Slough Creek. Yellowstone National Park

Copyright Ralph Maughan

Slough Creek. Yellowstone National Park.
Photo taken about a half-mile above the campground

Slough Creek begins north of the Park and runs southward into Yellowstone and the Lamar River. It is about 25 miles long. Slough Creek is mostly a lazy stream that has been prime wolf territory since the reintroduction began in 1995. The drainage is presently dominated by the Slough Creek wolf pack, with perhaps other wolves in its headwaters.

Sough Creek has an open mouth area often called "Slough Creek Flats." Much wolf and wildlife watching takes place here, especially from a little knoll that has been dubbed "Dave's Hill."

A gravel road extends up Slough Creek for several miles, ending at Slough Creek Campground. The campground sits at the bottom of a tight constriction in Slough Creek.

Above the constriction, it opens up into stream valley with a series of large meadows -- first meadow, second meadow, and Frenchys Meadow. The area is scenic with a wide variety of geological features.

After several miles upstream, you have left the Park and are inside the Absaroka portion of the Absaroka/Beartooth Wilderness.

There sure are a lot of grizzly bears from its confluence with the Lamar River all the way to its headwaters!

The first meadow of Slough Creek, about 2 miles upstream from the road.
Photo taken in early October. Copyright Ralph Maughan