Boating in Yellowstone NP

Boating

Motorized boats are allowed only on Lewis Lake and Yellowstone Lake. Kayaking or canoeing is allowed on all park lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon; however, most lakes are inaccessible by car, so accessing the park's lakes requires long portages. Boating is not allowed on any park river, except for the Lewis River between Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake, where nonmotorized boats are permitted.

You must purchase a seven-day, $5 permit for boats and floatables, or a $10 permit for motorized boats at Bridge Bay Ranger Station, South Entrance Ranger Station, Grant Village Backcountry Office, or, occasionally, Lewis Lake Ranger Station (at the campground). Nonmotorized permits are available at the Northeast and West entrances; backcountry offices at Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Canyon; Bechler Ranger Station; West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce; and locations where motorized permits are sold. Annual permits are also available.

Outfitter & Expeditions

Watercraft from rowboats to powerboats are available at Bridge Bay Marina by the hour or by the day for trips on Yellowstone Lake. You can even rent 22- and 34-foot cabin cruisers. Grand Loop Rd., 2 mi south of Lake Village, Bridge Bay. 307/344-7311. $70-$90 per hour for guided sightseeing or fishing boats; $9.50 per hr for rowboat; $45 per hr for small boat with outboard motor. June-mid-Aug., daily 8-8; mid-Aug.-mid-Sept., daily 8-5:30.

Yellowstone Lake Scenic Cruises,run by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, operates the Lake Queen II from out of Bridge Bay Marina on Yellowstone Lake. The one-hour cruises make their way to Stevenson Island and then return to Bridge Bay. Boats depart throughout the day. Bridge Bay Marina, Bridge Bay. 307/344-7311. $11.25. June-mid-Sept., daily.