Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge

Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge is a 16,807-acre property that is divided into 4 sections (DeWeese Creek, Sage Creek, Goose Bay and Sweetwater Arm) located around the Pathfinder Reservoir on the Sweetwater River, about 20 miles south of Alcova, Wyoming, via State Highway 220. Included in the Refuge are 3 campgrounds and 3 boat ramps on the lake. This is a significant migrating waterfowl stopover with feeding and resting areas on the western edge of the Central Flyway. Area opportunities available to the public include photography, wildlife observation, hunting, fishing, boating and camping.

Pathfinder NWR was established in 1928 by Executive Order to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for native and migrating birds and for the protection and preservation of other local wildlife. Pathfinder NWR is administered out of the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge office in Walden, Colorado but is managed jointly by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming Game & Fish and Natrona County Parks. The Wyoming Audubon Society also has a role since they recently assisted in the development of a Refuge overlook and interpretive site. Wyoming Audubon has also made a commitment to assist the Refuge with managerial duties, most of which consists of grazing and water level manipulations.