STARSHIP SUBS,
Soups, Catering, and
more...
Yellowstone National Park a Great Place for a Winter Get away
Warm waters, algae, mineral deposits, and trees.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Sled dogs waiting for their chance to run and be timed.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Indian artifacts on display at the IMAX theater in West Yellowstone.
© Oak Park Journal photo
 © Oak Park Journal photo |
United States Government Map showing the some of the geological history
of the region.
The map above shows a blue right kidney shaped line where the
current geo-thermal activity is taking place. If you look to the
left you will see the historic trail of eruptions through time and
remember that the crust is always moving above the mantel of
the earth. The red dots that you see displayed are the centers
of earthquakes that have been in the past. This is still quite an
active area in terms of geological action.
This is a large lava flow that has within it some of the most
© Oak Park Journal photo
famous obsidian in North America. Obsidian from this flow
has been found as far as Ohio and also into southern Illinois
to the area of Cahokia (a large Indian mound community
across the river from St. Louis). Some of the ceremonial obsidian
carved war weapons are over several feet in length.
Obsidian above is layered in the rock and the widest shown layer is almost
two inches in thickness.
© Oak Park Journal photo
And Now for Some of the Animals
The beautiful national bird, the American Bald Eagle sits on
a branch from his nest, a nest large enough to hold a small
car and typical for the eagles.
© Oak Park Journal photo
This pair of trumpeter swans has their cygnet following them in the warm waters of the river in Yellowstone. Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are also birds that are said to breed for life, like the swans.
© Oak Park Journal photo
The American Bison are enjoying the lower snow depth near
the geo-thermal features of the park.
© Oak Park Journal photo
These three river otters are enjoying their current ride down
stream as they play and look for fish...and then play some
more.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Elk, deer, bison, coyote, eagles, wolves, otters, jays, swans,
and something new around each bend in the road.
© Oak Park Journal photo
The coyotes are mostly seen hunting by themselves. They
compete with the new wolves in the park and the mountain
lions, and each of these competitors has taken the coyote
as prey when they get in the way.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Female elk in groups, and in the shallow snow of the basins their
running is in top form if chased.
© Oak Park Journal photo
© Oak Park Journal photo
Majestic views as the suns heads towards its night time rest.
© Oak Park Journal photo
The setting sun displays a "sun dog" having ice crystals
suspended in the atmosphere and reflecting and refracting
the sun's glamor.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Our ride home to West Yellowstone on the snow is pretty smooth
and we are told that the colder it gets, the better the traction.
© Oak Park Journal photo
The Town of West Yellowstone —
information from the town of West Yellowstone.
West Yellowstone came into being with the arrival of the Oregon Short Line Railroad at the West Boundary of Yellowstone
National Park. In November of 1907 the track was completed,
by the following summer, June 1908, when the first train arrived there were three merchants in business nearby. Train service was
to continue until 1960. An occasional train arrived for freight but little use of the line existed and it was abandoned in 1977. The wonderful buildings that had been built to service visitors, among them the Depot and Dining Lodge were given to the town and are part of the Oregon Short Line Terminus Historic District, located on Yellowstone Avenue.
For the first twelve years West Yellowstone was a part of the National Forest. Lots were held on Forest Service Leases and
rules and regulations regarding usage were set by the District Forester. By 1913 there were thirteen lease holders and some fifty plus buildings in the area. Efforts were begun at this time to
remove the holdings from the National Forest and create a town site, to be governed by the people themselves.
It would take another seven years before this dream became a reality. In January of 1920 President Woodrow Wilson signed
the Proclamation removing the lots from the National Forest
and creating the new town site. That same year the town’s name was changed for the third and last time. Beginning as Riverside
in 1908 it was changed to Yellowstone the following year 1909. With the confusion of the Name “Yellowstone” to the
neighboring National Park the “West” was added in 1920.
Business was strictly a summer occupation in the early years. Families left in the fall for other jobs and to take their children
to cities with schools. Those who stayed stocked up on groceries and such and waited out the winter. The roads snowed over and travel to the outside world was by dog sled or skis.
