What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Outlaw Cave Trail
This trail descends into the Middle Fork Canyon and passes near one of the caves that were once used as a hideout by outlaws.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Cloud Peak Wilderness Area Trail
One of the more popular hikes in the area, this trail offers beautiful views of the landscape.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Mirror Lake and Lost Twin Lakes Trail
This beautiful, dog-friendly trail offers gorgeous views of the lakes and also provides plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Length: 10.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Saddle Overlook
This trail can be a bit steep in places, but it offers beautiful views. Since it’s not as popular as other trails in the area, it’s often quiet and peaceful.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
Crazy Woman Moose Loop
This trail is quite steep in places, but it offers excellent views at the highest point.
Length: 1.6 miles
Intensity: Hard
Fishing and Boating
One of the best spots for fishing in the region is right at the Middle Fork Powder River. The Powder River is perfect for trout fishing, and both brown and rainbow trout are frequently caught. Anglers can fish from the banks, but fly-fishing is also very popular in the area.
Climbing
Rock climbing enthusiasts can head to the nearby Eastern Bighorn crags. These crags offer over 700 routes, mostly traditional in style. The routes vary in difficulty, so you can choose something that suits you or practice different techniques. The area is also excellent for bouldering. Crazy Woman Canyon also offers many single-pitch sport climbing routes.
Wildlife Viewing
The Middle Fork Powder River area is itself excellent for spotting wildlife, as is the Ed O. Taylor Wildlife Habitat Management Area, which is not far from the Powder River area. Animals native to the area include mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, bears, eagles, migratory birds, and even mountain lions. The Ed O. Taylor Wildlife Habitat Management Area is best visited in the summer or fall as it’s closed for wildlife protection from January through the middle of May.
Picnicking
The Kaycee Rest Area, located in Kaycee, which is the closest town to the Middle Fork Powder River area, is a good option for a picnic. There are picnic tables and shelters, and the area opens onto a large grassy space. The Lake Point Picnic Site also has picnic tables and offers gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding scenery.
