Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest lake in Yellowstone, with the main park road following its northern shore and offering plenty of sights and things to do for the whole family.

  • Located in the heart of the park with services available at West Thumb, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge, Bridge Bay and Lake Village
  • Explore the waters via kayak or canoe, or spend the day fishing
  • Find plenty of campgrounds all around the lake as well as two hotels and many cabins

Overview

Yellowstone Lake Wyoming is a unique lake in Yellowstone National Park. Along its shores, visitors find the most interesting attractions to make their vacation the best it can be.

Location

Yellowstone Lake WY is located just southeast of the center of the park, about 22 miles north of the South Entrance.

Seasons

Yellowstone National Park is open the year round, and you can visit Lake Yellowstone any time of year. However in the winter months you should check with the park on road closures.

Activities

Boating is the most popular activity on the lake, with powerboats, canoes, kayaks and sailboats making an appearance daily in the summer. You’ll find marinas at West Thumb and Bridge Bay. The Bridge Bay Marina offers boat rentals and cruises.

Yellowstone Lake fishing for cutthroat trout is particularly attractive. It’s open for angling from the middle of June to the first Sunday of November. All cutthroat caught must be released, but this doesn’t apply to the non-native Lake Trout.

If you like hiking, the Nine Mile Post trail moves along the eastern shore and meets up with the Trail Creek and Heart Lake trails which go along the south and southeast arms of the lake.

Be sure not to miss the West Thumb geothermal area where you can discover a wide array of hot springs, geysers and fumaroles. They exist on the shore and also in the lake.

Services are available at West Thumb, Grant Village, Fishing Bridge, Bridge Bay and Lake Village. Lodging is abundant within the park, everything from luxurious hotel accommodations to rustic cabins with great views.

View the local providers:

Snake River Kayak & Canoe: Tours & Rentals - Escape the crowds and experience the natural wonders of Yellowstone with an interpretive guided sea kayak tour. Daily or overnight backcountry guided trips and rentals.
Escape the crowds and experience the natural wonders of Yellowstone with an interpretive guided sea kayak tour. Daily or overnight backcountry guided trips and rentals.
Phone (800) 529-2501

Other Online Resources

  • Flathead Lake in Montana
    Plan your Montana vacation to include Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in western United States.
  • Island Park Reservoir
    This is a popular recreational hub for boaters, anglers, and 2nd home owners, just west of Yellowstone.
  • Jenny Lake in the Tetons
    View the Teton Mountains across the lake, hike or boat to Hidden Falls.
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