The roads north to Bozeman, MT, and south to Ashton, ID, were not kept open in the winter until 1936. Still there was little to do but to clear snow paths to the school, which was the community center, and await the arrival of spring and the opening of the Rail Line.
The Spring Campaign as it was known to the Railroad was the opening of the Line from Ashton, ID, to West Yellowstone. The town’s people would turn out in force to greet the first work train, a party was held at the school and another summer was begun.
The first years saw the trains arriving and the tourists boarding stagecoaches for their tour of Yellowstone National Park, In 1915 cars were first allowed to enter the Park. With this introduction
of travel, business changed in town. Now the “sagebrushers” or “common folk” started to visit the park more and more. As visitation increased so did the size of West Yellowstone. Since
that first summer of 1908 tourism has been the main business.
Over the years logging was conducted but always tourism
prevailed as the basis of its economy. To this day the towns economy is based on the tourist traveling to and from
Yellowstone National Park. Beginning in 1971, when the first overnight accommodations opened for the winter in Yellowstone National Park, the two-season economy became a reality active ideas for the adventure traveler
Wildlife Watching
Moose, wolves, rainbow trout, big horn sheep, trumpeter swans. These are just a sampling of the wildlife living in the West Yellowstone region. Visitors hiking during the fall may hear the clarion bugle of an elk as he claims his territory. In the spring,
the long narrow shapes in the sky announce the return of the sandhill cranes from their winter habitats. Cross-country skiers may come across animal tracks such as moose, snowshoe rabbit,
or even mountain lion. The West Yellowstone region is one of the most dynamic places on earth to discover beautiful creatures.
Mountain Biking
Biking throughout the Targhee and Gallatin National Forests is
a great way to discover the Yellowstone region. Riders can cover spectacular country without noisy interruption to their surroundings. Leaving from West Yellowstone, 18 miles of the Rendezvous Trail System lead riders through a variety of terrain and difficulties. Certain loops are better for the beginning rider, and others are challenging for the experienced bike hound. If there’s still energy left, the Hebgen Lake Ranger District can provide additional information about more great places to ride
in the Gallatin National Forest. Contact them at 406-823-6961.
Pan for Gold
The once-bustling towns of Virginia City and Nevada City are a pleasant drive northwest from West Yellowstone. These two ghost towns were once populated by miners with yellow gleams in their eyes, discovering some of the richest veins of gold beyond California. These authentic mining camps from the 1860s gold
rush era are in the restoration process and offer ongoing historical tours. Visitors can try their luck at panning for gold, ride the
steam locomotive, or take in a melodrama by the Virginia City Players. Definitely worth a visit!
Ski Where the Best Ski
The Master’s Cross Country Ski Association, the U.S. Biathlon Association, the U.S. Ski Team and European ski teams all agree: West Yellowstone is ideal for cross-country skiing. Whether
you’re training for a competition or simply out to enjoy the solitude and pine-scented winter air, the trails at West
Yellowstone offer a recreational retreat for all levels and ages.
For the moderate skier or beginner, the S-Curve Loop is a good start. For ambitious skiers, Windy Ridge will challenge their endurance and mapping skills.
Legendary Fishing
The legendary rivers of the Madison, Gallatin, Firehole, Yellowstone, Henry’s Fork -- crown jewels of blue ribbon trout fishing. All within easy driving distance from West Yellowstone, these rivers are perfect to match the hatch for rainbow, brook, cutthroat and brown trout. The portion of Henry’s Fork running through Harriman State Park (a 15,000 acre conservation estate
in Idaho) is fly-fishing only. You can get to this stretch of top-
rated fishing by driving southwest from West Yellowstone on
U.S. Highway 20. Bud Lilly, Pat Barnes and Bob Jacklin have
all fished here!
