Slough Creek Hike
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Slough Creek Yellowstone

5
·12 reviews·, United States

Slough Creek in Yellowstone offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and fly fishing in a remote, stunning valley. A true wilderness escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early June mornings

Wildlife activity peaks

CrowdMedium
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Slough Creek Hike

Slough Creek Yellowstone

Best Time

Early June mornings

Wildlife activity peaks

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Slough Creek in Yellowstone offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and fly fishing in a remote, stunning valley. A true wilderness escape.

5
(12 reviews)

"This is a wonderful place, a place where you can see nature in all its glory."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Campground Early

Slough Creek campground reservations are essential and open June 15th. Plan well in advance!

🐻 Carry Bear Spray

Essential for hiking in Slough Creek. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lamar Valley Wildlife Safari

Lamar Valley Wildlife Safari

Lamar Valley

Witness bison, elk, wolves, and bears in their natural habitat. A true wildlife spectacle!

Slough Creek Fly Fishing

Slough Creek Fly Fishing

Slough Creek

Cast a line in pristine waters, a dream for anglers seeking trout. Even if you don't catch, the scenery is rewarding.

Slough Creek Trail Hike

Slough Creek Trail Hike

Slough Creek Trailhead

A moderate 6-mile round trip hike offering stunning views and excellent chances for wildlife sightings.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Slough Creek Adventure

Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park is a prime spot for wildlife viewing and fly fishing. Reservations for the Slough Creek campground are highly competitive and open on a specific date, so plan ahead. Be prepared for potential first-come, first-served availability outside of peak reservation periods, but arrive very early. Always carry bear spray and stay alert, as this area is known for frequent wildlife encounters.

Wildlife & Fishing Essentials

Slough Creek is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and bears. While fishing is popular, success isn't guaranteed. Remember that this is a backcountry area; pack accordingly for your hikes and fishing trips. Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never feeding animals. The Slough Creek trail offers a scenic route for exploration.

Best Times

When
Early June mornings
Why
Wildlife activity peaks
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Summer afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, golden light
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall shoulder season
Why
Elk rut, fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Slough Creek campground

🎯 Book Campground Early

Slough Creek campground reservations are essential and open June 15th. Plan well in advance! Reddit

🐻 Carry Bear Spray

Essential for hiking in Slough Creek. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Reddit

reddit.com

Slough Creek, the backcountry of Yellowstone

reddit.com

Slough creek camping

🎣 Fishing License Needed

Ensure you have a valid Yellowstone fishing permit before casting your line. TikTok

🐺 Wolf Watching Tips

Use binoculars and be patient. Dawn and dusk are prime times for wolf sightings. Instagram

reddit.com

Everyone says to go to Slough Creek to see wolves, but where exactly?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Campground Early

Slough Creek campground reservations are essential and open June 15th. Plan well in advance! Reddit

🐻 Carry Bear Spray

Essential for hiking in Slough Creek. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Reddit

🎣 Fishing License Needed

Ensure you have a valid Yellowstone fishing permit before casting your line. TikTok

🐺 Wolf Watching Tips

Use binoculars and be patient. Dawn and dusk are prime times for wolf sightings. Instagram

🚗 Arrive Early for Campsites

If aiming for first-come, first-served, arrive before dawn to secure a spot. Reddit

What Travellers Say

5
(12 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Slough Creek for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for wolves and bears, and its pristine fly fishing. The remote, less crowded atmosphere compared to other parts of Yellowstone is a major draw. However, securing campground reservations is notoriously difficult, and some find the primitive camping facilities basic.

"6 miles round trip hike full of wildlife."

Danny Joiner

"Dont worry about the black bear, he will most likely ignore you"

Max P.

"This is a wonderful place, a place where you can see nature in all its glory.
...But I would never have known about it without playing the game "WolfQuest"...But the place is the best"

Buska TheWolf

What People Like

Abundant wildlife sightings
Excellent fly fishing
Less crowded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Difficult campground reservations
Basic camping amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Slough Creek is located in the northeastern part of Yellowstone National Park, accessible via the Lamar Valley road. It's a scenic drive, often considered one of the best for wildlife viewing. The turnoff for Slough Creek is well-marked. Be prepared for potential wildlife jams on the road. TikTok

Yes, Slough Creek is accessible by car. The road leading to the campground and trailheads is paved for a significant portion, though it can be rough in places. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for park roads. Instagram

Many visitors explore Slough Creek by car, stopping at pull-offs for wildlife viewing. Hiking the Slough Creek trail is also highly recommended for a more immersive experience. Fly fishing in the creek is another popular activity. Reddit

Yellowstone National Park does not typically offer specific shuttle services directly to Slough Creek. Visitors generally use their own vehicles to access the area. TikTok

Slough Creek is quite remote within the park. It's approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City) and over 2 hours from the North Entrance (Gardiner). Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You do not need a separate ticket for Slough Creek itself. However, you will need a valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass to enter the park. These can be purchased at any park entrance station. TikTok

Slough Creek campground operates on a reservation system. Reservations typically open on June 15th for the upcoming season and are highly sought after. Check the official Yellowstone National Park website for exact dates and booking procedures. Reddit

Outside of the main reservation period, there might be limited first-come, first-served sites available. However, these are extremely rare and require arriving exceptionally early, often before dawn, to have any chance of securing a spot. Reddit

Slough Creek is accessible year-round, but services and campground operations are seasonal. The campground is typically open from late spring through early fall. Wildlife viewing is possible at any time. Instagram

Beyond the park entrance fee, there is a nightly fee for camping at Slough Creek campground. Fishing also requires a valid Yellowstone fishing permit. TikTok

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Wildlife

Slough Creek is renowned for its populations of cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, making it a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. TikTok

