Boating

Motorized boats are allowed only on Lewis Lake and Yellowstone Lake. Kayaking and canoeing are allowed on all lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon. Most lakes are inaccessible by car, though, so accessing them requires long portages. Boating is not allowed on any river except the Lewis between Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake, where nonmotorized boats are permitted.

You must purchase a permit for all boats—these are available at several points in the park, including Bridge Bay Ranger Station, Grant Village Backcountry Office, and Lewis Lake Ranger Station. The cost is $5 for a week, $10 for the season, for nonmotorized boats and floatables; and $10 for a week, $20 for the season, for all others. Boat permits issued in Grand Teton National Park are honored in Yellowstone, but owners must register their vessel in Yellowstone and obtain a no-charge Yellowstone validation sticker from a permit-issuing station. Rangers inspect all boats for aquatic invasive species before issuing a permit.

Tours and Outfitters

Bridge Bay Marina. Watercraft, from rowboats to powerboats, can be rented for trips on Yellowstone Lake at this well-outfitted marina, which also provides shuttle boat rides to the backcountry and dock slip rentals. Additionally, you can rent 22-foot cabin cruisers with a guide. Grand Loop Rd., Bridge Bay, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 82190. 307/344–7311; www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com. June–early Sept., daily 8:30–8:30.

Yellowstone Lake Scenic Cruises. On one-hour cruises aboard the Lake Queen II, you'll learn about the park and the lake's history and have the chance to observe eagles, ospreys, and some of the park's big mammals along the shoreline. The vessel travels from Bridge Bay to Stevenson Island and back. Reservations are recommended. Bridge Bay Marina, Bridge Bay, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 307/344–7311; www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com. $20. Late May–mid-Sept., daily 8:30–8:30.