Platte River Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Carbon County, Wyoming.
Platte River Wilderness is a protected forest area spanning two states with deep canyons, rocky mountains, and the North Platte River running through its heart. The terrain blends riverside flats, steep canyon walls, and forested slopes that create a varied natural landscape.
Congress protected this section in 1984 as part of the Medicine Bow National Forest to preserve the natural river system and forests. The designation ensured that the land would remain free from development and motorized use.
Indigenous peoples relied on these lands for hunting and traveling through the river valleys for thousands of years. Today you can still find signs of these ancient routes winding through the canyons and forests.
Visitors should prepare for backcountry conditions and bring their own water and food since no supplies are available inside. Keep in mind that motorized vehicles, bicycles, and modern equipment are not permitted, so you can only travel on foot or horseback.
The Mullen Fire of 2020 drastically changed the landscape by burning large forest areas within the wilderness, demonstrating how fire shapes natural ecosystems. Today visitors encounter a mosaic of charred trees and regenerating plants that reveals nature's capacity to rebuild after devastation.
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