Wildlife:

Lamar valley is one of the best places to see wildlife in the park, maybe the best place. Wolves are regularly seen from the road. Herds of bison, frequently numbering into the hundreds, often block the road. Sometimes you can see several grizzly bears from the same pull off along the road at the same time. 

In order to increase your chances of seeing the animals of Lamar Valley it is best to be at the valley around sunrise or sunset. Many people have heard dueling packs of wolves howling at each other as the sun rises over the mountains that surround the valley. Good binoculars and a spotting scope are handy to have. Sometimes a pack of wolves will be eating on an elk carcass located a mile off the road when suddenly a grizzly will come out of the woods, chase off the wolves, and keep the elk carcass for himself. This is when you will really appreciate having a spotting scope. 

Otters like to fish in the Lamar River. There is a good chance that if you see one otter there will be others around. They are very playful animals. Time spent watching a mother otter and her pups play along the river bank will not soon be forgotten.

If you get caught in a Bison Jam(this is what happens  when a heard of bison block the road) roll down your windows and listen to the grunts and bellows of the bison. It is a strange and somehow timeless sound. The bison babies are a real treat to see playing.

Elk frequent the valley. Before the reintroduction of the wolves, it was not uncommon to see large herds out on the valley floor. But with the coming of the wolves, the elk stay more to the woods.

Other animals seen frequently in Lamar Valley are bald eagles, golden eagles (a large group of eagles usually means a wolf/grizzly kill is near), mule deer, pronghorn, (the fastest North American land mammal), and coyotes (sometimes mistaken for wolves). Less frequently seen, but still around, are badgers, beaver, bighorn sheep and falcons.  

Always keep a safe distance from you and the animals.

Fishing:

The Lamar River(along with its tributary the Soda Butte Creek) is a great place to fish.  Also accessible from the Valley are some trail heads that take you to some remote fishing spots along the Yellowstone River. During early spring while the snow is melting, the river will be too silted up to fish, but once most of the snow is melted, the cutthroat trout start biting.  Fly fishing is what most people do, but if all you have is a spinning rod, give it a try. All hooks must be barbless. And if you have treble hooks on your tackle, it is recommended that you cut off two of the hooks. You success rate won’t be that much different, and the fish will have a better chance of survival.

Hiking:

There are short hikes and long hikes. One of the best short hikes is to start at the Yellowstone Picnic Area (located near Tower junction) and walk the along the rim of the Yellowstone river canyon. You will probably see osprey nest and ospreys. Big horn sheep can be seen along this trail. Another great short hike (but a strenuous one) is to Trout Lake to see the trout spawn.  Starting around June 15 and lasting till around July 15(plus or minus 10 days).  This is a sight to behold and one that few will ever forget seeing.  Sometimes you can see otters catching trout. Bring a camera, and take some memories back home.

One of Yellowstone’s great long hikes is Specimen Ridge Trail. It is also a trail where park rangers get a chance to look for lost hikers( so take care when going on this hike). You will not be disappointed with the scenery or the challenge of the hike. Slough Creek trail is more of a moderate hike, and one that offers the chance to go fishing while looking at the beautiful valley of Slough Creek.

You always want to be prepared when hiking Yellowstone.  Many hikers always carry bear spray with them when hiking the back country of Yellowstone. A rain coat is a good idea to always have with you. Staying dry could save your life. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are nice to have. You don’t want to get caught in the woods without your mosquito repellant. A day pack with a little food and water are really good for those medium and long hikes.

Photographing:

Lamar Valley can be quite the photographers dream. A long lens is nice to have but not absolutely necessary. Spring time (May-June) is baby season so get ready for some cute photo opportunities. Don’t expect the adult animals to look great this time of year because they are losing their winter hair and or antlers. Fall is the best time to photograph the adult mammals.