One of our regular stops in Yellowstone in the spring is Floating Island Lake, a roadside pond near Tower Falls. This is one of the first places to see yellow headed blackbirds. Its also a great place to observe colorful ruddy ducks preforming their mating display. Make sure to observe from the parking lot; nesting birds are very sensitive this time of year.
In mid to late May, the rivers on the northern range become swollen as snowmelt pours out of the mountains. Top on our list of Yellowstone spring favorites is to make several visits to the Lamar Canyon and the confluence of the Lamar and Soda Butte rivers. We enjoy seeing how high the water gets, and marvel in the sheer power of these rivers in the spring. See a video of the Lamar river in full force in Snowmelt in the Lamar River Canyon.
In the heart of Yellowstone’s northern range is an area called “Little America.” While you can find bison calves all over the park after late April, this area is a popular hang-out, where bison are easy to observe and the little “red dogs” seemingly litter the landscape. We love to hang out there too. Often we will set up our camp chairs along the side of the road, watching the peaceful cows graze while the calves kick up their heels.
Truthfully, this is our favorite thing to do any time of year. One of the best ways to enjoy all that Yellowstone offers is to get out of your car and walk away from the road. Walk 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or a few hours from your car. Then sit…and watch. You’ll be surprised at what will appear when you quiet your body and your mind. This is how we spotted both a badger and a wolf on a recent backcountry hike. You don’t have to be in the backcountry though – a whole different Yellowstone experience awaits just a few steps away from the road and your vehicle.
The Beaver Ponds Trail is a 5 mile loop near Mammoth Hot Springs. While it’s one of the more popular trails in the area, it’s one of our favorites to hike in the spring because of the varied terrain and the chance to see wildlife. The trail passes through forest and meadow, and past several ponds full of waterfowl. We almost always spot a blue grouse displaying, and – if we’re lucky – a black bear or two. Elk, deer, and colorful spring wildflowers are common as well. As always, we hike with bear spray and keep our distance from any animals we see, watching them through binoculars and using a telephoto lens.
