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Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River wilderness guide
Wild & Scenic River · MT

Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River

The Yellowstone River, famed for its untamed beauty, is a designated Wild & Scenic River offering unparalleled opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Wild & Scenic River15,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wild & Scenic River

Total Wilderness Area

15,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River

The Yellowstone River, famed for its untamed beauty, is a designated Wild & Scenic River offering unparalleled opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River is renowned for being the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States, stretching over 670 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains through Montana. The river's protected segments offer a crucial habitat for diverse species such as grizzly bears, bald eagles, and the Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Historically, the river has been a vital waterway for indigenous peoples and was later explored by Lewis and Clark in the early 19th century. Key recreation opportunities include world-class fly fishing, scenic float trips, and riverside camping. Notable landmarks along the river's course include the dramatic Yellowstone Falls and the richly biodiverse Yellowstone River State Park. The river's free-flowing nature continues to draw visitors who appreciate its pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Field Guide · Wild & Scenic River
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Majestic Landscapes of Custer Gallatin National Forest★ 8.7⌖ 4 miHiking
Custer Gallatin National Forest

Majestic Landscapes of Custer Gallatin National Forest

Explore the expansive Custer Gallatin National Forest, located near Bozeman, Montana. Known for its rugged beauty, this area offers diverse hiking opportunities with stunning mountain views and rich wildlife, including elk and grizzly bears. Ideal for adventure seekers.

Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness: A Majestic Montana Escape★ 8.6⌖ 14 miHiking
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness: A Majestic Montana Escape

Explore the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, a vast 1-million-acre area in Mc Leod, MT, known for hiking, camping, and fishing. Discover subalpine landscapes and glacial lakes. Drive-in access from Livingston, with optimal visits from July to September. Enjoy solitude in this quiet, remote area.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Hike: Yellowstone’s Living Canvas★ 8.8⌖ 20 miHiking
Mammoth Terraces Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Hike: Yellowstone’s Living Canvas

Explore the Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Hike in Yellowstone National Park. This easy, 1.75-mile trail features geothermal wonders and wildlife like elk and coyotes. Perfect for families and photographers, it offers year-round access with stunning, colorful terraces.

Nature's Palette: Mammoth Hot Springs★ 9.2⌖ 20 miGeothermal Viewing
Mammoth Hot Springs

Nature's Palette: Mammoth Hot Springs

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone, known for its stunning travertine terraces. Enjoy scenic drives, boardwalk trails, and wildlife watching. Best visited in quieter spring and fall seasons.

Geothermal ViewingView Details→
Nature's Oasis: Gallatin National Forest★ 8.8⌖ 21 miHiking
Gallatin National Forest

Nature's Oasis: Gallatin National Forest

Explore the vast Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman, Montana. With its majestic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and activities like hiking and fishing, it appeals to adventure seekers. Accessible primarily by driving, enjoy the scenery especially in spring and fall.

Charming Cascade: Wraith Falls in Wyoming★ 7.8⌖ 21 miHiking
Wraith Falls

Charming Cascade: Wraith Falls in Wyoming

Visit Wraith Falls in Yellowstone National Park for a peaceful hike on a 0.5-mile easy trail. Ideal for families, it offers stunning waterfall views and chances to spot local wildlife. Best enjoyed in spring or fall to avoid summer crowds.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The stunning vista of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone✦ Opportunities to spot rare Yellowstone cutthroat trout✦ Historic significance as part of the Lewis and Clark expedition✦ Prime location for photography of wildlife and landscapes
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees required for river access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Carbella Recreation Site

A small riverside campground popular with anglers and those on paddling excursions.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Chico Hot Springs
⌖ 8.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chico Hot Springs, Montana

A historic mountain retreat offering natural hot springs and gateway access to diverse outdoor adventures in Montana’s scenic Yellowstone region.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and fishing; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Pray
⌖ 11.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pray, Montana

A quiet gateway into Montana’s rugged west, offering world-class river recreation, sweeping mountain views, and a peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and authentic wilderness.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Emigrant
⌖ 11.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Emigrant, Montana

A gateway community to the vast wilderness of the Yellowstone region, offering a quiet, rustic feel with easy access to hiking, fishing, and backcountry adventures.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Mammoth
⌖ 19.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mammoth, Wyoming

A gateway to Yellowstone's enchanting wilderness with great access to natural wonders and thrilling outdoor adventures.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Livingston
⌖ 29.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Livingston, Montana

A charming frontier town with rich access to the adventurous outdoors, offering scenic landscapes and thrilling activities.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Silver Gate
⌖ 32.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Silver Gate, Montana

A charming gateway to Yellowstone with rustic appeal and abundant wilderness adventures.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Yellowstone River Wild & Scenic River

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.