Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking
Paddling the lakes of Yellowstone is one of the most intimate and extraordinary ways to experience the treasures of America's first national park. Famous for its abundance of wildlife, Yellowstone National Park also serves as home to half of the world's geothermal features, as well as numerous magnificent lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America, is the centerpiece of this remarkably diverse ecosystem with breathtaking shorelines and underwater geysers, hot springs, and deep canyons. Equally impressive, Lewis & Shoshone Lakes provide a quiet and intimate backcountry kayaking experience like no other, while still providing an opportunity to explore the Shoshone Geyser Basin, one of the most remote and spectacular geyser basins in Yellowstone. Come join us as we break away from the crowds to explore these secluded and majestic corners of Yellowstone National Park!
All Yellowstone kayaking trips are conducted under the authorized concessionaire permit of Jackson Hole Kayak School.
Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking – Yellowstone Lake Itinerary:
Day 1 Meet your guides and fellow kayakers in Jackson Hole this evening for a gear fitting and orientation.
Day 2 Passing through Grand Teton National Park, transfer to the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Begin paddling to our Breeze Bay campsite.
Day 3 Kayak through the tranquil Yellowstone backcountry to Flat Mountain Arm, one of the Park's most spectacular campsites.
Day 4 An early morning paddle allows for the best bird and wildlife viewing. Return to Jackson Hole this afternoon where our adventure ends.
Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking – Lewis & Shoshone Itinerary:
Day 1 Meet your guides and fellow kayakers in Jackson Hole this evening for a gear fitting and orientation.
Day 2 Passing through Grand Teton National Park, transfer to the shores of Lewis Lake. Begin paddling to our camp on nearby Shoshone Lake.
Day 3 Kayak through clear waters to Shoshone Geyser Basin and explore the basin's myriad hot pools, steam vents and geysers.
Day 4 After a hearty breakfast, begin the return paddle to Lewis Lake and enjoy a final kayak in this unique and magnificent national park.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. The final paddling route is left up to the discretion of the guides, and is based upon trip member's skill and weather conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; daily high energy, healthy snacks; park entry fees; shuttle services; 2 nights camping accommodations; single kayaks or tandem kayaks (more stable & easier to paddle), and all kayaking equipment.
Transportation from your hometown to Jackson Hole, WY; accommodations in Jackson first night; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4] as we plan to kayak 4-6 hours per day in calm to moderately rough conditions. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.
Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming (JAC) – 10min to downtown Jackson
Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA) – 2 hours
Yellowstone Lake: Daytime temperatures are usually around 80°F, with evening temperatures dropping to 65 – 70°. Lewis & Shoshone: Daytime temperatures are usually around 75°F, with evening temperatures dropping to 40 – 50°. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions, including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility so adequate raingear is important.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff. If you do not already own all of the necessary gear and are not certain if you will participate in outdoor trips on a regular basis, please consider renting.
We plan to paddle double (two-person) kayaks on this course for their stability, good tracking, and speed. If you are planning to bring your own kayak, please contact us in advance of departure with the type of boat so that we can be certain it will be adequate for the kind of paddling we'll do on this trip. REI will require that boats meet a certain standard for type and size suitable to the demands of the paddling we plan to do on this trip.
Weather
Yellowstone Lake: Daytime temperatures are usually around 80°F, with evening temperatures dropping to 65 – 70°. Lewis & Shoshone: Daytime temperatures are usually around 75°F, with evening temperatures dropping to 40 – 50°. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions, including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility so adequate raingear is important.
