While there are countless breathtaking views within Yellowstone National Park, our family loved the park attractions that felt like outdoor-sport (rather than sightseeing).
Our favorite outing: Boiling River
This spot is a family favorite because at the end of the short hike - a unique and relaxing experience awaits. Not marked on most Yellowstone maps, you reach the Boiling River by driving past Mammoth as if you were planning to exit the park through the North Entrance. Just about two miles from Mammoth, you’ll see two developed parking lots (right across from each other on either side of the main road). If you arrive early in the day, you can park in the East lot and will see the sign near the
trailhead. Follow the half mile, generally flat, maintained trail and soon you’ll arrive at the exact spot that the scalding Boiling River meets the cool Gardner River. The mix of hot and cold water makes for once-in-a-lifetime-swimming-hole-fun! One step too far to the left and your skin prickles in the heat. One step too far to the right and you feel the deep chill of snow melt. Every swimmer has to choose their very own spot, right in the middle, so that the mixing of extremes creates the perfect temperature.
My family (mixed that with the family of my amazing cousin) made for a total of four adults and six children. We entered the
“pool” formed by the two rivers and found a spot along the stretch of the river that is protected by a small ledge of carefully arranged rocks. Because the mixture of water and small children typically puts this Mommy on high alert, I left my camera locked in the car so that I could focus solely on survival of my offspring. Of course, where the water of the two rivers mix wasn’t more than two to three feet deep in July AND we quickly set up a barrier of Moms and Dads downstream who could “catch” any kiddo that made us nervous. Thus, I found myself able to enjoy every wet moment of this outing. Thank you to my cousin who passed along these great pics (and reminds me to worry less – live more).
The other star of the show: Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone is best known for its geothermal features of geysers, springs, mudpots, and fumaroles, but it is the sheer amount of water within the park’s boundaries that will stay with me when I remember this trip. Yellowstone Lake, at 132 square miles, is the largest lake at high elevation in North
Yellowstone is best known for its geothermal features of geysers, springs, mudpots, and fumaroles, but it is the sheer amount of water within the park’s boundaries that will stay with me when I remember this trip. Yellowstone Lake, at 132 square miles, is the largest lake at high elevation in North
America. Our family spent a part of one day at the water’s edge just behind the Visitor’s Center near Fishing Bridge. Children are eligible for a free fishing license and although my boys (sons and cousins included) didn’t try fly-fishing, I was happy to see them perfect their long, arched casts. I recommend bringing your own supplies (barbless hooks and artificial lures) and come to the lake early (before the afternoon winds begin to blow).
Live what you love: National Park Rangers
We attended one “Ranger Talk” at Old Faithful and participated in a “Ranger Led Hike” near Canyon. Such Ranger Programs are free of charge and offered at a number of park sites;
a number of times a day. I like the information that the rangers provide. I like the insider stories they tell. I love to see the passion they have for the park and their work within it. Constantly telling my own children to live what they love – I smile and nod my head when my oldest son points to the ranger and whispers, “She really likes Yellowstone.”
Also during our four day visit, both of boys completed the Jr. Ranger program. Free for children age 5-12, I downloaded the workbook before leaving home. The boys read through the directions on the way to the park and began filling in the
worksheets as soon as we crossed the park’s border. I found the Jr. Ranger activities perfect for winding-down at the end of the long day. We’d sit on the bed in our pajamas and review what the boys learned during the day (and what they hoped to accomplish in the next). My ten year-old was proud to complete all the program requirements. My youngest felt important when he was sworn in as an official Jr. Ranger.
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