Yellowstone

I know it's early, but I'm starting to plan for a Yellowstone trip the

last two weeks of Sept. and the first week of October. I'll be

shooting at all of the traditional fall spots in the park (thanks,

Frank Brabec) but I'm curious if any of you have ventured into any

significant amounts of the back-country? I'm not really interested in

the wildlife aspect, but rather the nature photography opportunities(

yes, I'm experienced at wilderness travel). If you have ventured into

the back-country, what areas did you find particularly productive?

 

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I typically carry and A2E and ElanIIe, 20mm, 28-70 2.8, 80-200 2.8,

300/4, 1.4X and flash, Bogen 3221. This fall, my Llama, Gustav, will

be packing with me. Should be a hoot!

Chuck,

In the southwest portion of the park is an area called the Bechler region. I did a 50-60 mile backpack trip thru it years ago. The trip starts up by Old Faithful area and eventually comes out at the southern boundary area just north of Flagg Ranch. What's nice about this particular area is the number of beautiful waterfalls. And if you hit the fall colors just right, it's very nice. Having worked in Yellowstone for 5 years, I think you probably can't go wrong heading off into any area of the park. Also did another long trip thru the southheast part of the park, and while very beautiful, it didn't have the wonderful waterfalls of the Bechler region. I usually head to Yellowstone for the first week of October every year and will again this year. I'm jealous of your 3 weeks. Good luck!

Wherever you go in Yellowstone you can't go wrong! But, be aware that

even if it will give you some nice OPS, the western part of the Park

still suffers a little bit of the big wildfires. Vegetation will be

more on the eastern side of the Park.

Don't forget to ask the rangers where the bears are roaming.....!

 

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When I was preparing my trip last year, I read something about a

"canoe-trail" off the beaten path in the southern part of the park.

Is that an option for you?

 

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Here is my thread from last year:

 

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http://db.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=0009ay

Chuck, Jim's suggestion about the southwestern corner is a good one. The best and the shortest way to get to the Bechler area is to drive to the Bechler Ranger Station via Rexburg, Idaho. The beautiful features of this wet(by Yellowstone standards)area are only a 3-10 mile hike, depending on which feature your going to. The best part is that it is not visited much. There are even some semi secret hot pots in this area. The other side of the park, the southeastern corner, called the "Thougofare"(I dont think this is spelled right) is very isolated and very wild. It is rarely visited and thick with Griz but an area untouched by development. I lived outside the south entrance for 17 years so let me know if you have any questions. Phil