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You're watching Visiting Yellowstone.
One of the greatest resources in Yellowstone National Park is
Yellowstone Lake. Its 141 miles of shoreline make it the largest alpine lake
in North America. It is also one of the most beautiful places in or country.
With all this water, you would think that the park would be one of the
best places to boat in the country and it can be, but boating is limited
and can be dangerous here. The climate in Yellowstone keeps our
rivers and lakes extremely cold and the storms that roll across
the Yellowstone Plateau make this place unpredictable.
That combination is unforgiving.
All rivers and streams in Yellowstone are closed to boating except
a section of the Lewis River between Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake.
Non-motorized boats are allowed to use this section of river so
people can access Shoshone Lake, which is one of the largest
backcountry lakes in the contiguous United States.
The canoeing and kayaking here is only for the
most experienced and best equipped boaters.
All of Yellowstone’s lakes are open to non-motorized boats except Sylvan Lake,
Eleanor Lake and Beach Springs Lagoon on the East Entrance road and the
Twin Lakes, which are between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction.
Boating in any thermal area is prohibited regardless of water temperature.
The canoeing and kayaking on Yellowstone’s lakes is amazing
if you take the necessary precautions. We recommend paddlers
stay close to shore and avoid long open water crossings.
On Shoshone Lake, boaters should cross only at the narrows when
traveling from the south shore to the north shore or back.
Due to frequent afternoon thunderstorms,
early or late in the day offer the calmest water.
Paddling the eastern shore of Yellowstone Lake is extremely treacherous
due to the long fetch and the storms that approach from the west.
Launching here at the Grant Village access is considered the safest
place to begin a paddling trip on Yellowstone Lake.
If you plan on bringing a motorized boat to the park,
they cannot be longer than 40 feet and you only have 2 options:
Yellowstone Lake and Lewis Lake. Boats can only be launched or
recovered from a designated boat launch ramp.
They are located at Bridge Bay Marina and at Grant Village on
Yellowstone Lake and the Lewis River Campground on Lewis Lake.
A Yellowstone boat permit is required for all vessels, including
float tubes that are used for fishing. Park fishing permits are also
required for people wanting to fish.
Motor boats must be registered in the state of principal use.
Motorized permits are only available at the South entrance,
Grant Village, Bridge bay and occasionally at Lewis Lake.
Non-motorized permits are available at many of the park’s backcountry offices.
All boats must be have a US Coast Guard approved Personal
Floatation Device or PFD for each person on board.
Motor boats over 16 feet in length must also have an accessible
type IV PFD which can be thrown. All children 12 or younger must wear
their PFD when the vessel is underway, unless they are in an enclosed cabin.
Really, everyone should wear a life vest when boating in Yellowstone;
they can only save you when you wear them.
All motor boats that use gasoline, except outboards, need flame arresters
to prevent backfires; they are standard on most new boats.
Boats need running and navigational lights.
White anchor lights must be used when under anchor in times of poor visibility.
Other safety equipment required includes USCG approved fire extinguishers
and proper ventilation for gasoline engines in boats with a permanent
fuel tank. Boats under 26 feet must have one B-1 fire extinguisher.
Boats over 26 feet must have two B-1 or one B-2 extinguisher on board.
Wash your boat before you get to Yellowstone and when you leave one of
Yellowstone’s lakes, to prevent the transfer of invasive and non-native species.
Tell the rangers at Bridge Bay or Grant Village where you boated last to be
sure you don’t bring these unwanted guests to the park.
Camping on Yellowstone’s lakes require a backcountry permit
and is only allowed in designated campsites or anchorages.
For boaters, those permits are only available at the South Entrance,
Bridge Bay and Grant Village. For more information about
backcountry permits, contact our Central Backcountry Office
at 307-344-2160. There are other water related dangers to
consider when exploring Yellowstone.
Of course there is the hot water that you need to be aware of.
Talk to children about the dangers associated
with thermal waters before your trip.
Stream and river crossings are always dangerous here.
The water is cold and often moving fast;
ask a ranger about those before your hike.
There always seems to be more questions to ask.
We are here to help you safely travel through Yellowstone.
Don’t forget warm clothes and we can’t wait to see you here.
It’s your park and it’s time to explore.