Full summer ahead for Cook Lake

Landslide dangers and necessary construction have hindered use of Cook Lake Recreation Area in recent seasons – but not this year. According to Mike Gosse, District Ranger, the popular site will be offering a full set of amenities over the coming weeks of summer.

“Cook Lake, Reuter, Bearlodge and Sundance Horse Camp are all open for camping with a full season of use expected. There are campground hosts at Reuter Campground and Cook Lake,” he says.

“New additional horse corrals have been installed at the Sundance Horse Camp with a new restroom to also be installed soon. New restrooms are also planned for the Cook Lake Campground in 2023.”

Those looking to enjoy the fishing opportunities will be pleased to hear that, “The Wyoming Game and Fish Department stocked Cook Lake with almost 2000 catchable Rainbow Trout last week,” according to Gosse.

“The fishing dock was also installed last week by the Forest Service.”

Recent work to upgrade the dam at the lake has so far proved a success, he continues.

“The new spillway at Cook Lake is handling all the rainfall and maintaining a pretty stable lake level,” he says.

The landslide at the site is still being actively monitored, but at this time there has been no increase to the potential danger.

“A contractor continues to monitor the mass movement of the west hillside at Cook Lake,” Gosse says.

“Currently, no large movements or rotations of the fault blocks have been reported. The western slope area will continue to be monitored and remains closed to public access for visitor safety.”

Gosse cautions that the recent rains have had an impact on Cook Lake and asks that visitors take care in still-wet areas.

“The abundant moisture we have received so far has caused some muddy and wet trail and road conditions,” he says.

“We are seeing some springs and seeps flowing water on previously dry trails. Please try to avoid driving on these muddy trails until conditions dry out.”

Gosse says the Bearlodge Ranger District is looking forward to welcoming visitors to Cook Lake this summer – and to the other recreational opportunities on offer.

“We are excited to offer a full season of services at our campgrounds, day use areas, roads and trails and Bearlodge office,” he says. “Please stop in the office Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:30 for maps, permits or information.”