through the wilderness along with experienced guides.
To learn more about the multi-day hot spring waterfall trip, visit the Wildland Trekking website.
You'll get to experience the beauty of the backcountry without having to strike out on your own! This is the perfect trip for anyone who is hesitant to head into the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem alone, or for inexperienced backcountry campers.
If you plan on camping anywhere near Dunanda Falls in Yellowstone, you'll have to settle for backcountry camping. Throughout this national park are a total of 293 backcountry campsites with a maximum stay of 1-3 nights. Each campsite has a food storage box or pole as a deterrent to bears. Peak camping season is between May 15 and Oct. 31 while the off-season is Nov. 1 through May 14. Take a look at the backcountry campsite map and visit Recreation.gov to obtain a backcountry permit.
While camping is popular within Yellowstone, there are several lodges within its borders you can book. Take, for example, Old Faithful Inn, perhaps the closest lodge to Dunanda Falls. This lodge is a National Historic Landmark that's considered one of the largest log cabins in the wold and boasts having over 327 rooms. On site are a restaurant, a lounge, and several accessible public areas.
Another lodging option within the park is Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins. This hotel with cabins is open seasonally between mid-May and early October. Cabins have showers, heat, and two double beds. They are also pet-friendly. On site you'll find dining options, Lake Yellowstone views, and access to lake activities through the hotel.
While camping and lodging are always options, you may want to stay on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park instead. One incredible vacation rental is the Luxury Mountain Modern near Yellowstone. This stunning cabin in Cody boasts 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a stone fireplace, 18-foot ceilings, and 5 acres giving you all the peace and quiet your heart could desire.
Head a bit further south and you can stay in Dubois at the Fisherman's Cabin on the Anderson Ranch. Surrounded by 40 acres set on the Wind River, this remote retreat is studio-style with two beds and one bathroom and river views from its porch. Sounds heavenly to me!
When you finally arrive at the falls via backcountry hiking, you'll be in awe of what awaits! At the base of Dunanda Falls, naturally heated hot spring pools invite you in for a relaxing soak. The pools' temperatures average around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for a steamy soak.
While the trek to get here takes you through some of the most pristine wilderness in Wyoming, the highlight of the journey will undoubtedly be the time spent soaking at Dunanda Falls.
Can't you just picture yourself here? The mist of the falls splashing down into the naturally heated water makes for a refreshing soak, and when the light is right, you'll find yourself looking at a beautiful rainbow.
If you're looking for a truly memorable adventure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where you'll avoid the crowds and soak in a natural hot spring, it's hard to top a visit to this beautiful waterfall.
You can check the status of backcountry conditions online. As always, carry bear mace, make noise, and hang or store food and other fragrant items properly.
First time visiting Yellowstone National Park? How exciting! Check out this video for common questions and answers related to visiting our U.S. National Parks:
