Shoshone Lake / Yellowstone's Most Deadly Lake

Yellowstone is known for its natural wonders. Shoshone lake is no exception. As the largest, backcountry lake in the lower 48, this body of water is a solitary marvel in a national park full of incredible sights. Its remoteness has contributed to its (well deserved) reputation of being a dangerous lake. If you are up to it, it is definitely still worth visiting though. Keep you wits about you, remember you are in the merciless wilderness, be prepared, and you should have no issues enjoying one of Yellowstone's hidden gems.
Note: The majority of the footage in this video is not of Shoshone lake. Last time I was there, I did not get video footage of high enough quality to use in this video.
#yellowstonenationalpark

[@derekzimmer6335]

Excellent video. Great job of explaining the many dangers associated with paddling across the lake, as opposed to paddling along the shoreline. His case example demonstrates how there is no room for using “testosterone” to make paddling decisions, as opposed to good judgment. Know that high mountain lakes are NOT lowland lakes. Whether you are an expert canoeist or not, staying close to the shoreline is of critical importance. Large waves on high mountain lakes may not (and often do not) have anything to do with incoming storms. Canoes are not sea kayaks. In addition, Not all canoes are equal, especially in their center depth. Further, identical canoes with different loads have different freeboard. If you don’t understand these terms or concepts, do your research. Have paddled more than 3,000 miles tripping in canoes. If you lack the background necessary to paddle in remote backcountry, join a local canoe club, then safely enjoy the beautiful backcountry.

[@snowgo5922]

Awesome writing!

[@JesusSaves-rp9yw]

I paddled Lewis Lake several days last fall. You can put in at several spots along the road on the east side of Lewis Lake. I was told there are numerous obstructions and shallow spots on the river between Lewis and Shoshone that required portaging or lining. Good pointing out that you should paddle near shore vs going out across wide areas.

[@YellowstoneLife]

Yeah last time I went from Lewis to Shoshone we had to wade through the shallow parts of the river while pulling our canoes.

[@Mr.Buster404]

It is shallow and you have to pull the canoe the closer to Shoshone you get.

[@KingdomofCarnage]

Good information but the random stock video clips of lakes that don't look anything like Shoshone was distracting to me, because I know what the lake looks like.

[@YellowstoneLife]

Yeah… I unfortunately don’t have good footage of the actual lake. I went there before I started this channel, so I didn’t take any videos.

[@joepistorio3970]

Isn't the name of the lake pronounced "Shoshoney", like the Native American tribe?

[@YellowstoneLife]

Hi! I actually addressed this in a previous comment.

[@Mr.Buster404]

I believe more have died in Lake Yellowstone.

[@jerryschneider145]

I have canoed into Shoshone Lake twice and been on over night trips on Yellowstone Lakes seven times. It is true Shoshone Lake is more remote, but I consider Yellowstone Lake to be more dangerous due to its size and water conditions. I believe more people have been killed on Yellowstone Lake than Shoshone Lake.

[@YellowstoneLife]

You’re likely right- due to its sheer size I would imagine more people have died on Yellowstone Lake. The statistics for the actual numbers are pretty hard to find. I would say though, Yellowstone Lake is less prone to having afternoon windstorms that come out of nowhere. Also, for how few people travel to Shoshone I’d say the actual odds of dying there are higher. That’s how I look at it at least.

[@jerryschneider145]

@@YellowstoneLife "Odds of dying", that could be true.

[@derekhanson9915]

Nice vid. Well done. But most people, including you, pronounce it wrong. It is pronounced Shoshoneeeee! The last E is Not silent.

[@YellowstoneLife]

You must not have read the previous comments… yes, the tribe is pronounced Shoshoneeeee, but the lake is pronounced how I say it in the video. The lake was pronounced incorrectly for so long, the incorrect pronunciation has become more or less the official pronunciation. It’s kinda lame, but true.

[@TheophilusBoone]

I think if I made a video like this, which took considerable effort, I would actually learn to pronounce Shoshone.

[@jerryschneider145]

He pronounces it like the local do, that is how I say it.

[@YellowstoneLife]

Hi! I’ve addressed this in several comments.

[@jonathanstein1783]

I love it when posters don't bother to learn the correct pronunciation of lakes, mountains, and other features.

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

If you are referring to the missing long E sound at the end of the word Shoshone, then i’ll just add this note. I was just at Yellowstone, and while getting my permit to backpack around the lake…..The ranger issuing the permit corrected me when I used the long E at the end of Shoshone. Told me that in the lake name, the E was Silent.

[@jerryschneider145]

That is how the locals pronounce it.

[@YellowstoneLife]

Hi! I addressed this in a previous comment. I love it when KZbin commenters don’t bother to learn the correct pronunciation of lakes, mountains, and other features. Having lived in the area essentially my entire life, including having lived within a few miles of the Shoshone reservation, I feel like I have some authority on the matter. To summarize, the tribe is pronounced “Shoshonee” and the lake is pronounced “Shoshown.”

[@luvmykiddos4ever]

Pronounced Sho-Sho-knee. Not shoshown.

[@YellowstoneLife]

Thanks for pointing that out! I was going to mention that on the video, but I decided against it. I probably should have. That being said, I think it is one of those situations where people know the correct pronunciation, yet still pronounce it incorrectly. I'm from the area, still live here, and have lived within a few miles of the Shoshone-Bannock reservation--literally everyone I know pronounces it "Shoshown." Maybe I just haven't hung out with any of the folks who pronounce it correctly though!

[@jerryschneider145]

Locals pronounce it Shoshown, and Coyote is KY-OTE not KY-ote-EEE

[@EricFleming231]

it's pronounced sha show nee.