'Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area' was established by an act of Congress on
October 15,
1966, following the construction of the
Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam, named after the famous Crow chairman
Robert Yellowtail, harnessed the waters of the
Bighorn River and turned this variable stream into a lake. Archeological and historical resources complement the natural scene. About one third of the area is within the
Crow Indian Reservation.
Bighorn Lake extends 71 miles (114 km) through
Wyoming and
Montana, 55 miles (89 km) of which are held within spectacular Bighorn Canyon. The Recreation Area straddles the northern Wyoming and southern Montana borders. There are two visitor centers and other developed facilities; one in
Fort Smith, Montana and one near
Lovell, Wyoming. The
Afterbay Lake below the Yellowtail Dam is a good spot for trout fishing and wildlife viewing for
ducks,
geese and other animals. The Bighorn River below the Afterbay Dam is a world class
trout fishing area. North of Lovell, there is a spot where one can stand on the canyon rim, shout, and hear a "triple
echo."
Reference
★ ''The National Parks: Index 2001-2003''. Washington:
U.S. Department of the Interior.
External link
★
National Park Service: Bighorn National Recreation Area