LeHardys Rapids is a rapid on the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, about three miles downstream of Fishing Bridge in the park's Lake Area. It is a roadside stop with a boardwalk along the river, known for native Yellowstone cutthroat trout leaping upstream in spring.
The falls
Scientists consider the rapids a possible geologic northern boundary of Yellowstone Lake: as their level changes, so does the way the lake drains. There is no whitewater rating for the rapid, because it is not open to boats (see below).
Getting there
The rapids sit beside the park road north of Fishing Bridge, with roadside pullouts at the northern and southern ends. The northern pullout gives the easiest approach on boardwalk and compacted earth, while the southern pullout has an accessible vault toilet and a boardwalk with stairs.
Yellowstone admission is $35 per vehicle for seven days, $30 per motorcycle and $20 per person on foot or bicycle, plus $100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and older unless they hold an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. Vehicle reservations are not required.
Boating is not an option: all park rivers are closed to boats except the Lewis River channel between Lewis and Shoshone lakes, so there is no put-in or take-out here.
When to go
Cutthroat trout spawn from early May through mid-July, and spring is when visitors may see them jumping the rapids. The boardwalk has closed in early spring in past years to protect harlequin ducks, so the opening date varies.
On site
The ground is uneven in places, and wheelchair users may need assistance; the southern section has stairs. Pets are not allowed on Yellowstone boardwalks or trails. This is bear country: carry bear spray, travel in groups of three or more and make noise. The adjacent LeHardys Picnic Area has seven tables and a vault toilet; overnight camping is not allowed.
History and name
The rapids are named for Paul LeHardy, a member of the 1873 Jones Expedition.
Nearby
Gibbon River Rapids is about 18.9 miles away, and Coffee Pot Rapids, across the Idaho line, about 50.4 miles. Fishing Bridge is three miles south.
Distances are straight-line.