LeHardy's Rapids

Yellowstone National Park


These rapids are named after topographer Paul LeHardy, whose raft overturned here, spilling guns, provisions and bedding but sparing his life. Rock uplift created this step-like cascade, which formally marks the end of Yellowstone Lake. Cutthroat trout are plentiful in late springtime, where they can be seen resting in the pools before hurling themselves up the rapids to spawning grounds near Fishing Bridge.

Just north of here are three picnic areas, of which the Nez Percé Ford picnic site, with riverside tables, is the nicest.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yellowstone National Park attractions

1. Fishing Bridge

2.61 MILES

There has been a bridge at Fishing Bridge since 1902, but it closed to fishing in 1973 to protect spawning cutthroat trout – to the benefit of resident…

2. Mud Volcano

2.83 MILES

A fairly subdued geothermal area near Fishing Bridge, Mud Volcano still delights with the huffing, steaming maw of Dragon's Mouth Spring and the spectacle…

3. Fishing Bridge Visitor Center

2.88 MILES

The displays of stuffed birds and wildlife inside this small center are less interesting than the historic 1931 building itself: built as an information…

4. Lake Yellowstone Hotel

3.88 MILES

The buttercup-yellow colonial Lake Yellowstone Hotel, dating from 1891, is the park’s oldest building and certainly its most elegant. Robert Reamer (who…

5. Yellowstone National Park

4.33 MILES

America's iconic first national park, Yellowstone is home to over 60% of the world’s geysers – natural hot springs that periodically erupt in towering…

6. Point Sublime

9.09 MILES

From Artist Point a trail leads 1 mile (45 minutes) to this viewpoint for more fabulous views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone's colorful walls,…

7. Inspiration Point

9.33 MILES

A side road branches off North Rim Dr to reach busy Inspiration Point, which offers an overview of the length of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and a…

8. Artist Point

9.35 MILES

Artist Point is probably the most famous of the canyon’s viewpoints, offering a long overview of the Lower Falls and canyon. It was not, as many people…