Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get.

How did Pinedale get its name?

According to the book, "Wyoming Place Names', Pinedale was named for the creek by Charles Peterson, postmaster, when the post office started in 1899. The first settler in Pinedale was a cattleman in 1878.

How much does a fishing license cost?

Licenses are available from local sporting goods stores (Coast to Coast, Falers) as well as the Wyoming Game & Fish Department. Please visit the Wyoming Game & Fish Department web site for current license prices.

How can I get in touch with the local Forest Service office to find out more information or curent conditions?

The best way is to call the local District office for the area you plan to visit. Call the Pinedale Ranger District for the Wind River Mountain area and the Big Piney District office for the Wyoming Range.

Bridger-Teton National Forest:

Pinedale Ranger District, 307-367-4326
29CR-154 (next to Faler's General Store), Pinedale

Big Piney Ranger District, 307-376-3375
325 S. Front, Big Piney

Do I need a permit or to register anywhere to go into the wilderness?

Registration at Trailheads
Registration at the local Forest Service Ranger Station or Campgrounds is not necessary when hiking or backpacking in the wilderness. Registration boxes are provided at all major trailheads, and visitors are asked to please register at these stations, and to add your comments and suggestions. Registers are used as a management tool by the Forest Service to provide essential information on visitor use and preference. This information helps Wilderness managers meet the needs of visitors and minimize impacts to the wild setting.

Permits
Permits are required for the following:

1. Organized groups,
2. All parties using pack and saddle stock overnight,
3. Commercial uses (outfitters and guides).

Group Use
All organized groups (clubs, schools, church groups, scouts, etc.) are required to obtain a permit from the Pinedale Ranger District, PO Box 220, Pinedale, WY 82941, 307-367-4326. There is no charge for these permits as long as the groups are not commercial. You will need to provide the following information:

• Dates of trip
• Location of entrance, exit, and planned campsites
• Number of people in group (15 is maximum)
• Scout groups are also required to send a copy of the Scout Council Tour Permit, in advance of their planned Wilderness trip.

Please see our Bridger Wilderness page for more detailed information if you plan to hike or backpack into the wilderness area.

What's the weather like in Pinedale?

The Pinedale Area Chamber of Commerce has put as much information as possible about the area on their Chamber web site and on the Pinedale Online web site. You can find a Pinedale Town Map, Newcomer's Information, Community Profile, Area Attractions, Outdoor Recreation, Museum of the Mountain Man, Pinedale Fine Arts Council, Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory, Businesses, Calendar of Events, Photo Gallery of the area, and much more! The Chamber will also send you information about the Pinedale area by mail if you request. If you are looking for specific kinds of information, they'll customize a "packet" to your specific information request.

Or call the Chamber at 307-367-2242. Leave a message with your name, address and information desired if you call after hours. (The Chamber regrets that they cannot return long-distance phone messages.)

Or send the Chamber an e-mail message: chamber@pinedaleonline.com
 

Where can I find employment opportunity information for the Pinedale area?

Pinedale does not have a job service/placement office. Local job openings are advertised in the classified ad section of the Pinedale Roundup newspaper, published every Thursday. You can obtain a copy of the Roundup by calling 307-367-2123. This paper also lists job openings for the Jackson area. Federal job openings (BLM, US Forest Service, NRCS) are posted on the federal government job web sites.

What about lodging in Pinedale?

Pinedale offers several Bed & Breakfasts, cozy log cabins, family-run motels, rustic guest ranches, and a Best Western motel with a pool. Visit the Pinedale Chamber of Commerce web page (look under Bed & Breakfasts & Lodging) or Pinedale Online Lodging web page.

Where can I get campground and trailhead information and topographic maps?

Visit our Campground and Trailhead pages on the web! We also have information about RV Camping around Pinedale. The local BLM and Forest Service offices can provide maps showing locations of campgrounds and recreation facilities. You can stop by their offices when you are in Pinedale and pick up a map, or order maps online through the Grand Teton Natural History Association web site. Topographic "topo" maps are available at local sporting goods stores (Great Outdoor Shop and Coast to Coast).

Bridger-Teton National Forest:

Pinedale Ranger District, 307-367-4326
29CR-154 (next to Faler's General Store), Pinedale

Big Piney Ranger District, 307-376-3375
325 S. Front, Big Piney

Bureau of Land Management:

Pinedale, 307-367-5300
432 E. Mill St.

Where can I get hunting license information?

The Wyoming Game & Fish web site has information about licenses, seasons, and other frequently asked questions about hunting and fishing. You can also write or call the Wyoming Game & Fish Department at 5400 Bishop Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82002, (307) 777-4597.

Where can I get skiing and snowmobiling information?

Visit our Outdoor Recreation, Snowmobiling and Skiing pages on the web for the most current information. Pinedale's newest downhill ski resort, White Pine Ski Area, should be completed and open for the 1999 ski season (hopefully by Christmas!). The Pinedale area offers many miles of Nordic cross-country skiing, with groomed marked trails and off track skiing in the Wind River, Gros Ventre and Wyoming mountain ranges. The season typically runs from December through mid-April. If you are interested in downhill skiing in Jackson Hole, log on to http://www.jacksonhole.com/ski. For Jackson area snow conditions, call 1-888-DEEPSNO. Snowmobile trail condition reports are accessible from the State of Wyoming at The Official Wyoming Online Snowmobile Page.

I'm interested in real estate around Pinedale.

Most of the local real estate agencies have their own web pages with frequently updated property listings. Visit our Real Estate page for quick access to these agencies.

Where can I get information about Outfitters and Guides?

Many Outfitters and Guides now have their own web pages online. You can use your favorite search engine under "Wyoming"& "Outfitters" or visit Pinedale Online's Outfitter & Guide web page. The State of Wyoming also publishes a booklet entitled, "Wyoming State Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides Licensed Outfitters", which contains a list of licensed outfitters and details the hunting services they offer. Call the State Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides at1-800-264-0981 for information about whether an outfitter is licensed or for other questions.

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