Lamar River Trail
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We set out to hike the Lamar River Trail to Cache Creek, a 7 mile in and out known for its wildlife. On the drive in, we spotted a mama bear with two cubs way off in the distance. Perhaps yesterday’s bear bonanza wasn’t a fluke.
Mama bear and 2 cubs.
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As we got going on the trail, ground squirrels were everywhere, squeaking and scrambling to their burrows as we passed. About a mile in, we entered a small valley flanked by hills that blocked our view. Suddenly, we heard something cantering toward us. Out of nowhere, a pronghorn antelope trotted by, barely 20 feet away.
Beyond the valley, we hit a herd of at least 100 bison. I have to admit being on foot amongst the herd was just a bit intimidating. One gave us a long, hard stare. I made the mistake of looking back at him. Danny warned, “Don’t make eye contact!” I quickly looked away, hoping I didn’t just pick a fight with this massive beast.
We made it through the herd and continued on. After arriving to the creek overlook, we met a couple who told us about a jogger who warned of an aggressive grizzly near the creek's tree line. The trees were below a few hundred yards away beyond an open expanse. We'd also seen the jogger on the trail both coming and going, and I noticed he kept an impressive pace. I also thought running was a risky endeavor if you run up on a bear. The couple was apprehensive about continuing down to the creek. Well, there was now four of us, and we weren't going to be barreling towards the bear in the brush like the jogger, so I said, let's do it!
The descent to the creek was a muddy, well-worn bison chute. I joked that I hoped they didn’t decide to show up and descend upon us. We took in the peaceful creek scene with no signs of angry grizzly and climbed back out.
Just up the trail, we witnessed a fierce battle. Three dung beetles were fighting over a ball of poop. We had diligently dodged massive bison patties the entire trail. There's plenty of poop for everyone! Apparently poop is a prized commodity when it’s rolled up into a perfect ball.
We hiked back with the couple, chatting as we went. Back at the trailhead, we learned about a wolf den just off trail on a hill, but alas no wolf sighting for us. People were set up with spotting scopes, and one let me take a peek to see a distant grizzly invisible to the naked eye.
Later we pulled off at Pebble Creek, where more scope wielding wildlife fans had their eyes on a mountain goat and kid clinging to the mountain side. They let me take a look, and afterwards I managed to snag a blurry photo with my zoom lens.
We weren’t done with wildlife just yet. Further up, a bison gave us a show with an enthusiastic dust bath, legs flailing in the air. Another bison stopped traffic for a mid-road nursing session with its calf.
As we were heading back, we saw people standing roadside. I got out to find out what they'd spotted, and they pointed to a bear obscured by sagebrush except for its black back. As I spotted him, I realized this one was just 30 feet away, not the recommended 100 yards! I climbed onto the Tahoe roof for a better and safer view until a horseback rider passed and sent it running. Just a few more miles up, we saw another group observing a mama bear and cub not too far away.
This was our final day in Yellowstone, and it was another epic one!
Beyond the valley, we hit a herd of at least 100 bison. I have to admit being on foot amongst the herd was just a bit intimidating. One gave us a long, hard stare. I made the mistake of looking back at him. Danny warned, “Don’t make eye contact!” I quickly looked away, hoping I didn’t just pick a fight with this massive beast.
We made it through the herd and continued on. After arriving to the creek overlook, we met a couple who told us about a jogger who warned of an aggressive grizzly near the creek's tree line. The trees were below a few hundred yards away beyond an open expanse. We'd also seen the jogger on the trail both coming and going, and I noticed he kept an impressive pace. I also thought running was a risky endeavor if you run up on a bear. The couple was apprehensive about continuing down to the creek. Well, there was now four of us, and we weren't going to be barreling towards the bear in the brush like the jogger, so I said, let's do it!
The descent to the creek was a muddy, well-worn bison chute. I joked that I hoped they didn’t decide to show up and descend upon us. We took in the peaceful creek scene with no signs of angry grizzly and climbed back out.
Just up the trail, we witnessed a fierce battle. Three dung beetles were fighting over a ball of poop. We had diligently dodged massive bison patties the entire trail. There's plenty of poop for everyone! Apparently poop is a prized commodity when it’s rolled up into a perfect ball.
We hiked back with the couple, chatting as we went. Back at the trailhead, we learned about a wolf den just off trail on a hill, but alas no wolf sighting for us. People were set up with spotting scopes, and one let me take a peek to see a distant grizzly invisible to the naked eye.
Later we pulled off at Pebble Creek, where more scope wielding wildlife fans had their eyes on a mountain goat and kid clinging to the mountain side. They let me take a look, and afterwards I managed to snag a blurry photo with my zoom lens.
We weren’t done with wildlife just yet. Further up, a bison gave us a show with an enthusiastic dust bath, legs flailing in the air. Another bison stopped traffic for a mid-road nursing session with its calf.
As we were heading back, we saw people standing roadside. I got out to find out what they'd spotted, and they pointed to a bear obscured by sagebrush except for its black back. As I spotted him, I realized this one was just 30 feet away, not the recommended 100 yards! I climbed onto the Tahoe roof for a better and safer view until a horseback rider passed and sent it running. Just a few more miles up, we saw another group observing a mama bear and cub not too far away.
This was our final day in Yellowstone, and it was another epic one!