Slough Creek, Yellowstone National Park: Meadow Valley and Slough

Slough Creek meadow in Yellowstone National Park with a lone angler wading a shallow stream under bright, partly cloudy skies.

A broad meadow frames Slough Creek as it winds through grasses and cottonwoods. The VIP Pool at the confluence with the Lamar River rests along a quiet bend where Yellowstone cutthroat trout and wildlife gather. This meadow stream grew through fluvial erosion and glacial deposition, leaving a wide, flat floodplain that supports diverse life.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 44.9488466, -110.3068792
Accessibility: One accessible campsite and accessible vault toilets; trails on compacted gravel/dirt

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Lamar Valley wildlife viewing; Slough Creek Campground; Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness
Nearby Facilities: Slough Creek Campground facilities; vault toilets; hand-pump water (boil before drinking)
Best Time To Visit: Optimal season runs from late spring through early fall. Fishing typically improves from late June or early July through mid-September. Snowmelt keeps the creek high, and it is often not fishable until around the second week of July. For photography and sight fishing, morning light enhances visibility in the clear, slow-moving water. The meadows have broad, open vistas, and morning fog is common during the still hours.
Tips Advice: Park early; the Slough Creek Trailhead lot fills during peak seasons and wildlife events.
Bear spray is essential in this bear country; stay on established routes.
Dawn and dusk are prime times for wildlife watching in the Lamar Valley.
Crossing the creek can be challenging in early season; carry traction devices and use designated crossing points.
Insider Tips: Target dawn in Lamar Valley for wildlife silhouettes
Carry bear spray and keep distance from wildlife
The first meadow is approximately 2 miles from the trailhead; plan for 4–8 miles for upper meadows

More details

Park Area: Yellowstone National Park
Family Friendly Notes: Bear awareness essential; keep children close; stay on trails and away from water edges
Recent Updates: Seasonal variability; no major infrastructure changes reported
Attraction Type: Geological Formation
Elevation Feet: 6250
Distance From Entrance: Varies
Accessibility Level: Primarily hike-in; one accessible campsite and vault toilets in campground
How To Get There: Drive to Slough Creek Campground; park at the trailhead lot; access deeper meadows via hiking along the Slough Creek Trail.
Parking Availability: Fills early in peak seasons; stock trailers common in the lot
Road Type: Dirt road to campground; forest service dirt/trail beyond
Seasonal Access: Primarily July–September; winter access limited
Entry Fees: Park entrance fee applies; no separate attraction fee
Main Features: Meadow stream, wide floodplain, VIP Pool, confluence with Lamar River, upper meadow trails
What Youll See: Meadows, grasses, riparian shrubs, clear water, confluence pool, wildlife in Lamar Valley
Unique Characteristics: Adjacent to Lamar Valley wildlife corridor; classic Yellowstone cutthroat trout habitat; long meadow corridor shaped by repeated floodplain processes
Safety Considerations: Bear country; carry bear spray; swift water and cross-country terrain can be hazardous; weather can shift rapidly; no safety barriers along many portions
Best Viewpoints: VIP Pool overlook at the Lamar River confluence; meadow edges along Slough Creek Trail; Lamar Valley viewpoints nearby
Photo Opportunities: Golden-hour over meadows; dawn fog on the creek; reflections in clear water; wildlife silhouettes at the valley edge
Photography Spots: VIP Pool at the confluence; meadows along Slough Creek; early morning fog over water
Stargazing Quality: Excellent; dark skies with minimal light pollution
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Alpenglow potential; good sunrise over Lamar Valley; long shadows in late summer
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilets
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 1
Cell Service: Not consistently available
Water Available: 1
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Slough Creek Trailhead
Connecting Trails: Slough Creek Trail to park boundary; connections to Lamar Valley trails
Nearby Services: Campground amenities; vault toilets; potable water via hand pump (boil water)
Common Wildlife: Bison, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, moose, marmots, eagles, osprey
Best Wildlife Times: Dawn and dusk; Lamar Valley is adjacent and highly active during these times
Geological Formation Type: Meadow stream with floodplain; fluvial channel influenced by glacial deposits
Scientific Interest: Habitat for native trout; wildlife corridor proximity; visible interaction of glacial history and river dynamics
Road Opening Dates: Seasonal; typically open late spring to fall; check current year closures
Snow Lingering: Snow can linger on trails into early summer
Winter Access: Limited; backcountry travel only with appropriate gear; not common for casual visits
Best Visit Times: Early morning for wildlife viewing; late afternoon for photography; avoid midday glare
Best Season: July–September
Weather Patterns: Unpredictable; sudden storms possible; temperatures drop at night
Peak Fill Times: Varies; parking commonly full by early morning in July–August
Busiest Season: July and August
Fishing Species: Yellowstone cutthroat trout
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Visitors praise abundant wildlife and trout habitat, with rewarding views along the meadow corridor. Access is primarily hike-in, so plan for distances up to 8 miles to reach upper meadows and beyond to the park boundary. Safety and wildlife awareness are recurring themes in experiences.

Location

Photos

Slough Creek meadow along a calm Yellowstone waterway with rocky hill and pines.

Slough Creek landscape in Yellowstone National Park features a solitary mule deer pause amid green grass, fallen logs, and rocky terrain.

Slough Creek marmot perched on a granite ledge with pine branches in Yellowstone National Park.

Slough Creek winds through a grassy Yellowstone National Park valley beneath a bright, expansive sky.

Frequently asked questions

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

Parking fills early in peak seasons; plan to arrive before 8am, and be prepared for overflow lots and stock trailers occupying spaces.

Is it worth the 2–8 mile hike to see the meadows and wildlife?

Yes. The first meadow at about 2 miles offers strong wildlife viewing and trout habitat; longer hikes reveal expansive meadows, more wildlife, and iconic river scenery.

Can I fish Slough Creek?

Yes, but you must hold a valid Yellowstone fishing permit; angling is restricted by park rules and seasons.

Is the water safe to drink or blue like photos suggest?

Water is typically clear; early-season water can be off-color and cross-country crossings may be hazardous; boil or treat water at the campground pump before drinking.

Will my 65-year-old parent be able to reach viewpoints?

Some views are accessible near the trailhead and campground; upper meadows require longer hikes with rugged terrain—plan at a comfortable pace and use accessible facilities where available.