Slough Creek, Yellowstone National Park: Meadow Valley and Slough

Q: 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.

Q: Can I fish Slough Creek?

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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

+2 more

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Primarily hike-in; one accessible campsite and vault toilets in campground

Best Season

July–September

Busiest Season

July and August

Features

Meadow stream, wide floodplain, VIP Pool, confluence with Lamar River, upper meadow trails

Elevation

6,250 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

6,250 ft

Access

Primarily hike-in; one accessible campsite and vault toilets in campground

Main Features

Meadow stream, wide floodplain, VIP Pool, confluence with Lamar River, upper meadow trails

What You'll See

Meadows, grasses, riparian shrubs, clear water, confluence pool, wildlife in Lamar Valley

What Makes It Special

Adjacent to Lamar Valley wildlife corridor; classic Yellowstone cutthroat trout habitat; long meadow corridor shaped by repeated floodplain processes

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.

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

Visitor Tips

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.

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 6,250 ft

Distance from Entrance: Varies

GPS: 44.9488466, -110.3068792

What Makes It Unique:

Adjacent to Lamar Valley wildlife corridor; classic Yellowstone cutthroat trout habitat; long meadow corridor shaped by repeated floodplain processes

Water Feature Details

Height: N/A

Size: N/A

Flow/Best Viewing: N/A

Fish Species: Yellowstone cutthroat trout

Geology

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

Getting There

Directions:

Drive to Slough Creek Campground; park at the trailhead lot; access deeper meadows via hiking along the Slough Creek Trail.

Access Type: Primarily hike-in; one accessible campsite and vault toilets in campground

Road: Dirt road to campground; forest service dirt/trail beyond

Seasonal Access: Primarily July–September; winter access limited

Parking: Fills early in peak seasons; stock trailers common in the lot

Entry Fees: Park entrance fee applies; no separate attraction fee

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Slough Creek Trailhead

Connecting Trails:

Slough Creek Trail to park boundary; connections to Lamar Valley trails

Photography & Viewing

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

Best Photo Spots:

VIP Pool at the confluence; meadows along Slough Creek; early morning fog over water

Sunrise/Sunset: Alpenglow potential; good sunrise over Lamar Valley; long shadows in late summer

Stargazing: Excellent; dark skies with minimal light pollution

Facilities

Restrooms (Vault toilets)
Potable Water
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Not consistently available

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Bison, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, moose, marmots, eagles, osprey

Best Wildlife Viewing: Dawn and dusk; Lamar Valley is adjacent and highly active during these times

Wildflower Peak: N/A

Fall Colors Peak: N/A

Seasonal Information

Best Season: July–September

Best Times: Early morning for wildlife viewing; late afternoon for photography; avoid midday glare

Road Opens: Seasonal; typically open late spring to fall; check current year closures

Busiest: July and August

Parking Fills: Varies; parking commonly full by early morning in July–August

Snow Until: Snow can linger on trails into early summer

Winter Access: Limited; backcountry travel only with appropriate gear; not common for casual visits

Weather:

Unpredictable; sudden storms possible; temperatures drop at night

Activities

Fishing (Yellowstone cutthroat trout)

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Lamar Valley wildlife viewing; Slough Creek Campground; Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness

Nearby Services:

Campground amenities; vault toilets; potable water via hand pump (boil water)

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

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

One accessible campsite and accessible vault toilets; trails on compacted gravel/dirt

Family Friendly:

Bear awareness essential; keep children close; stay on trails and away from water edges

Nearby Facilities:

Slough Creek Campground facilities; vault toilets; hand-pump water (boil before drinking)

Reviews

★★★★★

5.0 /5

Based on 12 Google reviews

Based on 12 guest reviews

" 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."

FAQs

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?

Can I fish Slough Creek?

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

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

📖 National Park Service — Yellowstone National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 datapages.com 📖 yellowstoneexplored.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 usgs.gov 📖 confex.com 📖 flyfishingyellowstonenationalpark.com 📖 thedyrt.com 📖 hike734.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 yellowstonenationalpark.com 📖 yellowstone.org 📖 wereintherockies.com 📖 Current time information in Park County, US. 📖 hipcamp.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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Slough Creek