Easy paddling in beautiful areas south of West Yellowstone

A day after we got home from doing this in June 2024, Steve made the same reservation for 2025: Arrive 2pm or later Monday June 9, 2025 and leave 11am or earlier Thursday June 12. (Weekdays are less crowded and cheaper)

Steve, Kerie, Darla and Vicki scouted this area six years ago. In 2021 we headquartered at a 'warming hut" and have used it every year since. We are repeating this popular event Note: This site was booked virtually solid for every day in 2023 and 2024! That's why Steve made a 2025 reservation almost 365 days in advance.

----------- Prior Year Content -----------
The Big Springs River is a one day easy paddle. During the first hour the water is often only 6 inches deep. If you get stuck on a gravel bar you might need to step out and walk a few yards. After that you are usually in about 2 feet of water - no rocks and no rapids - steady clear water flowing. Watch for a bald eagle in a tree above, a moose on the shore, and/or a school of migrating fish swimming in the crystal clear water under your boat. :)
Plus other paddling / sightseeing on other days - depending on weather.

Timing: From West Yellowstone it's only a 30 minute drive to our campsite. However, you will need to stop and have your boat inspected for invasive species as you enter Idaho and show your required 2025 invasive species boat sticker. (see below)

Facility: The Warming Hut area has plenty of picnic tables and grills and a large fire ring for socializing. Plenty of parking for people bringing camper vans, trailers, etc. Darla will likely bring her small trailer containing cooking equipment. The hut is not designed for sleeping, just one large room for snowmobilers to warm up. It has large picnic tables and narrow benches along some walls. People have used folding camp beds / sleeping pads. New latrine next door. We discourage tents because of possible grizzly bears, mountain lions and bad weather. See All Events and Past Events for photos*.*

Cost & How to apply:
Compare: Reserving a motel / hotel room in Island Park for 3 nights would cost about $900 (if purchased early). Estimate a $30 dinner for three nights = $90. Possibly pay for a guided trip at perhaps $75.
Total estimated cost: $1,000+ per person (if you book in April).

Our MeetUp Group cost will be about $100 per person for 3 nights and 2 days paddling (assuming about 10 participants split the reservation cost) We do quick basic breakfasts and group made dinners in which no one has starved. When on the water at noon it's BYOBB (bring your own boat and beverages and offer some kind of food / snacks to share).

How to sign up: Dues paying members will have first priority; if fewer than 12 sign up, guests will be allowed.
Capped at about 12 people participating. (because of launch congestion at the put in)

Food:
People bring side dishes; BYOB.
Experienced Camp Cook Darla brings her own small trailer full of cooking supplies. Part of the reservation cost is to cover food costs for a group main evening dish each night (plus propane etc). Participants bring side dishes for supper. Breakfast and midday snacks on your own.

Facilities: Very large single hut with big picnic tables. Nice large wood stove in the middle. Designed for people standing around warming up; no provision for sleeping. Bring folding a cot or just sleeping bag and air mattress and a flashlight. Also a camp chair for sitting around a campfire.
Or bring a Camper Van or RV (space available for at least 50 units). Tents are discouraged due to possible bears, mountain lions or perhaps a moose.

Sign up on MeetUp. RSVPs will close about 10 days before the event (so we know how to plan food for dinner, etc.).

Payment of $100 in advance is required: The MeetUp payment system should be working. If it doesn't work for you, send an e-mail to SteveH59718@gmail.com

Weather: Early June weather at 6,300' can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, snow, wind, etc.
Water: There is no water at this winter designed location. Bring some. Steve has a 5 gal collapsible container that he was able to fill it at a nearby campground but no guarantee.
Electricity: There are a couple 110v outlets but capacity unknown - fine for recharging cell phones, etc. Also some lighting way up in the ceiling likely via solar panels.

Firewood was somewhat available: last time just huge chunks from bottoms of trees. Fortunately some of our group brought a splitting maul and splitting wedges. Bring a flashlight and/or small lantern for the fire ring and picnic tables.

Idaho Invasive Species Boat Sticker is Required: See comments below.
Cost is about $7. Be sure to buy it online 10 days or more in advance! Put it on your boat when you get it so you don't forget. (You don't want to waste perhaps most of two hours finding a store that would sell them.)
https://idfg.idaho.gov/info/boat-stickers

We have good times with low costs!

Please sign up by Thursday May 1 so we can have a planning meeting to discuss food and answer questions.

P.s. the main photo for our site (paddling toward a bridge) is the "put in"
for this event