Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the 1920s, this copious supply of water inspired repeated proposals to dam the
Bechler or Fall Rivers and deliver the water to Idaho farmers, allowing the use of Yellow-
stone Park water for irrigation or even removing the Bechler Region from park territory.
Yellowstone's supporters successfully defeated congressional bills, and no dams were built
in the park.
Around the same time, a member of the National Parks Association, writing about
his exploration of the area, stated a bit cheekily: “Persons living near a national park who
feel themselves harmed by their situation must bear their burden cheerfully” (quoted in
The Yellowstone Story by Aubrey L. Haines). Idaho potato farmers get water instead from
Grassy Lake Reservoir (built in the late 1930s) and from Jackson Lake.
IN YELLOWSTONE'S BECHLER REGION
Just after entering Wyoming, turn left to cross into Yellowstone Park and reach the
ranger station in about a mile. In the historic 1911 building, a ranger is available in summer
from 8 AM to 4:30 PM to answer questions and issue fishing and overnight camping permits.
Since Cascade Corner is a totally undeveloped area, horseback, llama, and back-
packing trips, hiking, and fishing are the only activities here. At the ranger station, you can
pick up a free guide to day trips that start from the station or from Cave Falls. Many long trails
lead into the backcountry, starting from here or from the Grassy Lake Road. Backcountry trail
books and good maps are essential for these trails.
To reach Cave Falls, continue to Green Timber Road beyond the ranger station turnoff for
a little over a mile and find the Forest Service campground just outside the park boundary.
There are no NPS campgrounds in this part of Yellowstone.
In 0.3 mile the South Boundary Trail is signed to the east and the Bechler River Trail
to the west (leading to the ranger station). Taking the South Boundary Trail from here in-
volves fording the wide and deep Fall River.
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