Gear Checklist
- Kayaks (tandem/double or single available)
- Life jacket and spray skirt
- Dry suits or paddling jacket
- Dry bag - 2 small for personal gear (2,000-2,700 cu inches) & 1 extra small for personal items (ex: camera, lip balm, etc)
- 2-3 person tents, double occupancy
- Cooking gear and all eating utensils
- Group first-aid kit
- Lightweight compressible sleeping bag rated 20-25 degrees
- Lightweight compressible sleeping pad
- Rain jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
- Rain pants, waterproof and breathable
- Warm lightweight wool, fleece or down sweater or jacket
- 2 pairs of thermal underwear, top and bottom
- 2 synthetic tech t-shirts
- Quick dry long pants
- 2 pairs of quick dry shorts
- Underwear
- 3 pairs of wool or warm synthetic socks
- Swimsuit
- Wool or fleece hat
- Sun/rain hat
- Sturdy lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners
- Wetsuit booties, water sport sandals, or old tennis shoes that can get wet while paddling
- Bandana
- Easily packable lightweight beach towel
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Toiletry kit
- Sun block and lip balm (unscented preferable)
- Plastic bags - Ziploc for wet clothes
- 2 water bottles - 1 quart is best
- Favorite snacks
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Paddling or biking gloves
- Camera
- Favorite/preferred snacks
- Small binoculars (7x or 8x are best)
- Playing cards or small travel size games
- Paperback book
- National Park Pass (if you’ve already purchased one for pre-trip siteseeing)
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Guides (10)
- Food (8)
- Group camaraderie (8)
- Well organized itinerary (7)
- Activity level (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual adventurer (6), Avid adventurer (5)
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the details planned for me (7), Destination (7), Good value (7), I liked the itinerary (7), Travel with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts (7)
Reviewed by 10 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- Trip Written Description
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
Fording up the Lewis Channel while pulling your kayak, while not overly difficult, can be challenging. Our trip was in mid-August (2012) and the water was not uncomfortably cold nor particularly deep in most places (you have to read the river and listen to the guide). However, even with the lower water of August, we forded about one mile not the 1/4 to 1/2 mile in the REI Adventures description (I had my Garmin GPS with me). After a mile of effectively "fording" a river and dealing with a constant current, you will feel accomplished. There is a trail that parallels the channel but then someone else will have to pull your kayak!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I have been to Yellowstone well over a dozen times and have backpacked most of the Southern part of the Park. I never had the chance to really take any time at the Shoshone Lake Geyser Basin. I was also very intrigued by the idea of kayaking in the Park especially Shoshone Lake.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- I had been on half day and shorter kayaks before but this was great intro into multi-day backcountry kayaking. Our guide was truly excellent - mature, knowledgeable, friendly, and a great cook. He sure helped me improve my paddling technique. He did a great job of weighing the pros and cons of different types of paddling gear. I am seriously considering doing the Yellowstone Lake trip.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Make sure you have good sturdy water shoes for the "ford" up the Lewis Channel to Shoshone Lake. A stable footbed and toe protection are essential.
Pros
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
Where to start? The gear was good high quality gear. REI tents, good kayaks with minor wear and tear on them (one was only used once before), and gravity fed water filtration.
The guides were outstanding. They were knowledgable, friendly and enthusiastic. They helped me identify tracks of local wildlife as well as answer every question I had about the area. I had asked about the best places in Yellowstone to see wildlife at that time of year. So, in the three days I spent in the park after the trip I followed their recommendations and saw hundreds of bison and two bears! In addition to that, they took the time to teach a few of the guys the technique for rolling a kayak in the event of it flipping over in the water. Understand that this entailed one of our guides standing in water in the mid 50s Fahrenheit for almost an hour. He was happy to do it for us. That is above and beyond in my opinion.
The food was simply perfect. Just read any review. These guys are great at preparing meals that are delicious, nutritious, and in our case, mostly organic.
The activities of the trip itself were fun,and challenging. Just what I was expecting from an adventure vacation. This was my first adventure vacation and my wife was 13 weeks pregnant when we went on this trip. I was a little apprehensive about the physical demands of the trip when I signed us up for it. In a tandem kayak I knew I would be doing most of the paddling. My best advise would be to get yourself ready for some (not a lot) of physical demand. Also, know that weather can cause this trip to go from the rigor of a very mild jog to a physical battle and there is no way to know too far in advance which it will be.
Lastly, the people who were my companions were the icing on the cake. There were eight (actually more I think) languages spoken, four different countries of birth, and backgrounds that were wildly diverse. Our nightly conversations would range from love of gear and gadgets to fine scotches to the American education system and the future of energy demand. Overall, a group of people that could talk about anything and I had a great time with them all.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I had read the reviews of the adventure trips from REI and had to try one for myself. I must say that I was not disappointed.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The people who I met were the best part of the trip. I was not expecting that at all. Don't misunderstand. The trip itself was amazing as well.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- My advise would be to prepare for bugs on this trip. The mosquitos in Yellowstone can be anything from a mild nuisance to a voracious swarm in the summer time. For our trip, they were very mild. Also, don't overpack.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
Take advantage of the time at camp and talk to your fellow adventurers. We had an incredibly diverse group of people from all over the place with all sorts of different backgrounds and stories. After the trip was over my girlfriend and I ended up backpacking through parts of Yellowstone with people we met on the kayaking trip.
I truly had a grand time and I catch myself reflecting frequently on the trip, the good people, the great sights... what a wonderful experience.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Destination, Good Value, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I have never planned a multi-day camping trip in the civilian world. I didn't know about the rules in the back country or even how to go about getting a back country permit. Therefore I decided to have the pros worry about everything. I just watched and learned... a ton, I might add!
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Definitely the cameraderie between all the participants. Our group consisted of a very (unusually) diverse group of people from all over the world. This, in addition to our instructors being awesome, made for an unforgettable experience. About the food: I was truly impressed by the awesome selection of high quality food. Seriously, the culinary experience on our trip was amazing!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- The trip is not horribly demanding physically, but be advised that you will be paddling for a good portion of three consequtive days. Do yourself a favor and shape up if you are completely out of shape.
