Lakes in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has over 600 lakes and ponds, covering approximately 107,000 surface acres. The majority of this area is concentrated in a few major lakes: Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake, Shoshone Lake, and Heart Lake. These large lakes account for about 94% of the park's total lake surface area, highlighting their significance in the park's aquatic landscape.

(1) Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake  is a prominent feature in Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its impressive size and high elevation. Situated at 7,733 feet (2,357 meters) above sea level, it is the largest high-elevation lake in North America. The lake covers approximately 132 square miles (342 square kilometers), stretching about 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) in length and 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) in width, with a shoreline extending 141 miles (227 kilometers).

The lake is notable for its extremely cold water, maintaining an average temperature of around 41°F (5°C) year-round. It freezes completely during the winter, typically from late December to early January, with ice thickness ranging from a few inches to over two feet. The ice usually begins to melt in late May or early June. Due to the cold water temperatures, swimming in Yellowstone Lake is not recommended as survival time in such conditions is estimated to be only 20 to 30 minutes.

Yellowstone Lake is home to the largest population of wild cutthroat trout in North America, an intriguing fact given that cutthroat trout are native to the Pacific Ocean basin. Scientists believe that historical drainage patterns allowed these fish to cross the Continental Divide. However, the introduction of lake trout, an invasive species, poses a significant threat to the native cutthroat trout population.

Geologically, Yellowstone Lake is unique for its underwater features. Recent research using submersible robots has revealed a complex lakebed with geysers, hot springs, and deep canyons. The lake has a particularly deep canyon near Stevenson Island, reaching 390 feet (119 meters), surpassing the previously known deepest point at West Thumb. Subaquatic geothermal features, including the hottest spot in Mary Bay at 252°F (122°C), highlight the lake's dynamic geological processes.

Historically, Yellowstone Lake has been known by various names. Early explorers and fur trappers referred to it with names like "Eustis Lake" and "Sublette Lake" before it was widely recognized as Yellowstone Lake. The 1871 Hayden Survey was the first formal exploration of the lake's waters with a boat, marking a significant moment in the lake's history.

Yellowstone Lake

(2) Lewis Lake

Lewis Lake is located in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park. It is situated approximately 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) southeast of Shoshone Lake and about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Yellowstone Lake. It is also a few miles northeast of the Pitchstone Plateau. 

Named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the lake provides access to the Lewis River. The lake is less crowded than Yellowstone Lake, offering a more tranquil experience.

The lake is fed primarily by the Lewis River, which flows south from Shoshone Lake and continues to drain into the Snake River near Yellowstone's southern boundary. Several small creeks and hot springs contribute to the lake's inflow, with hot springs located along the northwestern shore and at the southern end where the lake exits into the Lewis River. 

It's a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping, with Lewis Lake Campground providing convenient access for visitors. The lake is also near the South Entrance to Yellowstone, making it a great stop for those entering the park from this direction.

Lewis Lake

Lewis Lake

(3) Shoshone Lake

Shoshone Lake is a serene, remote lake located in Yellowstone National Park, accessible primarily by a hiking trail or by boat from the Lewis River. 

Shoshone Lake, the second-largest lake in Yellowstone National Park, covering about 8,100 acres. Lewis River drains Shoshone and Lewis lakes and is a tributary of the Snake River.

Shoshone Lake, measuring 205 feet in maximum depth and covering 8,050 acres, was initially fishless due to waterfalls on the Lewis River. Fish species including lake trout, brown trout, and Utah chubs were introduced starting in 1890.

The lake is renowned for its stunning scenery, including rugged shorelines and abundant wildlife. It's a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking due to its tranquil waters and relative seclusion. 

The Shoshone Lake Trail, a 7.5-mile trek from the Lewis River, offers hikers picturesque views and an opportunity to experience the park's diverse landscapes.

Shoshone Lake

Shoshone Lake

(4) Heart Lake

Heart Lake is a picturesque, small lake located in Yellowstone National Park, situated in the southwestern part of the park near the base of Mt. Sheridan. It’s named for its heart-shaped outline and is accessible via a 6.5-mile round-trip hike from the trailhead near the Yellowstone Lake's West Thumb area. 

The lake is a peaceful spot surrounded by forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including peaks from the Teton Range in the distance. It's a great place for a serene hike, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Fishing is also permitted in the lake, but it is less frequented compared to some of the park's larger bodies of water.

