Firehole River
Firehole River
4.5
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River located in Yellowstone National Park: perfect for fishing, canoeing or watching the geysers erupting.
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4.5
214 reviews
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Icarus4335
Colorado Springs, CO808 contributions
July 2021
Winding River that you can see from a few different spots on the west side of the park. It flows throw a canyon and eventually into a lake. There are several different pull offs to view falls, geysers, etc.
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
16gauge
3,965 contributions
Spending a morning swimming in the Firehole river in Yellowstone national park was the highlight of our trip to Yellowstone for my teenagers. On the morning of our last day in Yellowstone (before heading to Grand Teaton), we spent @ 4 hours swimming in the river. The swimming hole can only be accessed by fire holes drive. There are bathroom / changing facilities at the swimming hole location.
The water in this river was cold, not hot - it took a while for the body to get used to it. The swimming hole is far enough away from the paint pot area that any warm water entering from there cannot be felt.
The current is quite strong, though I never felt unsafe. There are plenty of eddy pools that you can get into and stay in one place as you feel the water swirling around you. There are also a couple small caves and underwater ledges that you can stop to rest at during your swim.
You will want to wear water shoes to protect your feet from the rocks. Downstream of the stairs to the swimming hole is calm and sandy, upstream has stronger currents and rocks. This is a unique and memorable experience of our Yellowstone vacation.
The water in this river was cold, not hot - it took a while for the body to get used to it. The swimming hole is far enough away from the paint pot area that any warm water entering from there cannot be felt.
The current is quite strong, though I never felt unsafe. There are plenty of eddy pools that you can get into and stay in one place as you feel the water swirling around you. There are also a couple small caves and underwater ledges that you can stop to rest at during your swim.
You will want to wear water shoes to protect your feet from the rocks. Downstream of the stairs to the swimming hole is calm and sandy, upstream has stronger currents and rocks. This is a unique and memorable experience of our Yellowstone vacation.
Written 5 June 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer24782
Stevens Point, WI5 contributions
Disclaimer-I hereby state that I in no way accept, endorse, or permit any of the following activities to be done near or in the Firehole River, and will not be held accountable for any resulting injuries, trauma, or death:With that said, the Firehole River is a great attraction in Yellowstone National Park. First off, the activities available are swimming, fishing, and possibly canoeing, but I'm not sure.You will definitely want to check park regulations for use limits regarding these activities. There is a great swimming hole (hot water) near Foutain Flat Drive that I and some friends visited on a moonlit summer night. Then there's the swimming at the designated spot 2 miles south of Madison Junction . Cliff jumping is illegal with fines approaching 100 dollars, but it is a thrill. At that spot, you can jump into some raging whitewater and get carried downstream 20+ yards, but be careful and go with a partner at least and leave plans of your outing with a relialbe person (friends, family, etc. or a ranger)--leaving plans of where, when, how, what should be done for all outings in Yellowstone or anywhere for that matter where risk is inherent. There was a drowing death here in August of this year.Anyhow, fishing, mostly fly-fishing, can be done on the Firehole, though not from the bridge at Biscuit Basin to the bridge right after you leave the Old Faithful geyser basin. Check regulations again for size, species, and type of fishing allowed. There were closures for the Gibbons and Firehole rivers the summer of 2003 due to low water levels and extreme heat, so be aware of this potential. There is plenty of trout to be caught if you are proficient and patient in this sport.There are picnic areas near Foutain Flat Drive and along the road from Old Faithful to Madison. Some of these areas can be very busy in the summer, but it's the only appropriate time to get in the water as it's warm this time of year only.Lastly, the Firehole is good for wildlife viewing, potentially. I spotted a moose on the river bank just two miles north from Old Faithful geyser basin, near Lone Star geyser.
Enjoy your outing and be safe.
Enjoy your outing and be safe.
Written 25 October 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoshT2787
CA27 contributions
July 2014 • Family
The swim hole is fantastic. If you like to spend a hot day swimming in refreshing river water, this will be one of the best places for you to visit. Although we were told several different directions and areas where the swim hole should be thinking it was some hidden trail off the side of the road, actually it is pretty clearly marked. To get there take Fire Canyon Drive just South of the Madison Junction. The road is one way off the main road and reconnects with the main road after about 2 miles. You you have to drive 3/4 the distance of the road to get there. There are signs indicating the swim area on the right and a couple of small bathrooms on the left. Most people were parked road side next to the sign, but there is parking a little bit further up the road. It was a bit crowded but there was enough space to find a spot to sit and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves despite the crowd. I think you will be hard pressed to find a time when there isn't a crowd at this place, so just enjoy the company. Everyone was respectful and there to have fun.
From the sign there is a stair case down 1/2 way and the rest of the way is climbing down a rocky path. It isn't too far down, maybe 20-30 steps on the wooden stair case and the same distance down the rocky path. The main swim area has a shallow area of still water and further out there starts to be a current. The water was pool temperature, cold when you immediately get in but quickly becomes comfortable. The staff at our campsite said the temperature really depends on the heat beneath the ground surface, which at the time was really warm and actually caused a part of the road to "melt" a few weeks earlier. Up river there are some rapids you can jump into and float down. To get to the rapid area there is a trail to the left after you reach the end of the staircase or you can swim along the banks until you get there.
From the sign there is a stair case down 1/2 way and the rest of the way is climbing down a rocky path. It isn't too far down, maybe 20-30 steps on the wooden stair case and the same distance down the rocky path. The main swim area has a shallow area of still water and further out there starts to be a current. The water was pool temperature, cold when you immediately get in but quickly becomes comfortable. The staff at our campsite said the temperature really depends on the heat beneath the ground surface, which at the time was really warm and actually caused a part of the road to "melt" a few weeks earlier. Up river there are some rapids you can jump into and float down. To get to the rapid area there is a trail to the left after you reach the end of the staircase or you can swim along the banks until you get there.