Sporting the area
Is there anything you can't accomplish in outdoor West Yellowstone? Not much! During the warm months of May
through October, a whirlwind of outdoor activities is possible in the West Yellowstone region. Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and canoeing (to name just a few) are a fun way to experience summer. Whether you’re exploring Yellowstone National Park, fishing at Hebgen Lake or hiking up to Horse
Butte Observation, adventure is waiting to be discovered. The Gallatin National Forest maintains 37 campgrounds, 3,000 miles
of trails (1,800 motorized; 1,200 non-motorized), three ski areas and nine boat launches. More than 25 annual recreation events
are held in the area, such as the Pine Needle Stampede, the
annual World Snowmobile Expo and the Rendezvous Ski Race.
The ecosystem
The Gallatin National Forest surrounding West Yellowstone is 1.8 million acres of wildlands. Vital to the Yellowstone ecosystem,
this dense forest is home to ongoing conservation efforts such as management of quality fish habitat, and extensive studies of bald eagles and mountain sheep.
The local community is committed to a healthy and pollutant-
free environment. It is important for the people who earn their living in West Yellowstone because their welfare depends upon
the environment, which the tourism industry supports. Many businesses have participated in various environmental assessments. Visiting snowmobilers are asked to abide by a no-idle zone at the park gate and rental operators have assumed responsibility for significantly cleaner fuels.
Natural wonders
A rare majestic bird has a special place of residence near West Yellowstone at the Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
Set aside in 1935, the refuge is one of the most important habitats for the trumpeter swan. It is not uncommon to see them nesting
or out swimming with their young. Non-motorized boating,
fishing, camping and hiking give visitors the best chance of exploring this reserve in its most natural state. The incredible scenery on the way to Red Rocks (33 miles west of West
Yellowstone) is enhanced in the fall by splendid foliage colors as aspen trees blaze to reds, oranges and yellows.
A nature diary
Families spending time in the greater Yellowstone area will forever carry with them memories of nature at its finest workmanship. Whether it was the moose calf, the roar of a mighty waterfall or
the burping, slurpy pots of mud that stuck in their minds, one thing is certain: most visitors come away with an experience
unlike any other vacation.
Parents can create a nature expedition for their kids. Navigate a path from Hebgen Lake to Yellowstone Lake and record
everything heard, seen, smelt and touched. The recorded items
in the notebook or “diary” can serve as discussion points with
U.S. forest rangers, park rangers or tour guides. A mountain
biking trip along Kid’s Loop of the Rendezvous Trail can teach young riders what gear to pack, the necessities of ample water
and energy, or how weather patterns change dramatically.
A vacation to West Yellowstone during fall, winter or spring
will mean less crowds. Families escaping the beat of their regular routine vacations during these shoulder seasons will find West Yellowstone to be a rewarding atmosphere packed frill of exciting, adventure-filled moments.
Mr. Clyde Seely was a sixth grade school teacher and had worked at the Three Bears for several years in his youth and as a young
man. Mr. Seely was given the opportunity to purchase the
entire business, buy a seller who knew this young man would
do him proud and make it work and grow. Mr. Seely agreed to buy the business and real estate and on the day he had signed the
contract and was at school teaching, the Three Bears caught on
fire. There was a lot of damage to the building, but it was rebuilt
by the young school teacher and then expanded. That young
school teacher went on to bring West Yellowstone into the
forefront on Winter hot spots for folks from all over the United
States and Europe. The Chamber of Commerce in West
Yellowstone knows him as a real mover and shaker of the
town.
West Yellowstone has a myriad of things to do anytime of the
year. The town sees tourists from all over the world and that
has brought with it a taste for an exotic cuisine in dining and books. There are also plenty of hamburger and eggs places to
eat at in this working person's town. There are several movies showing at the Imax in town and restored train cars, outfitters,
and even a Grizzly & Wolf discovery center (www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org ) which is a living museum of the region and a learning center. More than enough to do in town
all year round and then if you take a few steps you're in the Nation's first National Park..and perhaps its best.
-
Click Here to See a 360
degree VR image of Yellowstone in the
Winter. Use the Back page
return in your Browser to Return Here.
You will need Quicktime on your system to view
Old Faithful in Real Time
Yellowstone's Snowmobile Areas
