Dubois Fish Hatcery

Saturday the 22nd was our first get out of Jackson hike in quite a while. It was also quite fantastic, even though we were not a complete group. Saturday morning started off with Emma suffering the ill-affects of the stomach flu. Which was a huge bummer for her, but turned into a sort of blessing (if being sick ever has one). She got to spend most of the day just resting with Grammy. (Read no little brother and sister bothering you about being sick, while your sick) So this hike we left her in the loving and capable hands of my absolute treasure of a Mother-In-Law, while the rest of us embarked on New and Glorious Adventures.

Walking the plank

This week for work Kevin had to make a delivery to Dubois, and while there, noticed how nice the weather was in comparison to Jackson. So when he returned he mentioned what a great place for a hike it might be. Looking into it we found a few places and were very excited to get out of the snow for a change. The drive to Dubois takes about two-two-and-half hours from Jackson depending on the weather. Just head North and keep going past the Moran Junction into Yellowstone. We originally set out to hike to Lewis Lake in the Shoshone National Forest. To get there you drive through Dubois and continue onto US-26 for a few more miles. You will see the typical brown national parks service sign pointing you toward Fish Hatchery road. Which is on the right hand side of the road if you are leaving Dubois headed towards Shoshone. Immediately the road forks, the road to the left is Trail Lake Drive, the road to the right is Fish Hatchery Road. Though our original intent was a lake down Trail Lake Drive, Kevin couldn't pass up the opportunity for a fish hatchery, plus Jack had to pee. So we went left.

The frozen marsh

Ice Hike anyone?

The Hatchery was pretty much vacant, we didn't see anyone there, and we even went into the back room to find a bathroom. Inside there were around 5-6 tanks with minnows in them. We picked up Lulu and Jack to see in them and they of course asked where the big fish were, which we set out to find. Seeing as there were no big fish inside we decided the next place to look was outside in the big tanks.In the doorway of the hatchery building there was some informational points about the hatchery and its purpose along with the types of fish they breed there. Good info for those who go.

we ended up climbing up this bank

Outside Lulu and Jack found the big fish. In big pools they had hundreds of fish swarming. The kids liked how the fish would swim away from whichever side of the tank they were on. (Cant blame the fish there). After we looked into every tank, even thoroughly examining the empty ones, and discussing their purpose. We finally set out on our hike.


The deer we spotted, can you find it?



Since the drive was long we didn't really travel to far from the car or the hatchery, and as it goes we started on a trail but didn't end up there. Near the front door of the hatchery was a split rail fence that seemed to lead to a path. We followed this and it shortly lead to some wooden planks laid through what would be a marshy area in summer; but was now just a path lined by dead leaves frozen in a slab of ice. We followed this trail only to be lead into a residential area. So we then went off trail, no more fussing around.

Kevin checking the Ice Bridge before we all cross

This is where it just blends, we went over frozen creeks, up sheer river banks, on a dessert hillside with caucuses, clambered through a wooded area. Watched a deer climb a mountain, found an antler. Crossed an Ice bridge over a stream. Turned around and went back. Although we weren't done yet, so we let each of the kids take the lead, Jack took us down to the creek and preceded to venture dangerously close to the frozen water. Lulu went for the woods, she wound us up, under, and through dense coverings, around trees and over dead fall. She even lead us within 20 feet of the truck but veered back into the trees instead of coming into the open.

Back to the Tetons

                                                                                                                                                                     

Togwotee Pass

We didn't stop and have lunch or a fire as it was a very quick hike and we felt we covered enough of the area. The hatchery also bordered a private ranch and weren't clear on the boundaries so we didn't want to have a fire. Once back to the truck we had Po' Boy sandwiches and apples, with water and juice boxes. The drive from Dubios to Jackson is a beautiful one, with such diverse and beautiful landscapes. From the red dirt hills of Dubois to the Ragged Mountain Peaks of Togwotee Pass, to the Teton valley and back to the Teton Range. The hike is beautiful regardless of the season.

A snow cactus