Wapiti Ranger Station, Ranger station in Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, US
Wapiti Ranger Station is a forest ranger outpost in Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, featuring a single-story log building with a gabled roof that was later expanded with modern additions into a U-shaped layout. The facility provides visitors with forest information, maps, and trail guidance.
The station was built in 1903 and became the first United States Forest Service ranger station funded with federal money. This milestone started a new chapter in how the nation managed and protected its forests at the federal level.
The building reflects early Forest Service values through its use of local timber and straightforward construction that visitors can still see today. The handcrafted wooden beams and simple design show how rangers chose to build practical structures that blended with their surroundings.
The station sits roughly 30 miles west of Cody along US Route 14/16/20, accessible by car on a well-maintained road. Visitors should know the station operates year-round, though winter snowfall may occasionally affect access to the area.
The original 1903 building still operates today and remains in active ranger use, making it a living example of early federal forest management. A traditional rail fence with wooden posts surrounds the property, giving the place a window into the past.
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