Trout Lake and Buck Lake - Hike near Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park
US-212, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA,Tower Junction,Wyoming
44.89922995610674, -110.12298379015556
Address: US-212, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
GPS: 44°53'57.2"N 110°7'22.7"W
Maps | Directions
State: Wyoming
Trails/Routes: 0.6-1.5 mi

Lakes Trails Wildflowers Fishing National Park

Hike

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.

947 Edited by jamiegarrard
737 Edited by gnau

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park

  1. Head east on Grand Loop Rd toward US-212 E
    Toll road
    (295 ft)
  2. Turn left onto US-212 E
    Toll road
    Destination will be on the left
    (17.7 mi)
or

The lake is located approximately .33 miles (0.53 km) north of the Northeast Entrance Road near the confluence of Pebble Creek and Soda Butte Creek.

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7007075 Medium 1554322104 added by gnau 7007075 Medium 1554322104 added by gnau
36499517971 E160f62634 C added by gnau 36499517971 E160f62634 C added by gnau Trout Lake in Yellowstone National Park by hike734 Yellowstone Trout Lake Sep 23 2017 by MrMagog

Trails

Distance ?

0.6 miles Round Trip

Elevation Gain ?

197 feet

Real Ascent ?

214 feet

Real Descent ?

17 feet

Avg Grade (7°)

12%

Grade (-18° to 21°)

-32% to 39%

Distance ?

1.5 miles Round Trip

Elevation Gain ?

221 feet

Real Ascent ?

306 feet

Real Descent ?

85 feet

Avg Grade (3°)

6%

Grade (-19° to 27°)

-34% to 50%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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