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Map Key

16.0

Miles

25.7

KM

Point to Point

7,327' 2,233 m

High

6,680' 2,036 m

Low

2,170' 662 m

Up

1,531' 467 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

26%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Description

The Lamar River Trail begins at one of the greatest parts of Yellowstone National Park...the Lamar Valley! This is prime wildlife habitat...bison, wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and mule deer frequent the area. The first few miles cut across the valley floor with breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

At about 3.7 miles from the TH, you reach the Cache Creek and the first two backcountry sites. Plan your trip for the right time of year so you can cross the river safely. Typically after the 4th of July will give you the best odds for water levels to be low, but consult with Backcountry Rangers first.

Once you cross the Cache Creek, the trail begins to climb. From here you'll go up and down following the Lamar River. The views are spectacular of the river below you! Along the way will be several more water crossings, and you'll be taking your boots off. There are many backcountry sites along the Lamar River, well spaced for seclusion. Be sure to have a permit.

At the south end of the trail, you'll need to cross the Lamar River if you plan on connecting to the Mist Creek Trail to continue your through hike.

Shared By:

Hiking Project Staff with improvements by Eric Vetsch

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 6 votes

#10

in Tower

#8528

Overall
  4.3 from 6 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#10

in Tower

#187

in Wyoming

#8,528

Overall
5 Views Last Month
3,728 Since Jul 19, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Looking north in the Lamar Valley, Druid Peak on the left.
Jan 15, 2016 near Tower J…, WY
Lamar buff herd of 500-700 head crossing the ford at Cache Creek- just 150 yards from camp at 3L2.  Whoa!
Jan 15, 2016 near Tower J…, WY
Bison along the Lamar River Trail.
Feb 7, 2016 near Tower J…, WY
A buff wanders thru camp at 3L2 on Cache Creek. Use the downfall to your advantage when selecting a tent site!
Jan 15, 2016 near Tower J…, WY
Crossing Cache Creek
Nov 29, 2020 near Tower J…, WY
Cache Creek/Lamar River confluence.
Jan 15, 2016 near Tower J…, WY

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Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 1, 2024
NATALIE DONIS
Jul 3, 2020
Chris Gegg
Oct 10, 2018
Lorelí C.J.
Sep 2, 2018
Ron Jacobs
Aug 23, 2018
Kate Muller
Aug 8, 2018
Alex Hostetler
Went from Lamar valley river trailhead to pelican valley over 3 days 2 nights. Saw a grizzly by the river. No bugs. Trail in great condition. 16mi
Jul 20, 2018
Beau Jennings
Saw over a hundred buffalo, 11 antelope, a raven 4mi
Jun 18, 2017
Peter Patker
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