The Trout Lake trail is a steep 1/2-mile trail through a Douglas fir forest which leads to the lake. Trout Lake is also known to be called Fish Lake and Soda Butte Lake .The most difficult portion of the hike is the beginning. Once the lake is in view, the hike gets a bit easier. When you've reached the lake, you are met with beautiful views each way that you look. Behind the lake you can se Mt. Hornaday, which is a beautiful sight year round. In the spring, you may see a gorgeous waterfall forming off to the side of the mountain as the snow cap melts. It's no wonder how this lake got its name, this lake is teeming with trout! Some hikers have even reported seeing otter around the lake area. The otters in the area are said to be familiar with humans and are great about being observed or photographed from a safe distance. 

Fishing in this Trout Lake is an enjoyable recreational experience. There are plenty of cutthroat rainbow trout in the lake, however all cutthroat and rainbow trout hybrids caught in Trout Lake must be released. While fishing in this lake is allowed, fishing permits are required. Fishing permits can be purchased at all park ranger stations or visitors centers. All adults are required to purchase a $15 three-day permit to fish. Children under 15 can fish without a permit under the supervision of an adult that holds a fishing permit. 

Trout lake sits in a depression on a high bench above the Soda Butte Creek Canyon. Another close by lake is Buck Lake. This lake is another half a mile away from Trout Lake. This is a wonderful hike that leads to a great scenic still lake for a picnic.

Next to Trout Lake you can find Buck Lake. It is another fairly simple hike and is 1.8 miles west of Pebble Creek Campground. The trail can get quite steep as it goes up a slope, but only for a short distance through the forest. Much like Trout Lake, Buck Lake offers the same views and wildlife.

The Mallard Lake trail is majestically lined with trees both old an new. This is a 5 mile leading to the beautiful Mallard lake, making it a 10 mile round trip. The trail is most popularly used for hiking, running, camping, and is best to hike from May-September. The Mallard lake trail gives a spectacular birds eye view of Yellowstone's Old Faithful. The trail is known to change scenery every mile or so, ranging from young and old pine, to rocky terrain, and then grassy meadows. Wildflowers are in abundance on this hike as well. These flowers can be found along the trail and surrounding the lake. The lake is calm, and only experiences disturbances when the wind causes ripples or when the fish create bubbles.

This lake is a little more private, which means it does not get very crowded during the warmer seasons. You can hike to the lake and enjoy a meal with a view, or let all of your senses indulge in the scenic creations. Many of the trees that were knocked down from the Yellowstone fires in 1988 can be used as seats or tables by the lake. Since the fire, the forest along the creek and surrounding the lake has developed into a beautiful, youthful, green woodland.

The lake itself was once known to be overly populated with fish.The rangers in the area tried to combat the over population and saw little success in the past. However when Yellowstone opened the area for public fishing the solution was found. the Mallard Lake is still brimming with lake trout. If you being your fishing gear on this hike, you might come home with dinner!

Riddle Lake hike is a 5 mile roundtrip hike. Riddle Lake is an alluring body of water with a sandy beach. The hiker gets the best of both worlds on this hike. Impressive pine and mountain views, meadows, and a lake with a mini beach area.The trail is an easy hike because elevation is hardly detectable, and allows the hiker to focus on the scenery.This hike takes you through a blanket of forest, then a dirt trail. You will pass several tree trunks covered in scratch marks, offering fresh evidence that bears frequent this area*. This hike is closed for a majority of the hiking season due to swans nesting in that area. To know if it is available to hike, contact a park ranger.

The history of Riddle lake dates back a few centuries. It was named by early explorers in the 1800's who were uncertain about which ocean the lake drained toward because it sits so close to the Continental Divide- it was believed flow toward both the east and west oceans and then later discovered that it actually flowed into Yellowstone Lake.

