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Backpack to Slough Creek's Backcountry Campsites

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Details

Distance

20.49 miles

Elevation Gain

1286 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Margaret D'Agostino

A moderate hike to a fly fisherman's dream!

Access to Slough Creek is via the Slough Creek Road that starts 6 miles east on the Northeast Entrance Road from Tower Junction. It is 2.5 miles to the Slough Creek Campground located at the end of the road.

Starting at the Slough Creek Trailhead you will find a small parking area and a restroom. You will start up the trail and the first mile or so is the toughest section; gaining about 400' of elevation before you dip back down into the valley. The trail is well maintained and you will most likely see a handful of people until you reach the first section of the river which is around 2 miles in. This first section is where many day hikers will come to fish. As you continue through the first and second meadow you will go up and over a few slights hills and cross some small bridges. This section of the trail is a little less well maintained than the beginning. It is a trail marked with horse draw carriage tracks, similar to a car. This is because carriages are used to bring visitors out to Silver Tip Ranch which is located a few miles over the Wyoming/Montana border. 

Slough creek has 7 backcountry campsites, 3 of which allow stock animals and are located on the north side of the river. We set up camp at 2S6, the furthest site from the trailhead. In order to camp you will need a backcountry permit and watch a 15 minute video. Newly added to the campsites are bear boxes - big ones. We were able to keep 4 full-sized packs and fishing gear in the box with room to spare. Also, there is a ranger station located between the second and third meadow.

We set up our tents about 150 yards from the fire pit surrounded by sagebrush. What a beautiful spot! Waking up to the sun, bison roaming in the distance and the anticipation of hooking some beautiful cuttys - it doesn't get any better than that! 

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Features

Camping
Fishing
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Groups
River
Scenic
Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Let Adventure be your Destination in Wyoming

Wyoming’s wide-open spaces make it easy to get off the grid and on a trail, through a park, into a forest, up a mountain or down a river. During your journey through Wyoming’s Black to Yellow Region, discover geologic marvels, dense evergreen forests and sprawling prairielands.

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