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Cascade Corner
Trip Description:
“Cascade Corner” refers to the southwest corner of the park, and it’s easy to see why — this guided trip through Yellowstone follows the Bechler River and its many cascading waterfalls.
You have the chance to experience the solitude of backcountry geysers, soak in hot springs, gaze into crystal-clear rivers, and enjoy the vast and expansive Bechler Meadows. This backpacking trip offers a little bit of everything.
Come see why so many people call this the best backpacking trip in all of Yellowstone!
Itinerary
DAY BEFORE TRIP STARTS
We will meet the evening before our trip starts in Bozeman, Montana at 5:00 pm, at a predetermined hotel. If the meeting is held at a different hotel than you are staying, your guide will gladly provide transportation to and from the meeting. In this meeting, we will do a general orientation that will cover introductions, trip itinerary, safety precautions, pack fitting and group gear distribution. Most importantly, this is a chance to meet with your guide to discuss the personal gear and clothes that you plan on bringing; your guide will offer advice about what to bring and what to leave behind for a successful and comfortable trip. This meeting generally lasts one hour.
DAY ONE
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Travel time from Bozeman: 4 Hours
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Distance: 5 Miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
We will pick you up bright and early in Bozeman and drive south, through the Gallatin Canyon, West Yellowstone and Island Park. Along the way, we will stop and eat breakfast, prepared by your guide. Entering Yellowstone through the southwest, we will start our trip at the Bechler Ranger Station. The first three miles will be through a pine forest, dotted with small meadows — the colors can be lush and green in the summer, and vibrant in the fall. When we leave the tree line, we will be greeted by a massive meadow, and then settle in for the evening by one of the many waterways in Cascade Corner. Tonight, we will hear the quiet of nature and forget the troubles of everyday life.
DAY TWO
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Distance: 4 to 5 Miles
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Difficulty: Easy
We'll leave camp set up, leave the heavy backpacks behind and enjoy a day hike to Dunanda Falls. We don't want to give away all the secrets of this magical place, but let's just say this is one of the best places on Earth. Bring your shorts because we'll be hanging in the hot springs. After visiting the falls, we'll hike back to camp, relax, and rest up for tomorrow's adventure.
DAY THREE
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Distance: 5 to 7 Miles
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Difficulty: Easy
After a good night’s rest, we will pack up and start heading north. Traveling through the Bechler Meadows, we will be treated to views of the Grand Tetons — it’s not every day that you get to see two National Parks at the same time. Today will consist of beautiful scenery and the goal of reaching our next waterfall.
DAY FOUR
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Distance: 7 to 8 Miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
Today, the focus will be on geysers, hot springs and thermal features. Starting the day, we will hike through a geyser basin surrounded by volcanic cliffs. After crossing the Bechler River multiple times, we will be rewarded with one of the most famous backcountry features in Yellowstone, “Mr. Bubbles”. You will have the opportunity to relax in a hot spring fed pool, soak our bones and enjoy the peace of the wilderness, before continuing the day’s adventure. Once at camp, we will eat a calorie-rich dinner and rest up for tomorrow’s hike.
DAY FIVE
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Distance: 7 Miles
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Difficulty: Hard (due to elevation gain)
Once we enjoy a nutritious breakfast, we will continue our journey north. Traveling along the river, we will experience incredible views of the Bechler River Canyon, visit waterfalls, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Today’s hike will bring us to the highest point of our trip, and over the Continental Divide. We will set up camp in a serene meadow, play some camp games, and keep the good times rolling.
DAY SIX
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Distance: 7 Miles
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Difficulty: Easy
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Travel time back to Bozeman: 3 hours (estimated arrival is 4:30 pm)
As we start our trek out, we will arrive at Lone Star Geyser — Yellowstone’s largest backcountry geyser, which has a major eruption every 1.5 to 3 hours. After the show, we will continue down a peaceful trail, lined with Ponderosa pines and following the Firehole River, giving us time to reflect on our amazing trip. Once we reach the trailhead, our shuttle and a fresh lunch will be waiting for us, and we will have an easy drive back to Bozeman.
Bechler River Crossings:
We will cross the Bechler River multiple times over the course of the trip. Having a pair of water shoes, such as Chaco, Teva, Keen, Crocs, or sandals with a heel strap is required.
Trip Variations:
Nomadic By Nature always tries our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible. However, there may be slight variations based on the National Park Service permit system and the ever-changing dynamics of the outdoors.
Gear Checklist
All backpacking gear is provided by Nomadic by Nature, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, group cooking supplies, and more.
Click below to review the checklist of what is provided, and what you'll need to bring on your backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park.
Travel Logistics
TRIP DATES:
Due to the nature of the Park Service’s permit system, Nomadic By Nature will not know the exact dates of your trip until April. As soon as we get our permit dates, NBN will notify you immediately. We strongly recommend making your accommodation and flight reservations at that time.
GETTING TO AND FROM BOZEMAN:
All NBN backpacking trips will depart from Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman International Airport is 10 miles from Bozeman’s downtown. We ask all guests to arrive in Bozeman the day before the trip starts, so they can attend the pre-trip meeting, which will be at 5 pm the night before. If your flight is delayed, please reach out to Nomadic By Nature.
We strongly recommend NOT flying out the same day that the trip ends. With long drive times and unpredictable wildlife encounters along the roads, it is hard to predict a precise time that we will arrive back in Bozeman.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nomadic By Nature is not responsible for providing accommodation the night before the trip, or the night we return from the trip. However, we have a corporate rate with the C'mon Inn in Bozeman. Be sure to ask about the rate when you book with us!
TRAINING FOR THE TRIP:
By getting in shape before you start your backpacking trip you'll be able to enjoy your trip without worrying about aches and pains. Training for the trip not only helps yourself out, it helps the whole team accomplish the goal and stay safe and comfortable out there.
Check out our recommendations for training for a Nomadic by Nature backpacking trip.
Refund & Cancellation
REFUND POLICY:
Cancellation policy is per person.
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Cancel 30 or more days prior to trip departure, refund less the $300 deposit.
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Cancel less than 30 days prior to trip departure, receive a trip credit.
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Trip credits are for the full trip amount and are good for two years.
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For more information, please see Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the page.
Covid-19
COVID-19 PLAN:
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Guests are no longer required to wear masks while in vehicles to and from the trailhead
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Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are provided
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All dishes will be cleaned using soap and bleach
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All gear will be cleaned after each trip
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Guests are asked to stay home if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms
Why Nomadic By Nature?
It's a lot of planning and a big commitment -- you don't want to choose just any outfitter or guide to take you into the wilderness for a several day stretch. Our experience is vast, personally and professionally, and we want you to be confident in choosing Nomadic By Nature. To learn more about our background and passion for backpacking and the outdoors, click below to read our story. We have much to share and show you -- so we hope you'll join us for an unforgettable experience!
Ready to Book?
Complete the form below if you have any questions, or reach out with a phone call!
If you're ready to book, click the link at the bottom of the page!