Woah, three villages at once? How could you do such a thing?
No worries my dearest friends, these three Yellowstone villages are so close together that it makes a convenient all-in-one post. Whether you’re looking to visit one or all of these villages during your Yellowstone trip, this guide has everything you need to know about visiting Bridge Bay, Lake Village, and Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park.
This section of the park is truly special for its gorgeous hikes, fabulous hotels, and waterfront activities, and I’m so excited to share all of my favorite parts about it!
Everything to do at Bridge Bay, Lake Village & Fishing Bridge
Take a Scenic Cruise on Lake Yellowstone
If I had to describe Lake Yellowstone in one word, it would be MASSIVE.
From the shoreline, you can certainly enjoy the sweeping lake, but to learn about its full history, ecosystem, and geography, taking a boat tour of Lake Yellowstone aboard the Lake Queen II from Bridge Bay is the move.
It’s the only way to see some of the lake’s islands up close, and learn about their history while spotting some of Yellowstone’s marine wildlife. Not to mention that I find nothing more relaxing than being on a boat 🙂
During my last visit, we embarked on this tour, and it was just fabulous. We saw all sorts of duck species, and by being out in the middle of the lake, you get gorgeous views of the Teton mountain range and a perspective of just how big it is.
My two favorite things to learn about were:
- The decimation of the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout population, and the conservation efforts that are slowly but surely bringing them back to Yellowstone’s waters.
- A shifty man named E.C. Waters who ran the first ferries on Lake Yellowstone, and started an illegal “zoo” on one of the lake’s small islands that would have PETA frothing at the mouth.
The cruises are an hour long and leave from Bridge Bay Marina every hour and a half. You should probably book them online, but often times they will have enough extra spots for walk-ins.
Enjoy yourself at the Lake Hotel
You’ll probably be able to see this hotel before you even get to Lake Village, because the Lake Yellowstone Hotel is a massive yellow colonial looking inn right on the water’s edge of Lake Yellowstone.
When we visited Lake Village, I couldn’t resist going inside to explore even though I was dirty/sweaty from hiking and not dressed anything like the hotel’s other patrons. Their main lobby had no shortage of plush chairs and picture windows, with complementary citrus water. They also have a piano player banging out the tunes during early evenings. The only thing that could have made the evening better is if I’d been able to order a drink at the bar.
Visiting the Lake Hotel made for a relaxing end to our busy day, but I couldn’t imagine staying here. The rooms start at about $400 USD a night during the summer season, so I’m sure it’s fantastic!
As expected the grounds of the Lake Yellowstone are just as beautiful as the inside. The front doors open right out onto Lake Yellowstone, and at the waters edge is a large viewing deck with lots of benches where you sit in serenity, and have a nice think. We saw lots of wild ducks from the shore (I wish I knew what species they were!)
See the Fishing Bridge
The Fishing Bridge is yet another piece of unique Yellowstone history.
Fishing Bridge is located just a few minutes’ drive north from Lake Village.
It’s definitely a smaller village, but again, I’d say it’s worth stopping to look around if you’ve got the time!
Just like its name implies, Fishing Bridge was once the best spot to go fishing for the local cutthroat trout. These trout like to spawn right where the Yellowstone River meets Lake Yellowstone, making this the perfect place to cast your line. But as Yellowstone got more popular, the area was over-fished, and ecologists feared that visitors were wiping out the cutthroat trout population. You are no longer allowed to fish at Fishing Bridge.
Like I mentioned before, Fishing Bridge was built right above the cutthroat trout’s spawning territory, and this makes it the perfect place to see them jump! They spawn anytime from February to July (depending on the year), so spring is the best time to see them! Also look out for waterfowl like wild ducks, cranes, pelicans, and swans!
The bridge itself is easily walkable, made of giant logs with large footpaths on both sides so you’re safe from drivers.
For places where you can fish in Yellowstone, click this link!
Because it was such a popular stop on the Yellowstone loop, there’s a little bit of infrastructure, so here are all of the things that we did when we visited Fishing Bridge Village!
Learn about birds at the Fishing Bridge Visitor’s Center
I’m sure you’re all tired of me always listing the visitors as things to see, but each one has its own theme, and I wouldn’t want my fellow museum freaks to miss out!
So the theme at the Fishing Bridge visitor’s center is all of the species of waterfowl local to Yellowstone. I was so excited to see that because:
- I was an avid bird watcher as a kid (DORK)
- I’ve seen so many different species of duck, and am so frustrated at not knowing their names! In Missouri, we only have mallards, so I needed some duck education for sure.
I also really like the layout of this visitor’s center. It feels less overwhelmingly commercial inside, and more like a real log cabin with big windows instead of lights, and bird models hanging from the ceiling.
Take a Hike!
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is yet another fabulous hike at Yellowstone. How do I know this? While waiting to go on the boat tour in Bridge Bay, my family just decided to give it a try on a whim.
