Northwest College

Big Horn Basin Map

Shoshone River

Quick Facts
  • John Colter originally named the river the Stinking Water when he encountered the strong odor of sulfur at a thermal area on the river near present day Cody.
  • The Wyoming legislature, in 1902, changed the name to Shoshone at the request of area residents who wanted a more positive name for the river.
  • The river was named after the Shoshone indians. Shoshone means "abundance of grass." It referred to the grass lodges the tribe wove.
  • The Shoshone has its headwaters in the Absoroka mountains near Yellowstone National Park.
  • Water from the Shoshone is used extensively for irrigation in the Northern part of the Big Horn Basin.
Shoshone River photo
Shoshone River photo