Bechler River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bechler River |
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Bechler River
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Trischman Knob 6,306 feet (1,922 m) 44°17′21″N 110°53′35″W / 44.28917°N 110.89306°W |
| River mouth | Fall River 44°08′54″N 110°59′49″W / 44.14833°N 110.99694°W |
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The Bechler River is a major river located entirely within Yellowstone National Park. It flows towards the southwest. This river eventually joins the Fall River in the park's southwestern area.
The river was named by Frank Bradley in 1872. He was part of the Hayden Geological Survey. The river is named after Gustavus R. Bechler, who was the main mapmaker for that survey. Another survey member, Henry Gannett, said Bechler discovered the river. However, a trapper named Osborne Russell had explored the area much earlier, in 1830.
Amazing Waterfalls of the Bechler River
The Bechler River flows through a very remote part of Yellowstone Park. This area is known as Cascade Corner. Superintendent Horace Albright gave it this name in 1921. He called it that because there are so many waterfalls and cascades here. Many of Yellowstone's beautiful waterfalls are found along the Bechler River.
Here are some of the main waterfalls in this area:
- Albright Falls, 260 feet (79 m) tall.
- Bechler Falls, 15 feet (4.6 m) tall.
- Colonnade Falls, which has two parts:
- Upper Colonnade Falls, 35 feet (11 m) tall.
- Lower Colonnade Falls, 67 feet (20 m) tall.
- Dunanda Falls, 150 feet (46 m) tall.
- Gwinna Falls, 15 feet (4.6 m) tall.
- Iris Falls, 45 feet (14 m) tall.
- Ouzel Falls, 230 feet (70 m) tall.
- Quiver Cascade, 98 feet (30 m) tall.
- Ragged Falls, 45 feet (14 m) tall.
- Tempe Cascade, 30 feet (9.1 m) tall.
- Twister Falls, 55 feet (17 m) tall.
- Wahhi Falls, which also has two parts:
- Upper Wahhi Falls, 28 feet (8.5 m) tall.
- Lower Wahhi Falls, 18 feet (5.5 m) tall.
Fishing in the Bechler River
Even though the Bechler River is in a remote part of Yellowstone, it's a popular spot for local anglers (people who fish). The river is home to mostly cutthroat trout. You might also find a few rainbow trout here.
It can be tricky to fish in the Bechler River. Because of melting snow in spring, the river often has high water. This means it's usually not good for fishing until mid-July. Getting to the river can also be difficult. There's a path called the Bechler River Trail that runs alongside it. You can start this trail at Cave Falls, which is on the park's southern edge. Or, you can reach it from a path that branches off the Shoshone Lake trail.
