Name: Stough Creek Basin Out and Back
Rating: 4.0

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Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake

As per USFS rules:
1) Make sure to camp 200 ft from trails and water.
2) Dogs have to be leashed or under control (i.e. training collar or equivalent) at all times.
3) All food and attractants need to be suspended at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from a post or tree or stored inside a bear-resistant container.
4) Check current fire restrictions. Fire rings must be dismantled after use.

Overview

Starting at the Worthen Meadows Trailhead, a steady climb up to Roaring Fork Pass (10,500 ft) leads into the Stough Creek Lakes Basin. After descending for a few miles, backpackers have their pick of sublime alpine lakes to camp near (LNT: at least 200 ft away). The furthest lakes are at the head of the valley 10 miles in from the trailhead. Each of the lakes and connector streams holds populations of brook and cutthroat trout.

Need to Know

There is a vault toilet and free parking at the trailhead. If the parking lot is full, there are pullouts within a 1/4 mile of the parking lot. If arriving to the trailhead in the evening, there is plenty of car camping between Fry Lake and Worthen Reservoir.

Description

Begin at the Worthen Meadows Reservoir Trailhead about 20 miles outside of Lander, WY. Follow Stough Creek Lakes Trail #702 heading west. You'll encounter scenic Roaring Fork Lake in about a half mile and then cross grassy wetlands on boardwalk in about 1.5 miles.

A consistent switchback leads up to Roaring Fork Pass (10,500 ft) at 3.5 miles. It is often very windy on the pass, so be prepared to descend to the western side quickly. Wind River Peak, the highest point in the southern end of the Wind River Range at 13,192 ft, dominates the view west.

Continue descending from the pass on Stough Creek Lakes Trail #702 to a trail junction at 5.5 miles. Keep left to continue south on Stough Creek Lakes Trail #702, reaching the first of the Stough Creek Lakes at about 7 miles from the trailhead. A trail continues along the handful of lakes as it makes it's way up valley for another mile. From there, you'll have to find your own route to reach lakes further south near the valley head in about 2 miles.

Camp on durable surfaces at least 200 feet from the lakes and streams. Minimize the use of camp fires and bring a stove for cooking. Return the way you came or stay for a few days to explore the granite peaks in the area.