Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge contains 27,230 acres of valuable and protected bird and wildlife habitat in western Sweetwater County, Wyoming. Seedskadee is administered by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The refuge stretches out along the banks of the Green River for some 36 miles. In this otherwise arid region, the river provides sustenance for shrubs and stands of cottonwood.

This area was first visited by Europeans during the days of the fur trappers. Later it was part of the main route of the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails. Wagon wheel ruts can still be found in the rocks here. The Green River crossing at Seedskadee was notorious for the dangers involved. Because of the treacherous currents, etc., a number of different ferries were established here in the 1840's and 1850's, including one that was operated by Jim Bridger.

There have been more than 220 species of birds identified on the refuge, including many migratory species that use the property for nesting purposes. You'll see Bald eagles, Trumpeter swans, sage grouse and a large number of different species of ducks. For mammals you'll find pocupine, coyote, mule deer, pronghorn, bobcat and moose in the area. There are also Cutthroat and brown trout in the river but the fishing in this area is all catch-and-release.

To get there: about 6 miles west of Green River on the I-80 (exit 372), go north 27 miles to the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge main entrance.