A Quiet Wyoming Gem for Ham Radio
Just north of Pinedale, Wyoming, beneath the jagged skyline of the Wind River Mountains, lies Soda Lake — a broad, turquoise-colored basin that glows under the high-altitude sun. We’ve returned here a few times over the years, drawn back each time by the quiet solitude, the sweeping mountain views, and the wide-open radio horizon.
This trip was no exception — two peaceful days of camping, hiking, and low-power digital operating under the Wyoming sky.
The Setup
We set up camp along the north edge of Soda Lake Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) — an easy drive on gravel roads just a few miles north of Pinedale. The area is open, remote, and beautifully quiet on HF. No power lines, no RFI, just a pure noise floor waiting to be filled with signals.
Station details:
- Radio: Xiegu G90 running 5 W
- Mode: FT-8 (WSJT-X)
- Band: 20 meters only
- Antenna: Linked dipole on a 6 m telescoping mast
- Power: 12 Ah LiFePO₄ battery
- Logging: WSJT-X with GridTracker on a laptop
Setup took only a few minutes — the linked dipole tuned perfectly, and the G90 performed flawlessly. With the mast staked against a light afternoon breeze, we were on the air in no time.
Operating Results
Over two days on 20 meters, I logged 55 FT-8 contacts running just 5 watts. Propagation was steady through most of the daylight hours, and the band stayed surprisingly open well into the evening.
Most of the contacts were across the continental U.S.The low noise floor and the clean take-off angle from Soda Lake’s open terrain made every watt count — even the weaker stations were easily copied.
The Experience
Each time we visit Soda Lake, it feels like we’ve found our own little piece of radio paradise. The views across the sagebrush toward the Wind Rivers are breathtaking, and the lake itself shimmers in an almost Caribbean shade of turquoise that changes with the light.
No generator hums, no nearby campers — just digital tones, mountain silhouettes, and the occasional rustle of antelope in the sage.
There’s something deeply satisfying about making steady contacts from a place that feels so far removed from everything.
Tips for Future Activators
- Bring shade or a windbreak: The site is completely exposed and can get gusty.
- Check access dates: The Soda Lake WHMA has seasonal closures for wildlife protection.
- Plenty of room for antennas: Wide, flat terrain makes setup simple.
- Plan ahead for comms: Cell service can be spotty — pre-spot your activation if you’re doing POTA or SOTA.
Final Thoughts
Fifty-five QSOs on five watts, all on one band — a perfect example of how far a simple QRP setup can take you when conditions and location align. Between the stunning scenery, the stillness, and the thrill of each digital ping from across the continent, Soda Lake remains one of our favorite activation spots in Wyoming.
We’ll be back — same setup, same band, same turquoise lake.