Written 31 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles P
Nashville, TN163 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
This is not a long drive and even though it is not one of the most scenic areas of the park it is worth the time it takes. Be sure and stop at the Terrace Spring area. This was not on our list of things to see because we did not know about it. We drove by this spring at first and then decided to turn around and go back. Great decision. There were only two other people there so it was not crowded. This was their 7th time to visit Yellowstone but their first time to stop at Terrace Spring. Like us, they were glad they did. It is a very easy walk and only takes 10-15 minutes, but you will like what you see. It will be the best 15 minutes you spend in the park.
Written 22 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John F
Vallejo, CA1,371 contributions
June 2021
We stumbled upon this spot just looking for something to see. WOW...we loved this spot. Great photo ops and a beautiful area. Find this place. It's well worth it.
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hermes_NL 🇳🇱
Amsterdam, The Netherlands21,534 contributions
June 2022 • Friends
The Firehole river is a bit warmer due to the many hot springs that feed into it. You can see it quite well in the Midway Geyser basin near the Grand Prismatic Spring and also the Upper Geyser basin near Old Faithful.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David K
15 contributions
July 2014 • Family
As we ended our day in Yellowstone, our entire family whined when my wife recommended we change into swimming suits and head to Firehole. However, it turned into the trip highlight for everyone.
We arrived at the swim area at around 7 pm, and there were only two other groups there. If you go down the stairs, you are led to a nice, calmer part of the river. The rocks are slick, but it is a nice place to hang out with families.
If you swing left halfway down the path, you can break off the main trail, traverse some rocks and get to a swift, warm part of the river. My teens (all good swimmers), swam across the river, traversed some rocks on the opposing side, and jumped in at the mouth of the little slot canyon and floated down (quickly) about 50 feet - just to climb out and do it again. The parents did too - just not as frequently.
We were very concerned one would hit his/her head when we jumped into the rapids, but we had no accidents. The speed of the river through that section demanded some decent swim skills.
We were joined by another group that had a more difficult time making the trip across (not really sure if it was swim skill or nerves - it wasn't quite "extreme sport" so I couldn't tell).
You can float all the way through the minor S-shaped canyon to the shallow, slow area mentioned at the beginning. (The first time we actually swam against the current to get to the beginning of the ride from the slow area - that took some effort.)
There are two bathrooms along the road to change into suits.
It was a great way to catch the sunset at the end of the day in the park. The crowds had died down, the water was warm, and the experience was energizing.
We arrived at the swim area at around 7 pm, and there were only two other groups there. If you go down the stairs, you are led to a nice, calmer part of the river. The rocks are slick, but it is a nice place to hang out with families.
If you swing left halfway down the path, you can break off the main trail, traverse some rocks and get to a swift, warm part of the river. My teens (all good swimmers), swam across the river, traversed some rocks on the opposing side, and jumped in at the mouth of the little slot canyon and floated down (quickly) about 50 feet - just to climb out and do it again. The parents did too - just not as frequently.
We were very concerned one would hit his/her head when we jumped into the rapids, but we had no accidents. The speed of the river through that section demanded some decent swim skills.
We were joined by another group that had a more difficult time making the trip across (not really sure if it was swim skill or nerves - it wasn't quite "extreme sport" so I couldn't tell).
You can float all the way through the minor S-shaped canyon to the shallow, slow area mentioned at the beginning. (The first time we actually swam against the current to get to the beginning of the ride from the slow area - that took some effort.)
There are two bathrooms along the road to change into suits.
It was a great way to catch the sunset at the end of the day in the park. The crowds had died down, the water was warm, and the experience was energizing.
Written 2 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samdogNY
ny, ny420 contributions
July 2013 • Family
Great spot to cool off after long day. Real swimming. Rock jumping. Some small water falls and even a cave! Unlike the the "Boiling River" soaking area (up near the North Gate) the water here is not "hot" ... but it is not cold or icey either. It's a comfortable temp that will allow you to jump in and have a great time in a postcard setting. Access is a few minutes south of the Madison Junction - turn off onto the one-way "Fire Hole River Road" and drive down about a mile or so until you see a clearly designated swim area and walkway down. Enjoy!
Written 16 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vb22
United States1,195 contributions
July 2011 • Couples
There's an access road that runs along the Firehole River to take you to Ojo Caliente spring ... beautiful scenery here and a nice walk to the spring or down to the river. This area is worth the stop to stretch your legs, etc.
There's also a small parking area with bathrooms where a lot of people take a dip in the river as well ...
There's also a small parking area with bathrooms where a lot of people take a dip in the river as well ...
Written 14 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Just a question, is it open for swimming now?
Thanks
Arlene
Written 2 July 2021
Beste Tom,
Kun je dit alleen bezoeken of moet je daar trip ter plaatse? Wij hebben auto ter onze beschikking
In het algemeen: er worden vele excursies aangeboden, maar is het mogelijk deze zelf ook te doen?
Hartelijk dan voor antwoord
Jan
Written 23 June 2018
is there parking lot in the firehole falls area? or just park the car on the side of the road? and how long will it take to walk from parking spot to see the falls? thanks
Written 29 May 2018
Would you recommend this swimming hole for, 12-13 year old, experienced swimmers?
Written 23 May 2016
I may be mistaken, but as far as I know swimming is not allowed anywhere within the park. Having last visited in February, swimming was not on my agenda anyway.
Written 24 May 2016
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