Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To hike on a segment of the
Howard Eaton Trail,
park along the service road a short
distance behind the service station. This segment of the trail follows the east side of the Yel-
lowstone River all the way from here to the South Rim of the Yellowstone River's canyon. It's
a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) round-trip hike to view LeHardy's Rapids downstream. As with all trails
in this area, check first with the rangers about recent bear activity.
A Case of Bears Winning Out over People
When park policy ended the feeding of bears by removing all park garbage dumps in 1970,
encounters between humans and grizzly bears increased. Something had to be done, espe-
cially at Fishing Bridge, a popular spot for camping.
The bears come every year to fish in Yellowstone Lake's outlet and in its many tributar-
ies. Now bears have been given first priority at this site. Visitors may not stay overnight,
except in RVs. The campground across the main road was closed in 1990, and many cabins
near the river were razed.
25.5/0.5
Road to
Fishing Bridge Visitor Center
and amphitheater.
The picnic tables are to the west along the road, while restrooms are a short distance up a trail
on the opposite side of the parking area. A pleasant sandy beach is just outside the back door
of the visitor center.
Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Museum
Do you know what a phalarope looks like? You can find out in the visitor center, a National
Historic Landmark that opened in 1931. You'll find lake bird and grizzly bear dioramas, a
large map of Yellowstone Lake and environs, exhibits about lake habitats, and a small book-
shop. (A phalarope is a small shorebird, as you can see in the museum display.)
