Sinks Canyon Adventure

Last week, I joined two friends (Sue and Louise) for a picnic in Sinks Canyon. We had a good time visiting and sight-seeing. Two of the most visited areas in the canyon are "The Sinks" and "The Rise."

Middle Fork of Popo Agie River
disappears into a limestone cavern on the
south side of the highway. 

The Sinks, pictured above, is where the river disappears under the mountain. Note the people standing on the left in the photo. At flood stage, that area would be under water.

The power of the water over the years has eroded the limestone, creating the cavern.

What makes this area so unique is that the river surfaces a quarter of a mile away on the opposite side (the north side) of the road in an area called The Rise. All of the river's rage is gone at The Rise: the water is crystal clear and is the habitat of giant rainbow and brown trout.

The river returns on the north side of the highway.
 Note the large cavern (dark hole on the left); however, the water
also flows from the entire north mountain face at this point.
The rainbow and brown trout are approximately 3 foot long.
Sorry, no fishing is allowed on the north side of the highway.

When I was a kid, we used to bring stale bread here in the summers to feed the trout; however, that practice is now discouraged. In order to keep the fish healthy, the Game and Fish suggest throwing food pellets, which are available near the viewing platform.

I shot some video of the area on Friday. The river is loud so you may need to adjust the volume.

"The Sinks"

South side of Sinks Canyon

The Rise of the Sinks
One-quarter mile away on north side of Sinks Canyon

If you are ever in the Lander area, please add Sinks Canyon to your itinerary. You will not be disappointed. Don't forget to bring some quarters to feed the fish.