Soda Lake

Additional Information: This 3,750-acre wildlife habitat management area (WHMA) near Pinedale, WY was established in 1948 as part of a series of elk feedgrounds created to provide winter forage and reduce damage to private haystacks. Soda Lake is on the west side of the Wind River mountain range and is home to 800 elk that are fed from horse-drawn sleighs from December to May each year. In addition, native plants at Soda Lake and adjacent public lands provide spring and fall grazing for elk and many other wildlife species. This area is in a region of rolling sagebrush uplands bordered by the foothills of the Wind River Range. Elevations vary from 7,440 feet to 7,980 feet. You will find sagebrush grasslands, aspen, mountain shrubs, and meadows. Soda Lake, along with adjoining wetlands, attracts many species of waterfowl and other birds. Enjoy the waterfowl-viewing hut located at the developed wetland above the lake. Many wildlife species benefit from the WHMA's habitat diversity. Besides elk, you may see mule deer, Pronghorn, black bears, Sage grouse, songbirds and many small mammals. Moose also frequent the wetland area. Hunting is good to excellent within this area and the adjacent U.S. Forest Service lands. Fishing opportunities are excellent for Brook and Brown trout in Soda Lake. The Soda Lake area provides access to the Bridger Wilderness Area, as well as the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the largest forest in the lower 48 states. Endless opportunities exist for sightseeing, hiking, photography and camping in the Soda Lake area. This WHMA lies within bear country, please visit our bear wise page for information on recreating in bear country -https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Large-Carnivore/Grizzly-Bear-Management/Bear-Wise-Wyoming.