Also, while the guides give pretty solid instructions regarding kayaking prior to departure I would advise that you take a "Intro to Sea Kayaking" class of some sort. It helped my confidence ;-)
Pros
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
The guides served gourmet, restaurant quality food each night. S'mores afterwards were really nice, too, around the campfire. There wasn't anything bad about the trip per se, just remember kayaking at 7700 feet is not the same as kayaking at sea level!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Never been to a Rocky Mountain State, we like kayaking.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Gourmet dinners at campsite and s'mores around the campfire.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Try and arrive a couple days arly to acclimate to the higher altitude if you are from the lowlands as we are. Be prepared for a brutal journey back to the drop-off point
Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
- Wildlife Viewing
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
Our guides Brent and Max where professional, funny and thoughtful. These guys made this trip awesome. We had two pregnant women and both guides behaved as gentlemen showing how professional they are. The food was nothing more than perfect (GOURMET). The kayaks where in good conditions. The water was very cold ( maybe 40F), which didn't stop us from practicing some roll overs inside the kayak close to shore with both guides supervising. I really want to emphasize this nothing can go wrong when choosing this trip : physically demanding (especially the last day with head wind, waves, etc), good scenery, awesome guides, incredible food.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Professionalism, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Backcountry kayaking for 4 days around Yellowstone Natl. Park, are you kidding me? When I heard about this trip my eyes popped out. Yellowstone is beautiful, and the experience of being alone in it while doing kayak sound good.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Everything was just perfect. I should say our guides Brent and Max made this trip just awesome. Wonderful food. Physically demanding, especially the last day.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Enjoy and be sure your expectations will be more than met.
Pros
- Activity Level
- BrentTyc and Ryan-Guides
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Serenity
- Tranquility
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
Brent Tyc and Ryan our guides were extremely professional. We ate well. They looked after our welfare throughout the trip. The last day the head wind was tough. The two adult women who were kayaking themselves did an amazing job navigating the rough water and head winds. Our 71 y.o. adult male was the oldest person to have kayaked the trip. He was amazing with his endurance. We had great, remote campsites. I could not have completed the last day without the encouragement of our guides. 14 miles into 20-30 mph head winds with 2-3 ft waves is challenging.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Tranquility of Backcountr, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts, Unique opportunity
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Tranquility of Yellowstone Backcountry, fitness challenge
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Backcountry of Yellowstone, Guides were excellent, Brent Tyc and Ryan looked after us very professionally, rough water, high wave and head wind last day for 14 miles-Brent and Ryan were very thoughtful and encouraging
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Get in shape prior to the trip, relax and enjoy the tranquility of our nation's first National Park, take a few days before and after to enjoy the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone
Pros
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
The trip was incredible. There are mosquitos when you are out of the water. Bring bug spray and you'll be fine!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Recommended by a Friend
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- A college roommate invited me and the price was right.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The scenery and guides.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Bring two pairs of long underwear if you go in June :)
Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Experienced guides
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- Mosquitos
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
The security of knowing the guides were very experienced and safety-oriented. Guides were very personal and always concerned about making sure everyone had a great time. Excellant gourmet meals. Mosquitos were'nt too bad in June.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Love to flat-water kayak, I travel solo and wanted to be around like-minded outdoor enthusist.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Wildlife, free of crowds and tourists.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Plan at least two days, before or after,to explore Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons nearby.
Pros
- Food
- Guides
- Scenery
Cons
- Mosquitoes
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
As above, great paddling and great way to explore the lakes.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We love kayaking and wanted an opportunity to be on back country lakes while in Yellowstone.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Paddling the pristine emerald green waters of Shoshone and Lewis, swimming in their cool waters, exploring what was essentially our own private geyser basin, great food, and our excellent and incredibly personable guide Brent
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Mosquitoes can be QUITE ferocious on land - bring what you can to keep yourself covered up. Once you're out on the water you'll forget they exist though.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Booked on short notice
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- Mosquitoes
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Yellowstone Lakes Kayaking:
This is not an incredibly exciting trip on its own, but a good way to enhance a Yellowstone sightseeing vacation, get lots of exercise, and meet interesting people. The only real downside was the commute through road construction to/from the lakes from Jackson Hole.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We had mainly sea kayaked off Vancouver Island, wanted to try fresh-water kayaking. My wife and I hadn't seen Yellowstone Park since we were kids. We were able to book this trip on short notice. This was one of REI's trips that fit our vacation dates.j
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Being in Yellowstone Park, kayaking on a remote lake, seeing wildlife.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Yellowstone is a great place to hang out. After we finished the kayak trip, we stayed two more nights at the park and did some great day hikes.
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