Road Trip With Grandpa in Yellowstone An Adventure of Memories including Old Faithful

This is a mini series of days with grandpa Randy in Yellowstone. Day 1 and Day 2 are both great days grandpa planned as well, check it out here and here.

Yellowstone, Day 3 with grandpa       

1.     Same directions as Day 1; from West Yellowstone to Madison Junction, then on to Norris Junction.

2.     At Norris turn right (4 way stop) towards Canyon Village.  Take the Virginia Cascades loop road – one way, and then back on highway towards Canyon. At Canyon, stop at information center and get guidance on viewing Upper and Lower Yellowstone River Falls.  There are walks to the overlooks for both falls and worth doing (my opinion) and then also seeing Artist’s Point

3.     From here go into Hayden Valley and towards Yellowstone Lake.  I have NEVER not seen a lot of bison in this beautiful valley.  I have also seen wolves here on a couple occasions.

4.     Proceed to Yellowstone Lake and maybe stop at restaurant at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel.  You should have great view of the lake from the back side of the hotel.

5.     Loop back here and see the same sights, heading back to maybe swimming at Firehole River.

6.     From Madison Junction, this may also be a great time to continue towards Old Faithful and stop at Biscuit Basin.  This is really neat stuff and at the backside of Biscuit Basin (from the Highway) is the hike to Mystic Falls.  This is an easy hike.  It is 1 mile from the back side of Biscuit Basin.

7.     Time permitting, after hike or even prior, go to Old Faithful and see the eruption (about every 90 minutes) and also see the Old Faithful Lodge.

8.     By doing this, it frees up your travels from West Yellowstone on another day to go to Grand Teton National Park less than two hours away from the cabin in Island Park. There are also some great things to do around Island Park too and you can look at them at the blog post here.

Close to Yellowstone Trail lovers... this one is for you!

Hidden Montana—The Trail System

Despite the fact that Island Park has many recreational opportunities surrounding aquatic activities, those that are immediately accessible by road tend to receive much higher traffic—often forcing an outdoorsman to choose between convenience of access and quality of the experience.  In the chain of lakes slightly to the north of Island Park, sometimes referred to as the Jewels of Montana, there are six lakes that sit deep within a geological fault line in a uniquely isolated aquatic ecosystem.  

Three of the six lakes are accessible by road with varying degrees of road quality, while the other three require a bit more effort to access.  There is a trail that runs from the North end of the Elk Lake road, along Hidden Lake, then up the canyon past both Goose and Otter Lakes, to its terminus at the south edge of Cliff Lake.  Additionally, the trail picks up again at the north end of Cliff Lake and terminates again at Wade Lake.  

Hidden Lake

Proceed past Elk Lake until you reach the end of the two-track road.  This road is somewhat rough and four-wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle are highly recommended.  At the end of the road, prepare for a short hike (roughly 700 yards) through a slot canyon to the very tip of Hidden Lake.  Here, you can launch a canoe or float tube if you packed one in, otherwise, the trail traces the west edge of the lake, providing for ample fishing opportunity.  At the northern end of the lake, there is an excellent site for a shore lunch, as well as an excellent point to prepare for the next portion of the journey.  This lake is an excellent fishery, with phenomenal fly fishing for wild cutthroat.  Primarily a streamer fishery, dark brown and purple bugger and leech patterns are excellent, especially when fished with a red or yellow Simi-seal micro leech or other bead-head nymph as a dropper.  Although the south end of the lake is relatively shallow.  This lake provides for excellent wildlife viewing for both mammals and waterfowl and, when paired with the spectacular geological views, makes for some of the best nature photography and exploring in the area.  Utilize caution, however, as there is a healthy grizzly population in the area and this is one of the more remote lakes in the region.

Goose Lake

            From the northwest end of Hidden Lake, follow the trail up the face to the crest of the ridgeline.  It’s a fairly easy trail to follow, dropping through several draws before finally settling into the floor of the valley about three-quarters of a mile from the start of the hike.  This is a relatively scenic hike, taking you through some very interesting geology with the potential to see various species of wildlife.  Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll find it’s relatively small—only a few acres in size—and sheltered beneath sheer walls of stone.  Also relatively shallow, this lake is a spectacular sight fishery, allowing anglers to target individual fish with a well-placed fly or spinner.  Due to the clear water and shallow nature of the lake, small streamer patterns, dry flies, and terrestrial patterns work well all season long—however, the fish are somewhat spooky and benefit from a stealthy approach.  This is a wonderful place to sit and picnic with the added bonus of being able to view large amounts of native wildlife with little-to-no traffic, while still being relatively easy to access. 

Otter Lake

            Another half-mile up the trail from Goose Lake, you’ll approach the least known and least utilized lake on the chain.  Otter lake is a very small and shallow lake that hosts some very entertaining dry fly fishing as well as some of the best views in the area.  This is the most remote lake on the chain and odds are good that your visit will be undisturbed by others.  An excellent turn around point for those looking to see he bottom portion of the chain in one day, this also facilitates excellent photography, wildlife viewing, and—in the early summer—some excellent wildflower viewing.  Furthermore, this is about one-third of the way between Hidden Lake and the south end of Cliff Lake.  Because this lake receives so little pressure, it is an excellent location to plan a hike and family picnic in the backcountry—just don’t forget to pack the fly rod.

