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Photo Credit:
Cody Thomas | IG: @codyjthomas | Original Post: July 17, 2016

Island Lake | Wind River Mountain Range | Pinedale, Wyoming, USA
Island Lake | Wind River Mountain Range | Pinedale, Wyoming, USA

At a Glance:

Location:Wind River Mountain Range
Pinedale, Wyoming, USA
Trail or Landmark Name / Map:Island Lake
Parking Coordinates:43.003499,-109.7525551
Photo Coordinates:43.08068,-109.6352481
Distance:24.2 miles round trip, Out-and-Back
Time to Complete:16+ hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Elevation Gain:3,530 ft
Quick Facts:✔ Free
✔ Dog Friendly
✔ Restrooms Available (at trailhead)
✖ Kid Friendly
✖ Bike Friendly
✖ Wheelchair Accessible

Description:

The photographer posted this photo on July 17, 2016.

Island Lake is located in the Wind River Mountain Range in Wyoming, and is a 24.2-mile round trip hike. It’s possible to complete the hike in one day, but many people split the hike into two or more days in order to take their time and enjoy the area.

Start at the parking lot at Elkhart Park, about 15 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming, by Google Mapping to “Sacred Rim Trailhead, Pinedale, WY.” This trailhead will lead you into the Pole Creek Trail.

Driving Directions: From Pinedale, WY, start at the intersection of Pine Street (US 191) and North Tyler Ave. Drive 0.3 miles east on US 191 and then bear left onto Fremont Lake Road. Continue for 14.3 miles (after 3 miles, the road will become Skyline Drive / Forest Service Road 370740). Turn right into the parking lot for Elkhart Park / Pole Creek Trail. The trailhead is located at the northeast end of the parking lot.

Begin hiking from the Sacred Rim Trailhead / Pole Creek Trailhead. After hiking 5.3 miles, take the Seneca Lake Trail to the left for 3.5 miles. You will pass Hobbs, Seneca Lake and Little Seneca Lake. There are some amazing views as you start to reach the Seneca Lake area. From the Little Seneca Lake Trail, take the Indian Pass Trail for 1.7 miles to arrive at Island Lake.

With the exception of the first 5 miles, there are plenty of places to replenish your water (filter recommended). There are also camping areas at Seneca Lake, about halfway to Island Lake.

Helpful Links:

Trail Map
Trail Reviews on AllTrails.com
Trail Information on VisitPinedale.org
Trail Information on HikingWalking.com

Additional Images:

Google Earth view from the photo coordinates
Parking area