Description
The North Platte Project extends 111 miles along the river valley from near Guernsey, Wyoming to below Bridgeport, Nebraska. Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir are part of this project. Pathfinder Dam is one of the first constructed by the Reclamation Service (now the Bureau of Reclamation). Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Pathfinder Dam is the primary historic attraction at the reservoir. Construction of the masonry dam between 1905 and 1909 was a major engineering feat. A small interpretive center is located in the historic dam tender's house. The dam is in a granite canyon on the North Platte River about 3 miles below its junction with the Sweetwater River. Parts of the reservoir are included in the Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge. There are 3 campgrounds and 3 boat ramps. Pathfinder facilities. Available fish species include brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, ohrid trout, and walleye. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are stocked annually in the reservoir. The Pathfinder Interpretive Center and 1.7-mile interpretive trail are located near the dam. The interpretive trail may be accessed across the historic suspension bridge or from the dam.
Amenities
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Site is on the North Platte River 47 miles southwest of Casper, WY, in Carbon and Natrona counties. Access is from U.S. 220 via County roads 408 or 410.
