The Upper North Platte River Valley

The Upper North Platte River Valley, which is nestled between the Snowy Range and the Sierra Madre Range, is surrounded by magnificent vistas. This lush valley is known for excellent "Blue Ribbon" trout fishing, abundant wildlife and natural mineral hot springs. The Platte Valley includes the Upper North Platte River, the Encampment River and the small towns of Saratoga, Encampment and Riverside.

THE UPPER NORTH PLATTE RIVER

The Upper North Platte River, which flows north, gains its name from French trappers, "Riviere de Plat" meaning "flat river". It was ingeniously used in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad to float logs, cut from the Forest by tie hacks, to Fort Fred Steele. The logs were then split and used as railroad ties.

There are many fishable waters in the Valley, including the Upper North Platte River which has an abundance of large browns and rainbows. For more fishing information, click here.

SARATOGA

Saratoga has much to offer visitors. In addition to it's in-town public access to the Upper North Platte River, Saratoga boasts unique attractions, a variety of topnotch restaurants and shopping.

For more than a century, people have enjoyed soaking in Saratoga's Mineral "Hobo" Hot Springs Pool. Operated by the Town of Saratoga, it is open 24 hours a day and free of charge. Water temperatures average 102 degreesFahrenheit; the Lobster Pot averages 120 degrees. A new addition, the Not-So-Hot Pool, is being constructed and should be finished later this year. New showers, restrooms

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