For those that just want to sightsee or take a boat ride, AmFac Parks and Resorts operates sightseeing boat tours out of Bridge Bay Marina. They also provide fishing tours and boat rentals. Contact AmFac for more information.

For those that want to take their own boat or to get out on their own, only two of the lakes in Yellowstone are open to power boats. Power boats are permitted on Lewis lake and part of Yellowstone lake. The parts of Yellowstone lake closed to power boats are open to hand powered boats. All rivers, except the short channel between Lewis Lake and Shoshone lake, are closed to boats of all kinds. The channel between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes is open to hand powered boats. Most lakes are open to hand powered craft.

Private craft can be used in Yellowstone but all boats, hand propelled or motorized, require a permit. Permits can be purchased at Bridge Bay or Lewis Lake.

All boats must meet safety standards. (The largest section in the book "Death in Yellowstone" by Lee Whittlesey details the numerous drowning deaths in Yellowstone due to boating accidents. Yellowstone is a very large mountain lake. Storms can come up without warning and lake waters are deathly cold.)

Comments and Questions are Welcome.

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