Yellowstone River

Yellowstone River: The Lifeblood of Yellowstone National Park

When you picture Yellowstone National Park, geysers and wildlife might spring to mind first—but flowing through the heart of this vast wilderness is a force just as iconic: the Yellowstone River. This mighty river is not only a geographic centerpiece but also a source of life, carving breathtaking canyons, supporting diverse ecosystems, and offering unforgettable recreation.

Yellowstone River

Let’s take a journey along the Yellowstone River and explore its role in shaping the park’s landscapes and experiences.

Yellowstone River’s Journey Through the Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone River is one of the major rivers in the United States, flowing through the states of Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. Originating in the Absaroka Range within Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, it is the principal tributary of the upper Missouri River. 

The river runs for approximately 692 miles (1,114 kilometers), making it the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States, as it is unimpeded by dams.

The Yellowstone River begins at the outlet of Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. From there, it flows northward through the park, plunging over the famous Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a breathtakingly scenic area known for its dramatic cliffs and vivid colors. 

The river then continues north into Montana, passing through Paradise Valley, a fertile region surrounded by towering mountain ranges, and on to the city of Livingston. It eventually converges with the Missouri River in North Dakota.

The Yellowstone River is fed by several significant tributaries, with key contributors on both the left and right. On the left, the Gardner River and Shields River join the Yellowstone, while on the right, it is fed by the Lamar River, Boulder River, Stillwater River, Big Horn River, Tongue River, and Powder River.

The river's watershed is expansive, covering more than 70,000 square miles. It is home to a wide range of ecosystems, supporting diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, bison, elk, and a variety of fish species, notably cutthroat trout, which is native to the river. The Yellowstone River is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, rafting, and hiking.

Historically, the river has been significant to various Indigenous tribes, including the Crow, who have lived along its banks for centuries. European exploration of the river began in the early 19th century, with notable explorers such as William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveling its waters. 

The river’s name was derived from the Minnetaree tribe's name "Mi tse a-da-zi," meaning "Rock Yellow River," which French trappers translated to "Roche Jaune," or Yellow Stone. 

Yellowstone River

FAQ's

Q. Where is the Yellowstone River?

A. The Yellowstone River is located in the Western United States, flowing through the states of Wyoming, Montana, and a small portion of North Dakota. The river originates in the Absaroka Range in northwestern Wyoming, within Yellowstone National Park, and flows northward through the park, feeding and draining Yellowstone Lake.

Q. Does the Yellowstone River flow North?/What direction does the Yellowstone River flow?

A. Yes, the Yellowstone River flows north. After originating in the Absaroka Range in northwestern Wyoming, within Yellowstone National Park, the river flows northward through the park, passing through Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Upon leaving the park, it continues to flow north through Montana, passing through Paradise Valley and the city of Livingston, before turning eastward and eventually flowing into the Missouri River in North Dakota.

Q. How long is the Yellowstone River?

A. The Yellowstone River is approximately 692 miles (1,114 kilometers) long. It stretches from its source in the Absaroka Range of Wyoming, through Montana, and ultimately flows into the Missouri River in North Dakota.

Q. How deep is the Yellowstone River?

A. The depth of the Yellowstone River varies significantly along its length. In general, the river is relatively shallow compared to many other major rivers, with depths ranging from a few feet in shallow sections to about 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) in deeper pools.

Q. Where does the Yellowstone River start and end?/Where does the Yellowstone River meet the Missouri River?

A. The Yellowstone River starts in the Absaroka Range in northwestern Wyoming, within Yellowstone National Park. It originates from the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of the Yellowstone River.

The river ends at its confluence with the Missouri River near the town of Buford in North Dakota, just upstream of Lake Sakakawea. This marks the river's termination point as it transitions into the Missouri River system.

Q. Why is Yellowstone River called Yellowstone?

A. The Yellowstone River is believed to have been named after the Minnetaree (Mandan) word mi tse a-da-zi, which means "Yellow Rock River." This name likely referred to the yellow-colored sandstone bluffs along the river’s lower stretches. The name was later translated into French as Roche Jaune, which means "Yellow Rock," and eventually into English as "Yellowstone."

There is also lore that the name was inspired by the yellow-colored rocks along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. However, the Minnetaree lived primarily in the lower Yellowstone region, and the name may have been applied to describe the broader river rather than just the area within the park. The name reflects the distinctive geological features and the visual impact of the yellow-hued rocks along parts of the river.