Lewis Lake, Yellowstone National Park

Lewis Lake reflects a cloud-dotted blue sky and rolling hills in Yellowstone National Park.

Gray-blue water mirrors the pines and the distant Tetons. Morning fog can lock the surface in a glassy sheet, then a breeze lifts the stillness. The lake is a hydrologic node: the Lewis River feeds Lewis Lake, which drains toward the Snake River, with warm springs infusing the shorelines.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 44°18′16″N 110°37′46″W
Accessibility: Campground facilities are accessible; trails are gravel/dirt with limited gradient changes; interpretive signage at Lewis Lake is not explicitly listed

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Shoshone Lake, Lewis Falls, Pitchstone Plateau, Grant Village
Nearby Facilities: Grant Village, Lewis Lake Campground, picnic area, vault toilets, potable water at campground
Best Time To Visit: Late spring, summer, and fall. The Lewis Lake Campground operates mid-June to early November. Morning fog creates mirror-like conditions; alpenglow lights the Tetons at sunset.
Tips Advice: Look for morning fog that creates a mirror on the lake; calm conditions often occur at dawn.
Bear spray is recommended on trails; stay on established paths and keep children close.
Water is very cold (about 41°F / 5°C) in summer; dress in layers and avoid swimming.
Cell service is unavailable at Lewis Lake Campground; download maps offline and plan ahead.
Parking is available at the Lewis Channel Trailhead and at the Lewis Lake Campground; arrive early in peak season.
Lewis River Channel Trail is 2.8 miles round trip with light elevation gain; Lewis Lake Trail runs along the north shore for over eight miles.
Insider Tips: Dawn light on the lake yields the best reflections;
Check wind forecasts before your walk;
Carry bear spray and follow bearsafety;
Download offline maps due to lack of cell service;
Parking available at the trailhead and campground

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Bear country; keep children close; supervise near water and on trails; follow campground rules
Attraction Type: Geological Feature
Elevation Feet: 7782
Distance From Entrance: Varies
Accessibility Level: Drive-up view; campground has accessible facilities; trails are mostly compacted gravel/dirt with limited gradient changes
How To Get There: From the South Entrance, follow US-287/89/191 along the east side of Lewis Lake to the Lewis Channel Trailhead or Lewis Lake Campground; park and access the shore via the Lewis River Channel Trail or continue along the north shore via the Lewis Lake Trail
Parking Availability: Parking at the Lewis Channel Trailhead; additional parking at Lewis Lake Campground
Road Type: Paved
Seasonal Access: Campground open mid-June to early November; road access generally seasonal and weather-influenced
Entry Fees: Varies
Main Features: Lewis Lake; Lewis River inflow/outflow; NW and southern shore hot springs; proximity to Lewis Falls and Pitchstone Plateau
What Youll See: Calm blue-green lake, pine-dominated shoreline, and distant Teton peaks; the Lewis River winds along the shore with canyon glimpses to the south
Unique Characteristics: One of Yellowstone's four largest lakes; high-elevation lacustrine system at 7,782 ft; connects hydrologically to the Snake River drainage; geothermal inputs from nearby springs
Safety Considerations: Water is icy (≈41°F/5°C) even in summer. Bears occur in the area; carry bear spray and follow bear safety protocols. Wind and waves can make the lake dangerous; stay back from shore and supervise children. There is no barrier or railing along most edges and cell service is absent.
Best Viewpoints: Along the lakeshore from the Lewis River Channel Trail; vantage toward the Teton range with the lake in the foreground
Photo Opportunities: Dawn fog reflections, glassy surfaces at calm mornings, and alpenglow on the peaks at sunset
Photography Spots: Lakeside views from the shoreline; dawn reflections; Tetons framed by pines
Stargazing Quality: Dark skies with low light pollution; best after midnight on clear nights
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Morning fog mirrors the lake at dawn; alpenglow on the mountains at sunset
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: No cell service
Water Available: 1
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Lewis Channel Trailhead; Lewis Lake Trail
Connecting Trails: Lewis River Channel Trail, Lewis Lake Trail
Nearby Services: Grant Village (~10 miles north); Lewis Lake Campground facilities
Common Wildlife: Elk, moose, pronghorn, bears (grizzly and black), river otters
Best Wildlife Times: Spring and fall; dawn and dusk
Wildflower Peak: July–August
Fall Colors Peak: September–October
Geological Formation Type: Lacustrine basin
Scientific Interest: Yellowstone hydrology and the influence of geothermal inputs on lake chemistry; connection to Snake River drainage
Road Opening Dates: Late May–October
Snow Lingering: April–June
Winter Access: Not accessible by vehicle; limited winter access via snow routes
Best Visit Times: Mid-June to early September; mornings for fog-mirror conditions; alpenglow at sunset
Best Season: Late spring through fall
Weather Patterns: Wind can develop quickly; weather can shift to storms; cool nights persist
Peak Fill Times: Early morning
Busiest Season: Mid-July to August
Waterfall Height: 30
Lake Size: 2700 acres
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Rating 4.7 from 29 reviews. Lewis Lake sits at roughly 7,800 feet and spans about 2,700 acres, with easy drive-in access via US-191. The area offers a quiet, high-elevation setting near Yellowstone's broader landscape. Visitors describe calm mornings suitable for wildlife watching, but be aware that wind can create waves, the water rarely exceeds 50°F (10°C), and cell service is limited across much of the park.

Location

Photos

Lewis Lake shoreline in Yellowstone National Park reflecting evergreen trees across a calm, misty lake at dawn.

Lewis Lake shoreline at Yellowstone National Park under dramatic clouds with snow along the shore.

Rainbow arches over Lewis Lake among pine trees in Yellowstone National Park, captured near the shoreline.

Lewis Lake shoreline at Yellowstone National Park glistening water with distant mountains under a bright sun.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to arrive before 7am to get parking?

Parking exists at the Lewis Channel Trailhead and Lewis Lake Campground, but spaces fill during peak season; arriving early improves chances of a convenient spot.

Is the 2.8-mile Lewis River Channel Trail to the lakeshore worth the effort?

Yes. It yields immediate lake views, access to reflective mornings, and a clear line of sight toward the distant Tetons with light elevation gain.

Can I bring my dog to the Lewis Lake area?

Dogs are allowed in Yellowstone but must remain on leash where permitted; check local rules before hiking the channels or shoreline.

Is the water actually cold, or is it just photos?

The water averages about 41°F (5°C) in summer; prepare for near-freezing immersion and avoid swimming unless properly equipped.

Is there cell service at Lewis Lake?

No. There is no cell service at the campground; plan ahead and download maps offline.