Inside America's first national park, Yellowstone Lake is nestled 2,357 m (7,732 ft) above sea level. The 350 sq km (136 sq mi) lake features geysers, hot springs, and underwater canyons. The spot has been known for trout fishing since its discovery. Research shows the greatest known depth of the lake is 120 m (390 ft). In contrast to the lake's six months of frozenness, the hottest spot ever recorded was 122 C (252 F). Watch for wildlife, and take advantage of hiking and camping opportunities near the lake. Add Yellowstone Lake to your Yellowstone National Park travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Yellowstone National Park journey maker tool.
Yellowstone Lake reviews
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When we arrived there was ice still on the lake. The hotel and dining room are wonderful. My sister and I were supposed to stay in a cabin however we were able to secure a two bedroom suite...
When we arrived there was ice still on the lake. The hotel and dining room are wonderful. My sister and I were supposed to stay in a cabin however we were able to secure a two bedroom suite... more »
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Coming from West Yellowstone, there is a really nice overlook spot, that you can pull over and photo. This lake is absolutely MASSIVE. It was like a sea, really. It was so clean, and clear. The...
Coming from West Yellowstone, there is a really nice overlook spot, that you can pull over and photo. This lake is absolutely MASSIVE. It was like a sea, really. It was so clean, and clear. The... more »
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Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Lake freezes over completely every winter in late December or early January, with ice thicknesses varying from a few inches to more than two feet. The lake usually thaws in late May or early June. Yellowstone Lake remains cold year-round, with an average water temperature of 41°F (5°C). Because of the extremely cold water, swimming is not recommended.Yellowstone Lake has the largest population of wild cutthroat trout in North America. How a Pacific Ocean fish was trapped in a lake that drains to the Atlantic puzzled experts for years. Figuratively, if one could pour all the water out of Yellowstone Lake, what would be found on the bottom is similar to what is found on land in Yellowstone: geysers, hot springs, and deep canyons.
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Fantastic driving towards Fisher's Bridge coming from West Thumb.... Beautiful vistas and do look for dead wood as it makes great pictures! 😉
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