Yellowstone National Park - Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks - page 142

crucial food sources for grizzlies and waterfowl, some spawning areas around the
lakeshore are closed during spring and early summer.
Thermal activity rings the lake, and in cold weather steaming thermals blur into the wa-
ter. For details on the fascinating geology of the lake Click here .
Rangers lead tours of Yellowstone Lake's shoreline daily from Fishing Bridge. For de-
tails of boating options from Bridge Bay and West Thumb Click here .
LEHARDY'S RAPIDS
These rapids are named after topographer Paul LeHardy, whose raft overturned here, spill-
ing guns, provisions and bedding but sparing his life. Rock uplift created this steplike cas-
cade, which formally marks the end of Yellowstone Lake. Cutthroat trout are plentiful in
late springtime, where they can be seen resting in the pools before hurling themselves up
the rapids to spawning grounds near Fishing Bridge. Just north of here are three picnic
areas, of which the Nez Percé Ford picnic site is the nicest, with riverside tables.
FISHING BRIDGE
There has been a bridge at Fishing Bridge since 1902, but it closed to fishing in 1973 to
protect spawning cutthroat trout to the benefit of resident grizzlies. Because of heavy
grizzly activity, there is continuing pressure to close the area to protect this crucial habitat.
The Fishing Bridge Visitor Center Offline map ( 307-242-2450; 8am-7pm late
May-late Sep) was originally built in 1931 as an information station for the first automo-
bile tourists. The center contains displays on local birdlife (look for the great skulls on the
candelabra), alongside a stuffed grizzly and a great 3D geothermal map of the park.
Ranger talks are held here at 2pm and at Fishing Bridge at 5pm. Most people miss the
steps behind the center that lead to a nice section of lakeshore.
LAKE VILLAGE & BRIDGE BAY
The buttercup-yellow Lake Yellowstone Hotel Offline map , dating from 1891, is the
park's oldest building and certainly its most elegant. Robert Reamer (who also designed
the Old Faithful Inn) rebuilt the hotel in 1903, adding Ionic columns and false balconies.
Swank and expansive, this southern-style mansion is the perfect setting for classical con-
certs and pre-dinner drinks in the waterfront sunroom. There are also lovely sunset strolls
in front of the hotel, including one trail that goes all the way to Fishing Bridge. Hotel
tours start at 5:30pm on summer weekdays.
You'll find several spots to picnic and/or fish between Lake Village and West Thumb.
Near Bridge Bay, 2-mile Gull Point Dr is a scenic picnic spot and popular fishing area
that also offers a short bike ride for families staying at Bridge Bay. Opposite the turnoff is