蛇河上的牛轭湖, 大提顿国家公园, 怀俄明州, 美国 Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming (© DanitaDelimont.com/AWL Images/SuperStock)

蛇河上的牛轭湖, 大提顿国家公园, 怀俄明州, 美国 Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming (© DanitaDelimont.com/AWL Images/SuperStock)

法定自然区 Wild by law

蛇河上的牛轭湖, 大提顿国家公园, 怀俄明州

除了水，河流还承载着生命、历史和故事。它们是大自然对我们景观的永恒贡献，流淌过大地，跨越时间。蜿蜒流经怀俄明州大提顿国家公园的蛇河便是其中一颗瑰宝。这条河上一个尤为令人惊叹的景点是牛轭湖湾——今天这张照片中就出现了——平静的水面倒映着巍峨的提顿山脉，驼鹿和白头鹰等野生动物在这里繁衍生息。在这里，河水自由流淌，不受混凝土或商业的束缚，受到1968年今天签署的《野生与风景河流法案》的保护。

这项具有里程碑意义的法律是一项承诺：有些河流将永远奔腾不息。它守护着那些拥有“非凡之美”的水域，守护着生态和精神——歌唱着荒野，低语着遗产的河流。蛇河源头，包括牛轭湾，于2009年被列入这份神圣名单，确保其倒影不受干扰，韵律不被打破。

黎明时分，薄雾在河湾处舞动，群山沐浴在晨曦的余晖中。游客驻足，静静地欣赏着大自然的诗意。多亏了这项法案，这条河的故事得以流淌——未受驯服，未受污染，令人难忘。

Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Beyond water, rivers carry life, history, and stories. They are nature's ever-moving contribution to our landscapes, flowing through lands and across time. One such gem is the Snake River, which winds through Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. A particularly stunning spot along this river is Oxbow Bend—featured in today's image—where calm waters reflect the towering Teton Range, and wildlife such as moose and bald eagles thrive. Here, water flows freely, unbound by concrete or commerce, protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, signed on this day in 1968.

This landmark law is a promise: that some rivers shall run wild forever. It safeguards waters with 'outstandingly remarkable' beauty, ecology, and spirit—rivers that sing of wilderness and whisper of heritage. The Snake River Headwaters, including Oxbow Bend, joined this sacred list in 2009, ensuring its reflections remain undisturbed and its rhythms unbroken.

At dawn, mist dances over the bend, and the mountains blush with the first light. Visitors pause, hushed by nature's poetry. Thanks to this Act, the river's story flows on—untamed, unspoiled, unforgettable.