Firehole River

Like many other places in Yellowstone, the Firehole River is a scenic spot that lives up to its dramatic name. As it meanders north for 21 miles to join with the Madison River, the Firehole acts as a drainage basin for many of the park’s geothermal features.  In collecting all of the mineral rich water, which has been naturally heated by the earth, the Firehole River can run 15 degrees warmer than surrounding rivers and lakes—with the steam that’s often emitted from the surface being one of the reasons for its name. Despite its boiling appearance, however, water temperatures are still fairly moderate at around 75°F (23.8°C), which makes it a comfortable temperature for splashing at the Firehole River swimming hole. On the western edge of the lower loop, just south of Madison Junction, a two-mile spur road flanks off from the Grand Loop and heads up Firehole Canyon. Here you’ll find 40 foot Firehole Falls as it thunders its way through the canyon, and farther up towards the end of the road where you’ll find roadside pull offs and changing rooms, a set of stairs leads to a swimming area that’s perfect for splashing in summer.

Practical Info

Since the current can be strong at the Firehole River swimming area, only strong swimmers should venture out into the deeper parts of the river. There are no official lifeguards on duty, and there are changing rooms at the top of the stairs by the handful of roadside pull offs. The swimming area can be periodically closed—often for periods of high water—which most frequently happens in late spring or after a strong summer storm.