The Trail

            The aforementioned trail runs from Hidden Lake through Goose and Otter, before ending up at Cliff Lake.  Just a couple miles long, this trail facilitates excellent wildlife experiences and panoramic views, while taking you through multiple terrain and environ types.  If you can arrange a pick-up or drop-off at one of the two trailheads, this is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and variety that Island Park has to offer, while getting you away from the other crowds and providing a unique day trip that many are simply unaware of.  As with any backcountry travel, exercise caution with regards to wildlife and weather conditions, back bear spray, and have a solid plan for your journey.  Be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring a camera and a fishing rod or two to capture the memories you’re sure to make along the way.

Big Thank you to Mike Jennings for contributing this information.

Locals' Guide: Airports Close to Yellowstone

Island Park is a beautiful road trip for its many visitors from neighboring states, as well as within the state of Idaho. But for many, flying is the best option. Some of the most common questions travelers have is about airports. What is the best airport in the area? Which one is closest to Yellowstone National Park? We want to make your trip to Island Park and West Yellowstone as enjoyable and effortless as possible. Here’s a guide to all of your airport questions in the Greater Yellowstone area.

Airports Close to West Yellowstone and Island Park, Idaho (in order of proximity from nearest to farthest to Island Park):

Yellowstone Airport (WYS), approx. 30 minutes  

Idaho Falls Regional Airport 75 minutes

Pocatello Regional Airport  120 minutes

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, just 120 minutes

Jackson Hole Airport, just over 120 minutes

Bert Mooney Airport, 150 minutes

Salt Lake City International Airport, 5 hours

Boise Airport, 5 hours

Best Overall Airports Near Yellowstone

If you want to get to Island Park and the Greater Yellowstone area in the quickest time possible, the best choice is Yellowstone (WYS) airport. But if you want to experience a bit of a scenic road trip or want some better options (cheaper, non-stop flights), the winner is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. A beautiful scenic drive through the Gallatin Range, just over two hours from Island Park.

What do the locals say?

Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
A favorite for many locals. Closest to Yellowstone and Island Park, getting more flights, and flights to connectors in SLC may be cheaper. Is often pricier than Idaho Falls or Bozeman. Not ideal if you’re wanting a direct flight.

Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located at West Yellowstone, Montana just two miles from Yellowstone National Park and close to Big Sky, Island Park, Gallatin and Madison Rivers, Ennis, and Virginia City. From the site: “Numerous airlines transfer in Salt Lake City to Delta Airlines flights. This means you can leave home in the morning and be catching fish or watching Old Faithful Geyser by early afternoon!” 

Idaho Falls Regional Airport
Close to Island Park and Yellowstone, great deals through United. 

Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho this airport is the second closest to Island Park just an hour and a half away from the gateway to Yellowstone.

Pocatello Regional Airport
Flights are usually cheaper than Idaho Falls and it’s only 45 minutes farther. Free parking is a plus.

According to the site, the Pocatello airport is “fast, friendly, and convenient” and locals tend to agree. It’s only an extra half hour from Idaho Falls airport, and close to Lava Hot Springs (approx. 40 min.) if you have time for a fun and relaxing day trip.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
Cheaper fares, nonstop flights, and a beautiful two hour drive to Island Park and Yellowstone through the Gallatin Valley.

This beautiful Montana airport is a local favorite, providing the only year-round service for two Yellowstone National Park entrances. According to the site: “Located in the heart of beautiful Gallatin Valley, we provide non-stop flights to 30 markets in the United States with connections all over the world.”

Jackson Hole
Some say the cheapest fares are here. And love that it’s only two hours from Island Park.

And if you have time to stop in the Grand Teton national park- we recommend it. maybe even add on a couple of nights to your stay so you can enjoy it a couple of days. image COURTESY of Teara Galbraith

The site says it best: “The Jackson Hole Airport is located at the base of the spectacular Teton mountain range. Located entirely within Grand Teton National Park, flying into the Jackson Hole Airport is an amazing way to begin your journey to Jackson Hole.” And being only two hours from Island Park (2 and ½ to West Yellowstone), it’s a great way to begin your journey into the Greater Yellowstone. And you get a bonus visit to Grand Teton National Park!

Bert Mooney Airport
Free parking, but not typically recommended.

“Located in the heart of Southwest Montana, Bert Mooney Airport is your gateway to adventure. Whether you are departing on that trip of a lifetime or arriving for that much needed retreat, departing to the trip of a lifetime, Bert Mooney Airport can help you reach your travel destination with ease,” according to the site. Possibly because it’s smaller, and farther than Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Yellowstone, and Bozeman, this airport is not heavily used by visitors to Island Park and Yellowstone.

Salt Lake International Airport
Cheap fares and nonstop flights, and a five hours drive. But, it could be a fun day trip on the road through Salt Lake to Ogden and southern Idaho if you have the time.

The Salt Lake City airport just completed phase one of a $4 billion redevelopment project, making it one of the most beautiful and enjoyable airports for travel.

Boise Airport
Most locals use Salt Lake City airport over Boise airport, but out-of-state visitors will enjoy the city of Boise and the five hour road trip with a little extra time to spare.

Nonstop flights and in one of Idaho’s most bustling and beautiful cities, this may be worth the five hour drive to Island Park.

Further reading about Yellowstone-area airports:

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/airports-near-clarksville-tennessee-55462.html
https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/airports/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60999-i481-k2303100-Closest_airport_to_Yellowstone-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html

Now that you’re on flight to Island Park, the gateway to West Yellowstone, be sure to book your stay with Visit Island Park Idaho Cabin Rentals!
Our luxury short-term accommodations in Island Park, Idaho.

Welcome to your home away from home.

Grand Prismatic Springs from the Overlook

Image by Teara Galbraith

Should I Bring My Dog To Yellowstone?

https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/pets.htm