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Yellowstone National Park: Bechler River Loop
Tour a lesser-traveled corner of Yellowstone National Park on this 8.6-mile loop that boasts vast lodgepole pine forests and massive meadows that stretch for miles.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Wyoming (WY) |
| Distance: | 8.6 mi |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| USGS Topo Map: | Cave Falls, Bechler Falls |
| Rating: | Unrated |
Most seasoned Yellowstone hikers and backpackers who've explored Bechler River country speak in terms of awe when asked about this remote, and oft-forgotten, corner of the park. Set aside a weekend (or a day) and venture into these far reaches of southwest Yellowstone to escape the crowds and hang with bugling bull elk and howling gray wolves.
From the Bechler River Ranger Station, hike northeast on the well-used path for a flat stroll through shaded forest and marshy meadows. After 3.4 miles, set up camp at the park-authorized sites, then take a brief side trip to a narrow suspension bridge that hangs above Boundary Creek. Bechler Meadows, a vast stretch of open country, extends to the north. (The best time to visit Bechler Meadows is late summer or fall due to spring runoff.) The next day, spend some quality time along the Bechler River's tranquil waters before leaving the river near mile 7 for the 1.6-mile stretch back to Waypoint 2 and the trailhead.
PERMIT: Overnight camping in Yellowstone National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm.
MORE PARK INFO: Yellowstone National Park, (307) 344-7381; nps.gov/yell/.
-Mapped by Jason Kauffman
TO TRAILHEAD: From Ashton, ID, drive east on ID 47 to the turnoff for Cave Falls Rd. Continue driving east on Cave Falls Rd. to the turnoff for parking at the Bechler River Ranger Station.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Bechler Loop
| Distance: 8.63 mi | Points: 531 |
Points of Interest
BEC001
Location: 44.149206, -111.046286From the historic Bechler River Ranger Station, hike northeast on the well-used path past the horse corrals.
BEC002
Location: 44.150533, -111.044746Turn left @ Y-junction. The path quickly leaves the ranger station behind as the forest of lodgepole pine closes in.
BEC003
Location: 44.167788, -111.032054Stay right @ Y-junction. Watch the marshy meadow to the west for wildlife.
BEC004
Location: 44.182635, -111.007812Continue straight @ 3-way intersection and take a short detour north to the suspension bridge over Boundary Creek. Park-authorized campsites are located next to the creek.
BEC005
Location: 44.186574, -111.004690Look across the narrow suspension bridge that hangs above Boundary Creek. Bechler Meadows, a vast stretch of open country, extends to the north. Next, return to Waypoint 4 and turn left @ 3-way junction.
BEC006
Location: 44.177657, -111.001750Turn left to enjoy a leisurely break along the banks of Bechler River's tranquil waters.
BEC007
Location: 44.174744, -110.998279Bear right at the turnoff for the challenging Rocky Ford of the Bechler River.
BEC008
Location: 44.156204, -111.014233Turn right @ Y-junction. Keep an eye on the sky for bald eagles, osprey, and other avian inhabitants of the Bechler River. In 1.6 miles, continue straight at Waypoint 2 and return to the trailhead.
Bechler River Ranger Station
Location: 44.149322, -111.046130In the early years of Yellowstone National Park, the U.S. Army was in charge of the park. Some of the soldiers were based out of the historic Bechler River Ranger Station, then known as Bechler River Soldier Station. © Jason Kauffman
Yellowstone's Early Days
Location: 44.149307, -111.046044History of the Bechler River Soldier Station. © Jason Kauffman
Bechler River Country
Location: 44.185204, -111.004980Compared to the rest of the park, the remote corners of Yellowstone's grand Bechler River country see virtually no human use. The area's superb wildlife habitat is mostly left to the elk, wolves, moose, and grizzly bears. © Jason Kauffman
Boundary Creek Bridge
Location: 44.186574, -111.004583Looking north over Boundary Creek into the vast Bechler Meadows region. © Jason Kauffman
Bechler River
Location: 44.177791, -111.001533Nice break spot along the silent waters of the Bechler River. © Jason Kauffman
Snowy Forests
Location: 44.171689, -110.996152Much of the Bechler Loop passes through dense stands of lodgepole pine trees. © Jason Kauffman
Paralleling the Bechler
Location: 44.166949, -110.995914Slow-moving backcountry waterways like the Bechler River are something of a rarity in the West's rugged wild spaces. © Jason Kauffman
October in Yellowstone
Location: 44.152059, -111.037413Passing through thick lodgepole pine near the end of the Bechler Loop. Snow can come early to high and wild Yellowstone National Park. © Jason Kauffman
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