About This Route
Mary Bay, a scenic inlet on Yellowstone Lake's east shore, provides intermediate stand-up paddleboarders with 2-3 mile paddling routes amid geothermal features and forested edges. Access via the Mary Bay trail from the Lake Yellowstone Hotel area; launch from the sandy beach. Explore steaming vents visible underwater and circumnavigate the bay's arms, staying within 0.5 miles of shore to avoid fetch-driven waves. NPS permits SUP here post-AIS inspection, emphasizing this area's role in park boating regulations.
Safety Considerations
Afternoon thermals generate 3-5 foot chop quickly, per NPS boating alerts; paddle early mornings under 10 mph winds checked via NOAA forecasts. Water at 50 degrees Fahrenheit demands immersion suits; rapid hypothermia onset noted in NPS incident reports. Geothermal hazards include scalding springs near shore; avoid probing hot zones. Bison frequent beaches at dawn/dusk; use 100-yard buffer. Mandatory AIS protocols: inspect board at Mary Bay or Fishing Bridge stations for quagga mussels or plant fragments. PFD and quick-release leash required; file float plan with rangers. Boating season aligns with peak visitation, increasing rescue demands.
Essential Gear
Opt for a 11' touring SUP like Starboard Generation LT; pair with carbon paddle. 4/3mm drysuit, pogies, and hood for extended sessions. VHF radio or satellite communicator, plus compact first aid kit stocked for cuts from volcanic rock. Adhere to Leave No Trace by packing out microplastics.
Emergency Tips
In capsizes, prioritize re-boarding; geothermal areas amplify cold shock. Deploy PLB and paddle to visible landmarks like the hotel. Buddy paddle within 100 yards; rotate lead to share wind exposure.