Sea kayak beautiful Yellowstone Lake, ringed with geyser basins and framed by the Absaroka Mountains. Travel in WI's fleet of fast and stable kayaks that provide an ideal way to see this national treasure in safety and style. Paddle down the Southeast and Flat Mountain arms of Yellowstone Lake, and break out rods and reels as cutthroat trout abound. On your way to sea kayaking you'll explore Yellowstone's Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and other spectacular sites of the world's first national park.
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
DAY 1: Meet your group in Billings and travel over the scenic Beartooth Pass and through North Yellowstone. Learn about kayak skills and safety over dinner and spend the night in Grant Village.
DAY 2: Pack up camp and get on the water on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake. Paddle east to a campsite on Breezy Point. You may pass by an active osprey nest and see bald eagles soaring overhead. Today provides the first chance to catch trout and admire the beauty of the lake.
DAY 3: Break camp and move further southeast to the Flat Mountain Arm region where you'll paddle near the base of Flat Mountain in a true wilderness area. Set up camp and then enjoy the afternoon sun, reading a book or trying to catch colorful and pugnacious cutthroat trout.
DAY 4: Paddle in the Southeast Arm and explore the largest motor-free wilderness area in the park.
DAY 5: Paddle back to the Breezy Point area, enjoying the wildlife along the way.
DAY 6: Break camp in the morning and paddle out to Grant Village. The trip officially ends after lunch. If you use WI's van transportation, you will drive through the spectacular Beartooth Pass back to Billings, MT. Expect to return to Billings in the evening.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Yellowstone National Park has a wide variety of flora and fauna ranging from near-desert vegetation around the north entrance to sub-alpine meadows and forests on Mt. Washburn. Lodge pole pines cover 60% of the park. The shores of Yellowstone Lake are heavily forested, with accommodating and accessible campsites. Areas burned in the 1988 fire are distinguished by new growth and a variety of wildflowers. We will be on the lake, and campsites are pre-registered with the Park Service. Wind and weather may affect our routes.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in 21-foot Grand San Juan sea kayaks, which hold 2 or 3 people plus all necessary gear. An average day's travel consists of 3-6 paddling hours, depending on weather conditions. Be prepared for the possibility of a wind bound day. Travel distances vary from 4-10 miles each day.
WEATHER: Yellowstone Lake's high elevation makes for weather that can change very quickly. During the summer months it is usually quite comfortable with daytime temperatures within 65 - 90 degrees F. Thundershowers are a possibility and so are colder temperatures at night.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: This is a camping trip. At night you will sleep in a comfortable Eureka Timberline tent. Typically, there are 3 people per 4 person tent (although other arrangements can be made). We recommend that you bring your own personal sleeping bag and "camprest" foam core inflatable mattress (a limited number of sleeping bags and mattresses are available as loaners for individuals who need them). Bathroom facilities consist of an outhouse or a foldable commode chair set up in a privacy tent. We make every effort to ensure privacy and cleanliness. Pay showers are available on Day 5.
GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 8 to 10 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary canoeing and camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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