When
the Union Pacific Railway made its way across the West,
the Green River was used to float timber from the
mountains to be made into railroad ties at the small town
of Green River. By the time the railway arrived, Green
River had a population of two thousand.
Earlier,
the area was part of the Mexican territory and was
annexed to the United States after the Mexican War. This
area, dominated by Flaming Gorge, has a fascinating
geology. The land is made primarily of sedimentary rock
formations, piled one on top of the other, made by
accumulations of silt on the bottom of a huge fresh-water
sea during the Tertiary period -- 40 million years ago.
John Wesley Powell mapped the region extensively in 1869
and 1871 as he went down the Green River, naming the
Flaming Gorge canyon and other features of the southern
Wyoming landscape.
Two
thirds of the world's supply of soda ash (trona) comes
from Green River, supplying America with an essential
ingredient of baking soda, detergents and glass.
The
main information center for Green River and Flaming Gorge
is located on State Route 530, two miles south of
downtown. Here, you'll find all the information you need
for visiting the gorge, plus several fascinating booklets
on the history and scenic attractions of the town,
including a self-guided tour of historic Green River
buildings, and a booklet on natural geological landmarks
in the area.
What
to See and Do
Flaming
Gorge -- one of the great canyons of America -- is
located south of town, south of the Utah border.
Flaming Gorge Lake is 90 miles long, offering
recreation activities and campsites along its 375 miles
of shoreline. Closer to Green River is Firehole Canyon,
another fascinating piece of scenery which is north of
Black's Fork, featuring pinnacles and chimneys.
There
are two ways to get to Flaming Gorge from Green River.
You can take the Highway 530 route southnfrom town,
through Manila (Utah). The alternative route which leads
through the Firehole Canyon region is reached by
driving east from Green River on Interstate 80 for eight
miles and then turning south onto Highway 191. The road
to Firehole is 13 miles south of the Interstate 80
junction and leads 10 miles to the canyon. Hwy. 191
continues south to Dutch John, the site of the Flaming
Gorge Dam. The prime canyon viewpoints are to the west
off Highway 44.
Seedskadee
National Wildlife Refuge is located 37 miles north of
Green River. This outstanding river area is home to more
than 170 species of birds during the year and is a
breeding ground for Canada Geese, ducks, teal and sage
grouse among others. The refuge lies along the Green
River, covering more than 14,000 acres. The preserve
hosts most of Wyoming's native raptors including prairie
and peregrine falcons, owls and hawks. The refuge takes
its name from the Shoshoni word for the Green River:
Seed-kee-dee-Agie," River of the Sage Chicken.
Where
to Eat
Penn's
Diner, at 1170 W. Flaming Gorge, has a full menu
including burgers, sandwishes, and full meals. It's the
traditional home-style restaurant, suitable for the whole
family, complete with fountain drinks, malts, black cows,
and desserts. Another place specializing in shakes and
malts, as well as lunch and dinner, is the Arctic
Circle, at 444 East Flaming Gorge.
For
south of the border cuisine, go to Don Pedros, at
520 Wilkes Drive #10. The restaurant with probably the
most complete menu is at Little America (the
ultimate truck stop, located 10 miles west of Green
River, off I-80. Denali's Grill, 375 Uinta Drive,
serves breakfast, lunch, and dinmner, featuring barbecue
dishes, including ribs, and chicken dinners.