This area does attract a lot of wildlife such as Elk, Moose and Grizzly bears. Upon reaching the lake you can see the Red Mountains to the south. The trail then follows the shore and eventually ends at a black sand beach on the northeast side. Many people stop their hike when they approach the lake, but you can continue around the lake to enjoy the scenery. 

This is considered an easy hike with little elevation difference.

*WARNING: To stay extra safe, it is smart to have bear spray with you on your hike and also to make noise while you are on your hike to keep wildlife away. When it comes to wildlife, if you see them on your hike, do not approach them, for your own safety. You can take pictures of wild life but do not approach to pet. 

West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the smaller geyser basins in Yellowstone, yet its location along the shore of Yellowstone Lake and is ranked as the most scenic. This area was formed by volcanic explosion that took place more than 150,000 years ago. After the volcano exploded, the area collapsed and filled with water over time. It gets its thermal abilities from the enclosed magma trapped in the ring fractures that developed over time.In the 1990's several underwater geysers were discovered. These geysers can be seen as bulges underground, especially during the summer months. The basin is also special because of its location in Yellowstone. The West Thumb Geyser Basin is located on the edge of Yellowstone Lake.

This area features many other springs in the area. As surprising as it is, this area is also one of the least visited areas within Yellowstone. There are boardwalks all along the basin, making it an easy walk to see the beautiful hydrothermal springs in the area. West Thumb's name is derived from the thumb-like projection of Yellowstone Lake and the name was given by the 1870 Washburn Expedition. It was also known as Hot Spring Camp. West Thumb has less geyser activity than other basins. However, amazingly for its size it has all — hot springs, pools, mud pots, fumaroles and lake shore geysers.

The Yellowstone River Picnic Area trail is 3.9 miles loop trail. It is called the Yellowstone Picnic Area trail because the beginning of the trail is in a picnic area.This hike features a beautiful river, and is a great hikers of all ages. You will gain 450 ft of elevation on this hike. Most of the elevation will be gained on the fairly steep incline at the start of the hike. When you find yourself at the top of the ridge, that is where the trail begins to ease up.Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail includes a beautiful lookout, and displays exquisite views of the canyon. The canyon exposes the ridges and carvings due to years of erosion.This hike is fairly popular, which is why during nicer weather the trail can be very crowded.  The trail is on the cliff side of the canyon following the Yellowstone river. Dependent on the season, you can expect to have many wildlife sightings. Having many opportunities for wildlife sightings is always fun for adults, but can be an incredible learning opportunity for children. 

There is a portion of the hike that leads you through meadows. This is where you will see the majority of the wildlife. As you hike along the rim of the canyon, it is free of trees allowing into view the  steam vents down by the river. In all, this hike is a beautiful beginner friendly hike. It features many beautiful animals and an amazing scenery.

Duck Lake Trail is located near Grant Village and West Thumb. This is a simple 0.8 miles hike that takes you through the Lodgepole pine forest. This hike is special because the surrounding forest  details the catastrophic effects of 1988 wildfires. The forest also displays its resilience as saplings push through the soil to replenish the forest. The path for the trail begins on the main road across from the parking lot.The trail itself goes up a hill and then as you reach the peak of the hill, the beautiful Duck Lake is exposed.The hill then slopes onto the shore of Duck Lake creating a sandy beach feel.There are many tress that have fallen along the shoreline due to the fire. These trees can be used as a seating area, or picnic area.This trail is great for hikers of all ages.The hardest portion of the hike is the beginning, but making it over the hill will be well worth it. The lake can be enjoyed for its scenic value. Duck Lake has many calming properties because it is a very still lake. Apart from wind forming ripples, you won't see much action in the lake itself. If you'd like, you can also take a stroll along the beach and relax. 

Except for the occasional buzz of cars near the west end of the lake, you might have little idea that this lake is just 100 yards from the highway. Many hikers have said that the most peaceful time is during the evening right before the sun sets over the lake. 

