The Green River Lakes, located just south of the Wind River Range in Wyoming, offer a striking paddle for adventurers ready to engage a wild and wind-tossed waterway. Set beneath towering peaks, these lakes dare paddlers to let currents and gusts dictate the pace. Starting at the Lower Green River Lake, your canoe skims clear waters edged by dense forests and jagged cliffs, the wind a persistent and unpredictable companion pushing you forward or challenging your course.

Stretching about 6 miles from Lower to Upper Green River Lake, this canoe route balances tranquil stretches with moments where the wind makes your arms work harder. These lakes are fed by melting snow and mountain streams, their temperatures crisp enough to demand attention but clear enough to reveal submerged rocks and darting trout. The shoreline holds bears, moose, and occasionally elusive river otters, reminding you that you share this space with creatures fiercely themselves.

Plan to cover the route in 3 to 5 hours depending on wind conditions and stops. The water level is generally stable, but be prepared for sudden gusts which can turn calm water into brief bursts of whitecap—a test of skill and patience. Launch from well-kept boat ramps by the Lower Green River Lake, where parking is limited but maintained.

Essential gear includes a stable canoe, lightweight paddles, and waterproof layers—wind and spray go hand in hand here. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the calmest water and best light for photography, as the sun peeks through the surrounding ridges. Map your route carefully; the lakes are connected by narrow channels that resist a straight line, each bend reshaping wind patterns and currents.

Hydrate often and pack snacks; exertion under Wyoming’s variable sun can sap energy. Footwear that dries quickly is smart for shore rests or brief hikes on surrounding paths, where views open to craggy summits and shimmering ripples. Respect wildlife by keeping a distance, especially bears, and store food securely.

Canoeing Green River Lakes blends the serene with the challenging, the expected with the wild. It’s a dialogue with nature—sometimes gentle, other times fiercely pushing—and one that rewards those who prepare, adapt, and embrace the winds.