lodge lady: RANDOM THOUGHTS ON TRAVELING THROUGH YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

WHAT I REMEMBER AND WHAT NOT TO FORGET

The park is a miracle. It is huge with 2.2 millions acres of things to marvel at---it just doesn’t stop. While I thought the geothermal wonders were just that, our four grandkids mostly wanted to see the wild life. As five-year-old Kai said after an hour hike through Mammoth Hot Springs: “Guys, we came to enjoy the wild life, not hike.”
Most folks rarely venture off the beaten path into the backcountry. We didn’t with the exception of a hike into Trout Lake outside of Silver Gate to fish and Pleasant Valley for our Chuck Wagon dinner. Why? Because we had four kids and there are lots of bears and also not-so-friendly Bison. And we forgot our bear spray.

Enough of this hiking

The crowds of tourists were just like us except from all over the world. All were amazed, generous with their tips, time and joy. The whole experience is contagious. That said, Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin is packed and the line-up for the eruption at Old Faithful can be a bit tedious. If you want more space, head to the Yellowstone Lake area.
I love Park Rangers. These folks are calm, well trained, knowledgeable to a fault and funny. When they ask you to move back from the wild life---move. When they ask you to drive on past a Bear Jam, do so and find a place to park and walk back to the viewing site. When their presentation seems a bit long, just leave the group: no hard feelings here.
Motorhomes. I do not like them because their presence is so intrusive. So, I’ve said it. The slow, narrow and winding roads are simply not made for these things that usually pull a car. Anything bigger than those rented Cruise America RVs are just too much.
Do not miss the Lamar Valley and the Hayden Valley. We went through Hayden Valley three or four times and each tine saw something different. These two valleys were where we saw the most wild life. We love entering the park at the Northeast Gate out of Cooke City and Silver Gate. You drop into the expanse of the park with vast valleys, lumbering mountains and fewer cars. As for routes, take any of them and repeat anything you like and just pull off and hike around. The kids picked out spots that sounded like fun, and they always were. We loved Great Fountain Geyser, a much more intimate experience than Old Faithful.
Beartooth Pass. I mentioned it before, but if you go through Red Lodge to Cooke City, MT, on Highway 212 you will NOT be disappointed. Also, the line at the entrance gate is usually pretty darn short.
Picnic. We found lovely and sometimes secluded picnic spots along tributaries of the big Yellowstone River where the kids could wade and we could just hang out. Our favorite was the Nez Perce Ford. You need hang out time.

Off of the Yellowstone River at Nez Perce Ford

Xanterra. This is the park concessionaire for the lodges, hotels and most of the restaurants. They just signed a 20-year contract with the National Park Service at Yellowstone. Again, the staff was always helpful whether as servers, desk clerks, or cleaning personnel. Rooms at each lodge we stayed at (Mammoth Hot Spring Hotel, Canyon’s Dunraven Lodge and Lake Hotel’s Sandpiper Annex) were all comfortable, clean, roomy and most updated. We never saw a “tip” jar or a cranky employee, and we had four kids with us. We left things in rooms twice, and when we returned, they were labeled and waiting for us at the front desk. It is hard to imagine such a well-run operation especially considering most of the park and these facilities are only open for the summer season.

Something for everyone at Lake Lodge Cafeteria

Restaurants. While you should probably have a big dinner at Lake Hotel or Old Faithful Inn dining room, we found the Lake Lodge Cafeteria and the “Grills” at Mammoth and Canyon much more manageable for a family.
The Chuck Wagon dinner at Roosevelt Lodge was not only great food (unlimited which was perfect for our almost 14-year-old grandson), but also just plain fun. Make reservations and enjoy!
There is rarely if ever Wi-Fi in the Park. A blessing in many respects. Cell coverage is available at all lodge/visitor areas and coverage goes in and out.

THINGS NOT TO FORGET

1) Binoculars. We had one expensive pair and two REI ones for kids. All were good. We also had a telephoto lens on one camera. Cellphone cameras make it fun for everyone.

Binocular and telephoto lens

2) A small backpack. Yes, we forgot ours.

3)   First aid kit with the basics including Band-Aids and larger dressings, Neosporin, Benadryl, antiseptic wipes, aspirin or Tylenol, something for bug bites

4)   Sunscreen, insect repellant and Chap stick

5)   Water bottles for each person. There are water refill stations at most General Stores and hotels. Due to the altitude and sometimes heat, you need LOTS of water.

6)   Picnic essentials, a small cooler and food. The General Store selection is very limited, so pack what you can.

7)   Warm jackets. Each kiddo had a down jacket and they wore them every day. I like wearing something with big pockets instead of carrying a backpack. Good thing since we forgot our small day pack. And small packable rain jackets could come in handy.

8)   Hiking boots. Again, we wore ours everyday. Even the paths can be slippery.

9)   Maps and general information books. I printed this all out on line before we left, but what we used the most was the map we got at the park entrance. Ask for extras since they fall apart after a few days of use.

10)                 A sense of adventure along with a sense of humor. And everyone and everything packed in the car that you came with.