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Thursday, July 6, 2017
We slept in a little today, ate a later breakfast, played some mini-golf at the campground and ate lunch before we went into the park. We arrived at the north park entrance about 12:30 and we only had to wait for two cars to get into the park. On the way in we stopped to get a better look at the beaver lodge that is in the Gardiner River river just before the parking lot for the “Boiling River” section of the river.
Beaver Lodge in the Gardiner River, Montana (Yellowstone National Park)
We started with a brief stop in Mammoth Hot Springs to use the post office, but were treated to a display of elk as well! We also took this opportunity to look at some of the old Fort Yellowstone buildings that makeup Mammoth Hot Springs.
Mammoth Hot Springs Post Office, Wyoming
Liam and Fionnuala mailing their postcards
Elk having lunch in Mammoth Hot Springs
Elk outside one of the buildings in Mammoth Hot Springs
The Mail Carrier’s Cabin was built in the 1800s and its the last standing log structure in Mammoth Hot Springs that was built during the 1800s.
The Old Gardiner Road is behind the Hotel. This one-way dirt road goes over the mountain and ends at the north entrance to the park. It is supposed to be great for wildlife spotting, particularly pronghorn antelope and big horn sheep. We decided that our Suburban might be too big for exploring the road.
After mailing our postcards, we headed to Firehole Canyon Drive. We made a brief stop at the Sheepeater Cliffs, hoping for a picture and maybe some marmots. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any animals so we continued on.
Sheepeater Cliff is named after the Shoshone Indians. Shoshone means “sheepeaters”, due to their hunting of bighorn sheep.
Sheepeater Cliff was formed from basalt lava during an ancient eruption.
We also made a stop of Gibbon Falls since only Sarah got out the first time. We were treated to a nice view and a little bit of wildlife as well.
Gibbon Falls Trail, Yellowstone National Park
Gibbon Falls, Yellowstone National Park
A ground squirrel next to Gibbon Falls
More wildlife by the Fall
Look inside the hole!
Later, we continued to the impressive Firehole Falls waterfall on the Firehole Canyon Drive and then continued to the swimming area, but it was closed!
Firehole Falls, Firehole Canyon Drive, Yellowstone National Park
Firehole Falls
So, we drove down the road to Firehole picnic area and Liam and I waded in the Firehole River. When I say waded what I mean is, I was wading while Liam was swimming! Liam and I had a really good time! Fionnuala was asleep and didn’t wake up until the end, so she splashed her feet a little as we were loading back into the car.
The Firehole River at Firehole picnic area
Firehole picnic area
In between Firehole Canyon and Firehole Lake we saw this bird which we thought we an eagle.
One official tripswithkevin.com endorsement to the person who identifies this bird!
Once we finished in the river, we went down the road to Firehole Lake Drive where we were hoping to get lucky and see the Great Fountain Geyser erupt. When we got there it didn’t seem imminent so we kept on moving around the loop.
Firehole Lake, Yellowstone National Park
Firehole Lake lives up to its name
Firehole Lake spitting and steaming
Steam rising from Firehole Lake
Young Hopeful Geyser next to Firehole Lake
Once we had finished the loop we went to the Nez Perce picnic area. The kids waded in the river while we started a fire in the fire grates to cook supper. They also enjoyed log racing and playing tag with their mother while we cooked the hot dogs, beans and chili.
Playing at Nez Perce Picnic Area, Yellowstone National Park
When we were all packed up from our picnic dinner it was 7 PM and we headed out of the park. We got back to Gardiner a little after 8 o’clock. The late start helped today. I was a little tired about 3 PM on the other days, but was feeling good at the end of the day today!
Liam’s Highlight of the Day: Playing in the Firehole River
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