Jakeys Fork Spring
Jakeys Fork Spring emerges at 68 degrees Fahrenheit at 7,176 feet elevation in Sublette County near Pinedale, located 540 feet from the nearest road. The spring exceeds ambient air temperature by 31 degrees in terrain receiving 82 inches of annual snowfall with just 18 inches of total precipitation. This modest thermal feature sits in sagebrush country east of the Wind River Range.
At 7,176 feet elevation, the spring occupies high desert terrain where the Green River drainage begins its journey toward Utah and Colorado. The setting receives only 18 inches of precipitation annually with average annual temperature of 37.4 degrees Fahrenheit, creating cold, dry conditions. Sagebrush dominates the landscape with scattered juniper and aspen groves along watercourses. Jakeys Fork feeds the Green River system, with the Wind River Range rising dramatically to the west, creating one of Wyoming's most spectacular mountain backdrops.
Jakeys Fork likely derives its name from early settler Jake's Fork or similar personal attribution, though specific documentation remains scarce. The spring appears in 1980 NOAA surveys cataloging thermal features across western states but lacks extensive historical records. The area saw homesteading and ranching activity from the late 1800s onward, with Pinedale developing as ranching and timber center. Current land ownership and management remain unclear in available data.
The spring's roadside location near Pinedale provides easy access during warmer months. Visit June through September when roads remain passable and weather favorable. Winter access requires snowmobile or cross-country skiing depending on snowpack. Green River Lake Lodge, 28 kilometers away, provides day-use rental facilities and serves as base for exploring the Wind River Range backcountry and Bridger Wilderness to the north.
Is Jakeys Fork Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
Overview The Green River Lakes Lodge is located 50 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming. The lodge is available as a rental for day use events such as weddings, family reunions, or meetings for up to 50 guests, or as an overnight rental for smaller groups of up to 12 guests. Recreation During the summer months, hiking and horseback riding into the Bridger Wilderness and Wind River Range are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. The lake is open to small watercraft only, making it...