WARNING: This location is not considered a swimming area and would be best if you wore closed-toe shoes and kept shoes on because leeches have been reported. 

Fairy Falls is something out of a fantasy novel. Fairy Falls is a wonderful portion of Yellowstone. It has stolen the hearts of many who have had a little pixie dust sprinkled on them from the mist of the  waterfall. Fairy Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Yellowstone, it stands 197 feet high. The river that feeds this waterfall is naturally thin, which is what gives Fairy Falls its wispy nature. The waterfall is smaller in nature during the dyer months, however in the spring when the snow melts, it is a delightful sight. 

The trail to Fairy Falls is also extremely scenic. There are many hot springs that can be spotted, including the famous Grand Prismatic Spring. Because there are many natural springs and sights along the trail, you may find the trail to be quite crowded in the beginning. As you continue on the trail, you will find a much quieter experience. The trail is mostly flat only reaching an incline as you progress into the thicket of the trees. You will then be graced by the majestic view of Fairy Falls.

To get there, you'll cross the steel bridge over Firehole River, then pass over the Grand Prismatic Spring. You will then turn left at the junction and go through the Lodgepole forest near the Fairy Meadows until you reach Fairy Falls. Don't worry, there's no trolls under the bridge, you shouldn't have to answer any riddles, and as far as we know, these are the nice kind of fairies*.

Most of the amazing pictures you see of the Grand Prismatic Spring were taken from somewhere along this trail. There's an overlook just off the trail about 0.75 miles into the trail if you want an even better view.

Fairy Falls gets its name from the "graceful beauty with which the little stream [drops] down a clear descent" and was named by members of the 1871 Hayden Survey. At only 5 miles round trip and only 279 feet of elevation gain, this is one of the more popular non-boardwalk hikes in Yellowstone National Park.

* FREEARENAS.COM IS NOT LIABLE IN THE EVENT THAT YOU OR ONE OF YOUR LITTLE ONES IS CARRIED OFF BY A NOT-SO-NICE FAIRY.

The hike to Sentinel Meadows and Queens Laundry gives you a level trail with wide open meadows, hot springs, ponds, birds, and a little bit of Yellowstone National Park history. The trail can be done by hiking directly to Queens Laundry and back or made into a little loop that’s a bit longer through another meadow. Courtesy of hike734.com

Sentinel Meadows and Queen's Laundry is a hiking trail that follows the Firehole River. Flaming red hot springs and beautiful oat colored meadows can be seen on this trail. The construction of Queen's Laundry, is a historic site that dates back to the 1800's when people used the geothermal pools to bathe. The thermal water provided a relaxing bathing experience, while having amazing cleansing properties.The idea behind the laundry was that  it was the first structure built at its time that was a hot spring fed bathing pool. Half of the structure was intended to be for bathing, while the other half was for the laundry. Unfortunately, the laundry was never completed, and as ownership of the park changed overtime, the structure remained a half finished bath/laundry. What is left of the structure can still be seen today in almost perfect condition. The minerals emitted from the hot springs surrounding the area preserved the structure, and it is now considered a historic site.

It is important to know that going off trail is not permitted on this hike. There are dangerous hydrothermal areas that can cause injury if they are encountered. However these areas are a beautiful sight from the trail, as it glows shades of orange, burnt orange, and copper.This is a moderate hike, and is 4.7 mile trail that leads straight to the hydrothermal springs. There is little change in elevation, which makes this hike brilliant for all ages. Bison have been seen here as well as other deer and caribou species. This hike is extremely scenic, and true of Yellowstone's beauty.

This short 1/2 mile boardwalk located on the Blacktail Deer Plateau between Mammoth Village and Tower Junction will open your eyes and educate you about forces of nature that have sculpted the land before you. It will also teach you about the plants and wildlife alike that live in Yellowstone's Northern Range. This boardwalk offers spectacular mountain views with a display along the way that shows you the names of the peaks that tower before you in the distance.