Lamar Valley Area in Yellowstone National Park
Slough Creek Trail
Anglers and wildlife-watchers, this one’s for you. Pretty Slough Creek is revered for its cutthroat trout fishing, and bears, moose, and bison are frequently spotted in the meadows along its banks. For a day-sized chunk, follow the Slough Creek Trail up a short, steep section of Douglas firs, then descend to First Meadow. This grassy expanse features rocky outcroppings, peak views, and easy access to fishing holes. Extending your hike along the creek to Second Meadow adds another 5.2 miles round-trip.
Anglers and wildlife-watchers, this one’s for you. Pretty Slough Creek is revered for its cutthroat trout fishing, and bears, moose, and bison are frequently spotted in the meadows along its banks. For a day-sized chunk, follow the Slough Creek Trail up a short, steep section of Douglas firs, then descend to First Meadow. This grassy expanse features rocky outcroppings, peak views, and easy access to fishing holes. Extending your hike along the creek to Second Meadow adds another 5.2 miles round-trip.
3.4 miles round-trip. Easy to moderate. Access: Trailhead is on the dirt road to Slough Creek Campground; park where the road curves left.
Trout Lake Trail
A short, somewhat steep hike through spruce and fir, this trail’s destination is the small Trout Lake, which is encircled by a footpath. The lake, nestled between dramatic cliffs and Druid and Barronette peaks, is a favorite fishing hole and one of the best places in the park to witness the fascinating cutthroat spawn. Because of the density of the fish, the lake once served as a major source of food for Cooke City and still attracts otters, beavers, and bears.
A short, somewhat steep hike through spruce and fir, this trail’s destination is the small Trout Lake, which is encircled by a footpath. The lake, nestled between dramatic cliffs and Druid and Barronette peaks, is a favorite fishing hole and one of the best places in the park to witness the fascinating cutthroat spawn. Because of the density of the fish, the lake once served as a major source of food for Cooke City and still attracts otters, beavers, and bears.
1.3 miles round-trip. Easy. Access: 10 miles west of the northeast entrance, at the trailhead 1 mile west of Pebble Creek campground.
Upper Pebble Creek
The lesser-traveled region off the Northeast Entrance Road holds some of the most dramatic scenery in the park, including this gorgeous ramble in a remote valley. Even better, abundant wildflowers decorate the meadows in July. The first mile climbs fairly steeply to views of the cliffs along Soda Butte Creek and the area’s imposing stone buttes, then flattens to an easy meadow stroll. Turn around at the first backcountry campsite along Pebble Creek, where you’ll spy still more giant summits. Alternately, you can park a shuttle car at the Pebble Creek Trailhead and hike all the way there for a 12-mile day.
The lesser-traveled region off the Northeast Entrance Road holds some of the most dramatic scenery in the park, including this gorgeous ramble in a remote valley. Even better, abundant wildflowers decorate the meadows in July. The first mile climbs fairly steeply to views of the cliffs along Soda Butte Creek and the area’s imposing stone buttes, then flattens to an easy meadow stroll. Turn around at the first backcountry campsite along Pebble Creek, where you’ll spy still more giant summits. Alternately, you can park a shuttle car at the Pebble Creek Trailhead and hike all the way there for a 12-mile day.
4 miles round-trip. Moderate. Access: Warm Springs Trailhead is 8 miles east of Pebble Creek Campground.