Casper Field Office

Alcova Lake

The dam, reservoir and powerplant are located on the North Platte River about 30 miles from Casper and 1 mile southeast of Wyoming Highway 220 and the town of Alcova. Alcova Reservoir covers 2,470 surface acres and has a storage capacity of 156,155 acre-feet. Sailboating and water skiing in summer and ice fishing in winter attract many visitors each year. A boating marina, several boat ramps and rental boats are available. Picnic areas, camp areas and beach facilities are also popular. Available fish species include brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and walleye. Dinosaur interpretive trail is located near Cottonwood Creek Beach. A barrier-free fishing pier, restroom and shelter are located at Black Beach.

Directions: Take U.S. 220 southwest from Casper. Access is from county roads 406 or 407.

Pathfinder Reservoir

Pathfinder Dam is one of the first constructed by the Reclamation Service (Bureau of Reclamation). The dam is in a granite canyon on the North Platte River about 3 miles below its junction with the Sweetwater River. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 1,016,000 acre-feet. There are 3 campgrounds and 3 boat ramps. Available species include brown trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, ohrid trout, and walleye. 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.

Directions: Take U.S. 220 southwest from Casper.  Access is from U.S. 220 via County roads 408 or 410.