Bear River State Park
The Bear River at Bear River State Park
Bear River State Park is nearly 300 acres of ideal property for hiking, picnicking, wildlife observation (there are small herds of bison and elk in the park), bicycling, skiing, rollerblading, and group activities. For hikers and bikers, there's 3 miles of trails inside the park. 1.2 miles of those trails is paved, with an arched footbridge that crosses the Bear River. On the other side of the river is another 1.7 miles of gravel trails. The hiking/biking trails also double as cross-country ski trails, in season, but there are also more trails than just these for the cross-country skiers and snowshoers. The park is day-use only, no camping is allowed.
Bear River State Park and Visitor Center are located on the outskirts of Evanston, Wyoming. The Bear River was named by mountain men in the early 1800's for the number of bears who frequented the area. Every year on the weekend before Labor Day the Bear River Rendezvous takes place at Bear River State Park to commemorate those courageous individuals and their lifestyle(s).
Inside the Bear River State Park Visitor Center
Small photo courtesy of Wyoming State Parks
Lower photo courtesy of Wikipedia userid Milonica, CCA-by-SA 3.0 License