Single kayaker in yellow kayak and wide river with calm water in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone or Lewis Lake Kayaking

West Thumb Day Trip or Paddle into the Lewis Channel
Season Custom tours
Jun - mid Oct
Duration Full day
9-10 hours incl. scenic drive
Price Starting at $260 pp
Groups of 7+
Meet 8:00 AM
or meet at the water

Yellowstone Lake - West shore of West Thumb or Lewis Lake into the Lewis Channel

Paddle in Yellowstone

An outstanding way to enjoy the wonders of Yellowstone while getting off the beaten path. A day tour on Lewis or Yellowstone Lake is appropriate for beginners or seasoned kayakers.

In Yellowstone, we use high-performance single or tandem touring kayaks. If you are new to the sport, your instructor will give a thorough overview of basic paddling skills and water safety. For those that have previous experience, your guide will help you refine your technique to paddle with greater efficiency and power.

You will soon enjoy the fun of gliding quickly and quietly as we paddle away from the crowds to parts of Yellowstone that most never see.

Day tours generally travel the west shore of Lewis Lake and into the Lewis Channel or the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake to the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Both trips offer the opportunities for viewing wildlife, thermal features, beautiful beaches of volcanic sand and a delicious lunch on the water. Our relaxed schedule allow us to take our time and we are happy to meet you up in Yellowstone if that is better for your itinerary.

After this taste of kayaking in Yellowstone, you'll want to return for a bigger serving. Try our multi-day tours.

Person in red kayak on water and calm water surface in Yellowstone National Park.

Pricing

2 people (minimum)
$400/person
3 people
$310/person
4-6 people
$280/person
7+ people
$260/person

View the Trip on the Map

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Three people in yellow kayaks and calm lake water in Yellowstone National Park.

Quality Gear

"Great place to get outfitted to paddle Yellowstone Lake. Quality gear, good staff, and reasonable pricing."
C Z, May 2023 TripAdvisor

Book Your Yellowstone Lake Trip

The Scenic Journey - Begin with a beautiful drive north through Grand Teton National Park into Yellowstone, passing Lewis Falls right before Lewis Lake or crossing the Continental Divide before descending to the shores of Yellowstone Lake. We are happy to meet you at either location if you are already in Yellowstone.

Expert Instruction - Start with thorough paddling instruction covering basic technique, water safety, and rudder use. Your guide coaches you on forward and turning strokes, and efficient paddling throughout the day.

West Thumb Exploration or into Sublime Lewis Channel - Both itineraries offer good shelter from the prevailing winds and a great place to start paddling. We will soon be gliding on the water at a comfortable pace. On Yellowstone or Lewis we will hug the West shores of the lake. It is easy to get out and take breaks and quiet kayaks are an amazing way to travel.

Wilderness & Wildlife - Glide quietly through coves and watch for bald eagles, pelicans, osprey, moose and other wildlife along the shoreline. The kayaks silent approach allows intimate encounters impossible from roads.

Beach Lunch - Stop at a beach of volcanic sand for a leisurely lunch surrounded by Yellowstone's beauty, taking time to rest and absorb the scenery before continuing your paddle.

Return Journey - The drive back through Grand Teton allows a relaxed pace for viewing mountain vistas and reflecting on your Yellowstone adventure.

Person in red kayak and calm water surface in Yellowstone National Park.

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Bathing suit or synthetic quick-dry shorts/pants (no cotton)
  • Mid-weight shirt of wicking material or a sun hoody (wool or synthetic)
  • Change of warm, dry clothes (even in summer, Wyoming is cold after being on water all day)
  • Sunscreen, sun hat and lip balm
  • Water bottle
  • Towel

Optional Items:

  • Camera (waterproof or in protective case)
  • Sunglasses with retaining strap
  • Water shoes or sandals that can get wet (or use ours, or purchase in our shop)
Person standing and gesturing and yellow kayak on grass in Yellowstone National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Go

Yes. Yellowstone or Lewis Lake's pristine waters make it ideal for first-time kayakers. Our instructors specialize in teaching beginners and will have you paddling comfortably within your first session

Basic fitness is helpful, but kayaking on flat water isn't strenuous. If you can comfortably sit for a few hours and perform gentle upper-body movements, you'll do fine

Commonly: pelicans, bald eagles, golden eyes, elk, deer. Occasionally: moose feeding along shorelines, river otters, and numerous songbirds

Yes! Families with kids are welcome. Younger children can paddle tandem kayaks with adults. Contact us to discuss your children's specific ages and abilities

We can tailor the trip for intermediate paddlers wanting to refine technique, practice skills, or simply enjoy a beautiful paddle with expert guidance and natural history interpretation

It's both! You'll receive professional instruction in kayaking fundamentals while also experiencing a beautiful mountain lake with wildlife viewing and natural history interpretation

Absolutely! Once you've developed basic skills, we have a full rental fleet so you can continue exploring Jackson Hole's lakes and rivers independently

We want to help get you on the water! Yellowstone Lake trips are completely custom with maximum scheduling flexibility.

Email us at info@jacksonholekayak.com to make your reservation - you can also call (307) 733-2471 or stop by our shop at 945 W. Broadway
Person in red kayak and whitewater rapids in Yellowstone National Park.
Book Your Trip

Ready to Book?

Email us at info@jacksonholekayak.com or call (307) 733-2471 or stop by our shop at 945 W. Broadway in Jackson.

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