It’s a relatively short hike before you arrive at the Natural Bridge, a rare rock formation that is in the shape of a… bridge. You can see it from the ground, or hike up to it. You cannot walk across because the formation is fragile, but it’s a beautiful view from up in the cliffs.
We got to see a marmot up close while on the cliffs, making this hike extra special
Elephant Back
The second hike our group when on was Elephant Back. The hike sounds deceptively easy, at three and a half miles, but it’s a painfully steep climb along pebbly switchbacks. There was a fairly serious slipping hazard because of the loose ground, so we went slowly and stopped frequently (once to play in a snowbank :)). The views from the top made it well worth it, though! The top of Elephant Back Mountain is 900 feet above Lake Village, so you’re treated to an aerial view of Yellowstone Lake with the Absaroka Mountain Range in the background.
Elephant Back is about 3.5 miles round trip with a seriously steep incline and loose ground, I would not recommend with small children.
Storm Point
When our employee recreation group took us here for hiking, we went to Storm Point first. The walk takes you by Indian pond, and then into the forest where you should definitely have your bear spray with you. After crossing a little log bridge, the forest opens up onto the lake your, where you walk along the soft sandy bank for a little while. When we were here, I heard and saw a lot of bees, and was concerned about accidentally stepping on their hive (not a fun experience, let me tell you), but thankfully that didn’t happen! Eventually the trail will take you to a small peninsula with a rocky cliff overlooking the lake. This area is pretty big, so everyone can find their own boulder to perch on for a snack.
We hiked there one time at night, and watched a harvest moon rise over the lake. That was hands-down one of my best nature moments to date!
Storm Point is about 2.5 miles round trip, and is mostly flat.
Everywhere to eat in Bridge Bay, Lake Village, and Fishing Bridge
Bridge Bay Marina Store
While the Bridge Bay Marina Store primarily specializes in fishing gear, they’ve got a couple of quick snacks too.
Lake Hotel Dining Room
If you’re looking for some of the best food in the park, look no further! This is a fine dining option, so be sure to have a nice outfit at the ready. Everything on the menu is good, and many options incorporate local flavors like trout and buffalo.
Wylie’s Canteen at Lake Lodge
Like many other places in the park, the Lake Lodge Cafeteria provides some quicker options including sandwiches and snacks.
It does seem to be on the nicer side of fast food, with options such as steak wraps and broccoli tempura.
Fishing Bridge Grill
The Fishing Bridge Grill is a pleasant surprise. They sell standard diner fare like hot sandwiches, salads, and whatnot. The Fishing Bridge Grill is run by a different company than the one I worked for, and so this fast food is considerably better than many of the other options offered in the park.
What I especially like about the grill is that it’s significantly less crowded than the restaurants in the major villages like Mammoth, Old Faithful, and Canyon. It’s nice to escape the madness.
The Fishing Bridge Grill is also located inside the general store, one of the most massive in the park. Seriously, if you’re looking for the widest selection of Yellowstone souvenirs, this is the place.
General Stores
The Bay Bridge, Lake, and Fishing Bridge villages all have general stores, which sell basic snacks and groceries that make perfect picnic food. An easy grab-and-go type of situation.
Where to stay in Bridge Bay, Lake Village, and Fishing Bridge
Bridge Bay Campground
The Bridge Bay Campground is a great place to pitch your tent. Situated right by the lake with lots of tree shade and stellar mountain views, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to camp around here.
The campground charges based on the number of people at your campsite, which is something I’ve never seen before. There are no RV hookups but RVs can park in this campground.
Lake Hotel
The lake hotel is a top of the line establishment. A real winner. I don’t know how to review hotels beyond saying: it’s fancy as hell. Despite being Yellowstone’s oldest hotel, the rooms are spacious and modern, with the fanciest bathrooms I’ve ever seen- complete with advanced amenities like sunscreen and complimentary slippers.
Staying here for just a day, I can say this is probably the cushiest way to stay in Yellowstone.
Lake Lodge and Cabins
Lake Lodge is a more economic option, but still incredibly nice. It’s got the best lobby in Yellowstone, and I adore relaxing in front of the roaring fireplace. Or on the front porch in a lovely rocking chair.
Each cabin has its own bath and gives you the luxury of your own space.
Fishing Bridge RV Park
The Fishing Bridge RV Park is located right along the Yellowstone River, and is nearly equidistant from Old Faithful and Canyon Villages.
This is the only campground in the park with full RV hookups, but no tents are allowed.
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Annnnnnnd wow! That’s a lot- and that’s everything there is to see and do, and where to eat and stay in Bridge Bay, Lake Village, and Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone!
As always please let me know if I missed anything, and feel free to share your favorite memories from this special area of the park.
Next we’ll be exploring everything that there is to see along the Grand Loop Road between Lake Village and Canyon Village.
If you want to see where we just came from, check out everything to see and do in Grant Village.
Love yall, and see you soon!