Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fishing and Boating
Some 75,000 anglers are lured to Yellowstone each year by the promise of elusive trout,
and they are seldom disappointed by the offerings at Yellowstone Lake. In addition to the
prized native cutthroat, the lake is home to a population of nonnative lake trout that is sadly
devastating the cutthroat. The average lake trout live and spawn in deep waters, feeding on
as many as 80-90 cutthroat each year. By comparison, cutthroat trout spawn in the shallow
tributaries of the lake, making them an important food source for a variety of creatures that
include eagles and bears. Since the lake trout have no enemies in the deep waters of Yellow-
stone Lake, they are creating a serious food shortage by devouring the cutthroat. All lake
trout caught in Yellowstone Lake must be killed. Pick up your
fishing permit
at one of the
visitors centers along with a copy of the Yellowstone fishing regulations.
There are a number of ways to see Yellowstone Lake by boat. Scenic or fishing boat
tours as well as canoe and sea-kayak rentals are available from Bridge Bay Marina, south
of Lake Village or 21 miles northeast of West Thumb. Hour-long cruises ($15 adults, $10
children 3-11, free for children under 3) depart regularly from the marina early June-mid-
September. Reservations can be made with Xanterra (307/344-7311 or 866/439-7375).
Hiking
The southern loop of the park offers plentiful hiking opportunities, most of which can be
combined with other interests. There are great trails in the
Hayden Valley
for wildlife lov-
ers, but precautions against bear encounters must be taken. The
Alum Creek Trail,
4.4
miles south of Canyon at the north end of the Hayden Valley, is a good hike. Wide open and
relatively flat, the trail offers a 10-mile out-and-back trip through prime bison and grizzly
habitat. There are also some thermal features along Alum Creek.
Among the geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin is
Lone Star Geyser,
named for its lonely
location 5 miles from Old Faithful. An old once-paved road leads to the geyser and makes a
nice level hike or bike trip. The entire out-and-back trip is 4.6 miles. There is parking at the
trailhead on the south side of the road, 3.5 miles east of the Old Faithful interchange. Lucky
viewers will get to see a 30-50-foot eruption, which happens every 2-3 hours and tends to
last 10-15 minutes.
M
Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins
($200-300 mid-range rooms, $151 annex rooms,
$141 cabins) is both grand and picturesque, perched on the shores of Yellowstone Lake.
