Bechler River Trail

Hike Name: Bechler River Trail Location: northwest WY Length: 30.5 Submitted by: Richard Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Wyoming trail reviews Wyoming national parks Wyoming state parks
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Description
I should begin by saying that this was one of the best backcountry trips I've taken anywhere in the world. Our group of seven hiked through the Bechler River and Boundary Creek trails in Yellowstone National Park, from the Lone Star trailhead to the Bechler Ranger Station, on September 9-16. These trails, and this area in the southwest corner of the Park, are among the Park's least visited despite having just about everything that people come to Yellowstone to see: wildlife, spectacular falls, hot pots, hot springs, a beautiful river canyon, great fishing. Our route went right past Lone Star geyser and included two crossings of the Continental Divide. This trail connects to Shoshone Lake, South Boundary, and Boundary Creek Trails, so there's ample opportunity for side trips or to vary the route. I particulary recommend Boundary Creek; hike up to Dunanda /Silver Scarf Falls for two beautiful waterfalls, great soaking pools, and a panoramic view of the Tetons.
The Bechler area is boggy and buggy, and the trails considered impassable by the NPS, until early August, so the backpacking window is short. Except for length this is not a difficult hike; most is a gentle downhill grade.
Anyone who's interested must plan well in advance. All but winter camping in Yellowstone is limited to established campsites. Most of those in the Bechler area have one or two-day limits, and there aren't that many of them. We got our permit in April. The hike we did also requires a long auto shuttle.

Directions to Hike
Lone Star trailhead is just south of the NPS complex at Old Faithful on the Grand Loop Road. Bechler Ranger Station is near the Park's south entrance. Bozeman and West Yellowstone (Montana) and Jackson (Wyoming) are the closest airports.

Contact Information
Go to the backcountry planner on the Yellowstone's website, www.nps.gov/yell, or call the backcountry office at 307-344-2160.

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