Yes, a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit is required to fish in Slough Creek. These can be purchased online or at various visitor centers and ranger stations within the park. TikTok

Slough Creek is a wildlife hotspot. Visitors frequently report sightings of bison, elk, pronghorn, coyotes, and most notably, wolves and bears. InstagramReddit

The best times to spot wolves and other predators at Slough Creek are typically during the early morning hours (dawn) and late evening (dusk), when they are most active. Instagram

Always maintain a safe distance (at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife). Never feed wildlife. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. If you encounter a bear, make noise and back away slowly. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Hiking & Trails

The most popular trail is the Slough Creek Trail, an approximately 6-mile round trip hike that follows the creek and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Other backcountry trails branch off from here. Reddit

The Slough Creek Trail is generally considered moderate. It's relatively flat for much of its length, making it accessible for many hikers, but it's important to be prepared for uneven terrain and potential wildlife encounters. TikTok

Pack essentials like plenty of water, snacks, bear spray, a first-aid kit, sun protection, and insect repellent. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Reddit

Yes, it is possible to hike to Slough Creek Pass, but it's a more strenuous backcountry trek. This is for experienced hikers comfortable with off-trail navigation and longer distances. Instagram

While not always guaranteed, Yellowstone National Park sometimes offers ranger-led programs or guided hikes. Check with the nearest visitor center for current schedules and availability. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Slough Creek offers a fantastic opportunity for families to experience Yellowstone's wild side. The Slough Creek Trail is a manageable hike for many families, providing a good chance to see bison and elk up close (from a safe distance, of course!). Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make sure kids understand the importance of staying with adults and respecting wildlife. TikTok

While the campground is more primitive, it can be a great adventure for older children who enjoy camping. The open meadows are perfect for letting kids run around (under supervision) and observe nature. Emphasize the importance of bear safety and ensure everyone knows the rules for interacting with wildlife. Reddit

🎣 Anglers & Fly Fishing Enthusiasts

Slough Creek is a bucket-list destination for many fly anglers. The creek is famous for its cutthroat and rainbow trout, offering challenging yet rewarding fishing. Be prepared for technical fishing; understanding insect hatches and trout behavior is key. TikTok

Ensure you have your Yellowstone fishing permit and are familiar with the park's specific fishing regulations. Many anglers recommend using smaller flies and presenting them delicately. Even if the fish aren't biting, the stunning scenery and the chance to spot wolves or bears make it a worthwhile trip. Instagram

📸 Wildlife Photographers

For wildlife photographers, Slough Creek is a dream location. The Lamar Valley is renowned for its predator populations, especially wolves and bears, making it a prime spot for capturing incredible shots. Dawn and dusk offer the best light and the highest chance of active wildlife. Instagram

Bring your longest lenses and be prepared to wait. Patience is crucial. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all animals. Remember to also capture the stunning landscapes of the valley, which are equally photogenic. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Slough Creek Campground

The Slough Creek Campground is a highly sought-after gem within Yellowstone, known for its remote feel and incredible wildlife access. Reservations are essential and open on a specific date each year, often in mid-June for the following season. Due to extreme demand, securing a spot requires meticulous planning and quick action the moment reservations become available. For those without reservations, the possibility of first-come, first-served sites is slim to none, and if they exist, arriving extremely early, often before dawn, is the only chance. Reddit

This campground offers a more primitive experience compared to some other Yellowstone campgrounds. Amenities are basic, focusing on providing a natural setting. Expect vault toilets and no hookups for RVs. The primary draw is the unparalleled access to the Lamar Valley's wildlife and the Slough Creek itself for fishing. It's a place for those who appreciate solitude and the raw beauty of the wilderness. Instagram

Key takeaway: If you dream of staying at Slough Creek, prioritize securing a reservation months in advance. Be prepared for a rustic camping experience and an abundance of nature. TikTok

The Art of Wildlife Viewing at Slough Creek

Slough Creek is often called the 'Serengeti of North America' for a reason – the wildlife viewing opportunities are phenomenal. Bison herds are a common sight, often grazing in the meadows or crossing the road. Elk are also abundant, especially during the fall rutting season. However, the real stars for many visitors are the wolves and bears that inhabit the Lamar Valley and surrounding areas. Reddit

To maximize your chances of seeing wolves, dawn and dusk are your best bets. Bring a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope. Patience is key; sometimes you'll need to wait for a while before any action occurs. Always maintain a safe distance – at least 100 yards from wolves and bears, and 25 yards from other animals. Never feed wildlife, as this is dangerous for both animals and humans. Instagram

Remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Even if you don't see wolves or bears, the sheer abundance of other animals and the stunning landscapes make Slough Creek a worthwhile destination. Bear spray is a non-negotiable for anyone venturing onto the trails or even just walking around the campground. TikTok

Fly Fishing Slough Creek: A Fly Angler's Paradise

For fly fishing enthusiasts, Slough Creek is a legendary destination within Yellowstone National Park. The creek is known for its healthy populations of cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, offering challenging and rewarding fishing experiences. The clear, relatively shallow waters make it ideal for sight-fishing, where you can spot your target before casting. TikTok

Anglers often describe the fishing as technical, requiring careful presentation and a good understanding of trout behavior. While success isn't guaranteed, the pristine environment and the thrill of the chase are major draws. Remember to check the Yellowstone National Park fishing regulations and obtain the necessary permit before you cast your line. Regulations can vary, so staying informed is crucial. TikTok

Even if your fishing trip isn't a banner day for catches, the experience of wading through the beautiful creek, surrounded by the vast Lamar Valley and its wildlife, is incredibly memorable. It’s a place where the journey and the environment are as significant as the catch. Instagram

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