Heart Lake

Heart Lake

(5) Wrangler Lake

Wrangler Lake is a remote and scenic lake located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, accessible primarily by hiking. The lake sits in a rugged, backcountry area and is known for its pristine environment and relative seclusion. It covers about 1,200 acres and is surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain.

With a surface elevation of 7,850 feet (2,390 meters), Wrangler Lake sits at a high altitude, which can influence both the weather and the experience of your hike. At this elevation, you might encounter cooler temperatures and thinner air, so it's important to stay hydrated and be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms. 

To reach Wrangler Lake, you’ll need to embark on a challenging hike, typically starting from the Trout Lake Trailhead. The trail to Wrangler Lake is about 8 miles one way, making it a rewarding destination for those who enjoy backcountry adventures and solitude. 

Wrangler Lake

(6) Grebe Lake

Grebe Lake is a beautiful, remote lake located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. It’s situated within the Lamar Valley region, which is renowned for its abundant wildlife and scenic vistas. The lake is approximately 4 miles long and covers around 340 acres.

To access Grebe Lake, you’ll need to hike the 7.5-mile round-trip Grebe Lake Trail, which begins at the Lamar Valley Trailhead. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the valley's wide-open spaces and the rugged terrain of the Absaroka Range. 

Grebe Lake is a fantastic spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch species like cutthroat trout. The area is also known for its wildlife, and you might see bison, elk, and occasionally wolves in the surrounding meadows and forests. The lake’s remote location adds to its allure, providing a peaceful retreat from the more heavily visited areas of Yellowstone.

Grebe Lake

(7) Delusion Lake

Delusion Lake is a relatively hidden gem in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, situated in a remote area that adds to its sense of seclusion. It's accessible by a challenging hike, typically starting from the Slough Creek Trailhead. The lake is nestled in the heart of the backcountry, surrounded by forested slopes and rugged terrain.

The hike to Delusion Lake is about 8 miles one way, making it a strenuous trek, but the reward is a serene and picturesque lake that offers excellent opportunities for fishing, particularly for cutthroat trout. The surrounding landscape is dramatic, with deep forests and a rugged wilderness setting, making it a great destination for those looking to escape the more frequented areas of the park.

Due to its remote location, visitors should be well-prepared for backcountry conditions and should be aware of bear safety protocols. The solitude and natural beauty of Delusion Lake make it a worthwhile destination for avid hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Delusion Lake

(8) Isa Lake

Isa Lake is a scenic and relatively small lake located in Yellowstone National Park, straddling the border between Wyoming and Montana. It sits at an elevation of about 8,262 feet and is positioned on the Continental Divide. The lake is notable for its position at the source of the Snake River, which flows south into Grand Teton National Park, and its outlet feeds into the Missouri River system.

Access to Isa Lake is relatively straightforward via a short but rewarding hike. The trailhead is located at the Isa Lake Overlook along the Highway 287/191, which is a convenient stop for visitors traveling through the park. The hike to the lake is about 1 mile round-trip, and the area provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and the Divide.

Isa Lake is a great spot for a brief visit to appreciate the natural beauty of Yellowstone’s high country and its unique position on the Continental Divide. It's also an excellent location for observing diverse wildlife and enjoying the peaceful setting.

Isa Lake

(9) Trout Lake

Trout Lake, previously known as Fish Lake and Soda Butte Lake, is a 12 acres (0.049 km²) serene and picturesque lake located in the northern section of Yellowstone National Park, nestled within the Lamar Valley region. This area is known for its expansive views and abundant wildlife.

To reach Trout Lake, you can hike the Trout Lake Trail, which begins at the Lamar Valley Trailhead. The trail is about 7.5 miles round-trip, making it a moderately challenging hike. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful landscapes and have opportunities to spot wildlife such as bison, elk, and possibly wolves.

Trout Lake

Trout Lake

(10) Mallard Lake

Mallard Lake is located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, within the Lamar Valley region. This lake is known for its tranquil setting and beautiful surroundings, offering visitors a peaceful retreat from the more heavily trafficked areas of the park.

To reach Mallard Lake, you need to hike the Mallard Lake Trail, which begins at the Slough Creek Trailhead. The trail to the lake is about 6 miles round-trip and takes you through scenic meadows and forested areas. The hike is moderately challenging but provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Lamar Valley and the Absaroka Range.

Mallard Lake is a great spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch cutthroat trout. Its remote location also makes it a good place for wildlife viewing, and you might encounter bison, elk, and other animals in the area.

Mallard Lake