Yellowstone National Park: Shoshone Lake to Lewis Lake Loop

Two expansive mountain lakes, a scenic river walk, and golden-hued meadows highlight this picturesque, 11.1-mile loop in southwest Yellowstone. From the Dogshead Trailhead, hike northwest on Dogshead Trail through lodgepole pines and forest remnants in the 1988 wildfires. After 1.3 miles, the trail begins a gradual, 2.2-mile climb to its highpoint at 8,000 feet. From here, a mile-long descent leads to a narrow strip of beach overlooking the 80,000-acre Shoshone Lake, the largest backcountry lake in the Lower 48. (The Shoshone Lake Ranger Station and a small campsite are tucked in the trees just east of the beach).
After leaving the lakeshore, the trail travels southeast for less than a mile until it reaches the Lewis Channel, a scenic stretch of river connecting Shoshone Lake with Lewis Lake. (Watch for bald eagles, mule deer, elk, and moose that live along Lewis Channel.) At mile 8.6, skirt the northern shores of Lewis Lake, then pass through a vast meadow before turning east to close the loop back at the trailhead.

PERMIT: Overnight camping in Yellowstone National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm.
MORE PARK INFO: Yellowstone National Park, (307) 344-7381; nps.gov/yell/.
-Mapped by Jason Kauffman

Trail Facts

• Distance: 17.9

Waypoints

SHO001

Location: 44.3200985, -110.5995691

From the trailhead, head northwest on Dogshead Trail; lodgepole pine flank the path.

SHO002

Location: 44.3317088, -110.6138459

Cross a small creek channel and continue on Dogshead Trail. Ahead: Travel through forest that was burned during the 1988 wildfires.

SHO003

Location: 44.335598, -110.6241274

Pass the first of several marshy areas, and continue heading northwest.

SHO004

Location: 44.3576102, -110.6592965

Ford Summit Creek.

SHO005

Location: 44.3592652, -110.6622228

Go straight @ the 4-way junction toward the shores of Shoshone Lake.

SHO006

Location: 44.359969, -110.6630704

Take in views of the largest backcountry lake (over 80,000 acres) in the Lower 48 states from this gravel beach. The lake has numerous campsites dotting its remote shores. Next, head north along the beach, then bear right to reach the Shoshone Lake Ranger Station.

SHO007

Location: 44.3603411, -110.6625688

Shoshone Lake Ranger Station: This small, wooden A-frame is used seasonally by Yellowstone National Park rangers. Head south to access a secluded campsite.

SHO008

Location: 44.3598118, -110.6626144

This lakeside campsite is tucked back into the trees. Return to Waypoint 5 and turn right @ the 4-way intersection.

SHO009

Location: 44.3571615, -110.6631321

Stay left @ Y-junction.

SHO010

Location: 44.3557308, -110.6609756

Ford Summit Creek for the second time.

SHO011

Location: 44.3529499, -110.6587011

Watch for the Lewis Channel to come into view on the right (many species of wildlife live along its banks). This slow-moving stretch of water, which connects Shoshone and Lewis lakes, is also a popular backcountry paddle for canoeists wanting to camp along Shoshone Lake.

SHO012

Location: 44.3350531, -110.6460249

Turn right and head south for a great break spot on a promontory surrounded by the lower Lewis Channel.

SHO013

Location: 44.3239709, -110.6434983

The first views of Lewis Lake appear through the trees. Ahead, the trail continues to follow the course of the river toward the northern edge of Lewis Lake.

SHO014

Location: 44.3229558, -110.6207827

Pass through a vast meadow at the northern tip of Lewis Lake.

SHO015

Location: 44.3267608, -110.6139082

Ford a small creek, then follow the trail as it rounds to the southeast and leads back to the trailhead.

Shoshone Lake

Location: 44.3601838, -110.6629926

Autumn day at Shoshone Lake

Location: 44.3599422, -110.6630275

Canoe

Location: 44.3602509, -110.6628129

A canoe lying idle next to the Shoshone Lake Ranger Station.

Shoshone Lake Ranger Station

Location: 44.3603411, -110.6625393

Bald eagle along Lewis Channel

Location: 44.3524704, -110.6567055

Bald eagle and raven along the Lewis Channel

Lewis Channel

Location: 44.3513024, -110.6559598

A mule deer doe and fawn ford the river

Chipmunk

Location: 44.3485884, -110.6542432

A chipmunk soaks up the sun on a warm late summer day.

Canadian Geese

Location: 44.3418864, -110.649485

Foraging along the Lewis Channel