When travelling from the Grand Tetons to Jackson Hole, we enjoy a few days at Lakeside Lodge in Pinedale. It is located in the vast Bridger-Teton National Forest and rests on the Fremont Lake facing the Wind River Mountain Range.
The lodge has some cozy cabins with Wi-Fi, a gas fireplace inside and a covered deck facing the lake. Our cabin has a high ceiling, comfortable beds and nice linens. Like in most lodges in the USA the cabin offers two twin beds, which is perfect for families. Our room is stocked with some fruit, muffins and trail mix style snacks, all complimentary. The cabins are close to each other; you might hear the neighbors therefore. And they are surrounded of nice Aspen trees; awesome for our children to make their own hut in. You can fish just outside of your cabin and maybe prepare your catch yourself.
Playing at "our own" lakeside during sunset
As for cooking we love the BBQ outside. Be sure to bring your own coals or gas bottle. In the cabin only a microwave is found to warm things up more easily and a fridge. So, you might also take some crockery and cutlery. The mosquitoes are everywhere by the way, just unavoidable at the lake; so, when shopping make sure you buy some bug spray. For Wi-Fi you will need to go the main lodge by the way, not a problem for us but you might not expect it.
The main lodge has a small reception, the Lakeside Lodge Restaurant, as well as the Lakeside Lodge Bar & Grill. Both have spectacular views of the surroundings mountains and lake though; some nice relaxing sofas and it seems Thai Thursday is great. They are not always open, but you can always go for a short drive to Pinedale a classic Western town.
Checking his email at the main lodge
Fremont Lake is Wyoming’s second largest natural lake. Carved by a series of three glaciers, it goes for miles with a maximum depth of more than 700 feet. The lake holds some of the cleanest water in the country and gives life to several species of trout; including golden, as well as many moose, elk, deer, and even bears and mountain lions. Bald eagles and osprey are often seen here. We like our home-squirrel that lives around the cabin; you might find some other deer or other wild life coming by especially in the evenings.
The lodge boasts its own marina and all non-motorized boats are free for guests to use on the lake. Our kids love to use the kayaks to see the surroundings from another perspective. Lakeside Lodge serves as an ideal base camp for travelers who enjoy hiking trails, fishable lakes and streams, climbing routes and the rest mountains and a lake have to offer. There’s a lot more to do around the lake, such as boating, water skiing and (fly)fishing. If you enjoy horseback riding or biking, the surrounding trails and mountains are the perfect place to go. Rock climbing is also offered nearby and adults can go golfing in the area. Or do as we do: relax and play on the small natural sandy beach of the lake.
Just in time to finish our castle before the rain starts
The appeal of this place is not limited to the summer. In winter the lodge has access to alpine skiing as well as numerous Nordic ski trails and Mackinaw trout from ice fishing. You can go cross-country skiing right from your cabin, snowmobile on the nearby trails, or try downhill skiing on the nearby slopes.
As mentioned Lakeside Lodge is just minutes from Pinedale. Pinedale holds strong historic links to the past as the area was a regular haunt of the fur traders of the early 1800s. Some trappers camped at the south end of Fremont Lake for over ten years. At least six of the big Beaver Hat Rendezvous were held near Fremont Lake. That history is kept alive in Pinedale with activities centering around the local Museum of The Mountain Man. So, you might visit this museum, or go to the Summer Ranch Homestead Historical ranch. And if the lake is too cold, your children could ask you to go the Aquatic center in Pinedale.
Lots of guests use the lodge to approach Yellowstone National Park of Jackson Hole, during the day. See our other review for our experiences over there.
WOW
# An excellent base for trips to Jackson Hole, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone Park.
# Back to nature! Don’t expect a lot of luxury or service, it’s just basic and cozy and that’s what you’re paying for.
# Nice for those enjoying a campfire and a lovely sunset. It’s tranquil and a beautiful spot to relax.
