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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Wildlife activity peaks

Slough Creek Yellowstone
Best Time
Wildlife activity peaks

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Slough Creek in Yellowstone offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and fly fishing in a remote, stunning valley. A true wilderness escape.
"This is a wonderful place, a place where you can see nature in all its glory."

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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 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
Wildlife & Fishing Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Slough Creek campground
🎯 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.
Slough Creek, the backcountry of Yellowstone
Slough creek camping
🎣 Fishing License Needed
Ensure you have a valid Yellowstone fishing permit before casting your line.
🐺 Wolf Watching Tips
Use binoculars and be patient. Dawn and dusk are prime times for wolf sightings.
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!
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Essential for hiking in Slough Creek. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
🎣 Fishing License Needed
Ensure you have a valid Yellowstone fishing permit before casting your line.
🐺 Wolf Watching Tips
Use binoculars and be patient. Dawn and dusk are prime times for wolf sightings.
🚗 Arrive Early for Campsites
If aiming for first-come, first-served, arrive before dawn to secure a spot.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yellowstone National Park does not typically offer specific shuttle services directly to Slough Creek. Visitors generally use their own vehicles to access the area.
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).
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Beyond the park entrance fee, there is a nightly fee for camping at Slough Creek campground. Fishing also requires a valid Yellowstone fishing permit.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Wildlife
Slough Creek is renowned for its populations of cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, making it a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.
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.
Slough Creek is a wildlife hotspot. Visitors frequently report sightings of bison, elk, pronghorn, coyotes, and most notably, wolves and bears.
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.
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.
🎫 🥾 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.
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.
Pack essentials like plenty of water, snacks, bear spray, a first-aid kit, sun protection, and insect repellent. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🎣 Anglers & Fly Fishing Enthusiasts
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.
📸 Wildlife Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Slough Creek Campground
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.
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.
The Art of Wildlife Viewing at Slough Creek
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.
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.
Fly Fishing Slough Creek: A Fly Angler's Paradise
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.
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.
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