Down the River Wild

The Yellowstone River moves untamed through its 700-mile journey. In the heart of winter, trumpeter swans congregate at the river’s outlet on Yellowstone Lake’s northern end, sheltering in its geothermally warmed waters. The river’s biggest vertical drop over the iconic Upper and Lower Falls poses a danger for even the strongest swimmers – a family of river otters makes a daring portage down the cliffs to reach fishing grounds at the bottom of the waterfall. Spring’s thaw unleashes millions of gallons of meltwater and transforms the tranquil river into a raging torrent, forcing a sow grizzly and bison herd to ford treacherous rapids while protecting their young. Summer brings an easier flow to the river as it leaves the confines of the park and winds through Paradise Valley. The river leaves the mountains behind and enters the prairie, where new creatures emerge – distant echoes from the muddy Mississippi that grow stronger as the river’s journey nears its end.