Yellowstone - Seven Mile Hole

[@raymondvarney8059]

Summer of 1973, I'm a flat-lander from Maine working for the summer at the new post office at Lake. I foolishly bushwacked into 7 Mile Hole from a switch-back on the road up to Mt. Washburn. Didn't kill myself, but tried pretty hard sliding down a scree slope toward the river. Couldn't entice a cutthroat with a sofa pillow, so I cheated and tied a freshly hatched salmon fly onto a bare hook. Trout simply stripped the flies off the hook. I remember the hike out on the trail to Canyon Village as being rather brutal but I learned a lot that day of being better prepared for hiking in the back-country. After spending a lot of my career out west, I'm now 73, retired and living back in Maine and missing Yellowstone. I'm revisiting vicariously through your videos; thanks for posting.

[@raeboyd5596]

Thank you so much for taking us on your hikes. This one was especially spectacular. I've been to Yellowstone, seen all the tourist spots but I love going with you to all of the off boardwalk, back country features of the park. Thank you for taking me with you and the pleasant conversation.

[@theparkjunkie]

You are welcome anytime! Thanks for watching!

[@dennisnowotny]

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS GUIDED TOURS THANK YOU PARK JUNKIE!!!!!! This 73yr OLD with an unable wife NOT able to share this experience any better way even as I've been around most of the parks!!!!

[@Thomasj876]

Todd, another great video…keep ‘‘em coming…

[@bboice08]

Thanks for the hike nice to catch up since the closures!! Thanks PJ!!!

[@Bridgeoverthevalley]

Thanks for the trip. Brings back memories of Yellowstone Long ago

[@03BHall]

You do the best! Thank you for the beautiful views and videos!

[@penelopebartell840]

Beautiful. Love your hikes! Even Harlequin Lake, short hike, only three people on a Sunday morning and we were the only ones at the lake watching the crazy antics of the waterfowl. Loads of ducklings of a couple species. It’s nice to get off the boardwalks with the right preparation/gear and awareness!

[@theparkjunkie]

No doubt! Off the pavement by a mile & you’ll find solitude in any park!

[@snickerspayne4929]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking me with you on your hike. This was an absolutely beautiful walk. Nature is stunning, and you have a particular gift for showcasing it and educating us. 😊

[@theparkjunkie]

🙏

[@charleshicks3492]

Great hike; fabulous and fantastic Yellowstone 😎😎😎😎👍👍👍👌👌

[@victoriamegowan4103]

Our family was going to be staying at both Old Faithful Lodge and Mammoth in early October 2022. However, due to the closure of Mammoth, we have decided to cancel our trip to Yellowstone this fall and re-schedule to late May 2023. While I have been to Yellowstone numerous times, I have never hiked the Seven Mile Hole. Your video is definitely prompted me to consider hiking the Seven Mile Hole next year. Thanks for the great video.

[@theparkjunkie]

Camping by the river isn’t a bad option either… 😎

[@bd7498]

Thank you for giving us a tour with you. Appreciate you sharing your day! Enjoyed the scenery very much.

[@shannipat]

Thanks again! LOVED that video. You do such an awesome job - you should be hired!!!! Great PR for Yellowstone!

[@stokebailey]

Sounds like "Bernie's Tune" in the background. Enjoy these videos of Yellowstone. Wish I could be there this year.

[@bernadettepuleo]

What a wonderful trail. I really enjoyed the trek with you. Hope to do it in person one day.

[@samalford3289]

My friend did this one today. Thanx for showing the scenery. Absolutely spectacular!

[@theparkjunkie]

Very cool!

[@Coloradoboy769]

Thanks so much for the hike, I absolutely love Yellowstone and especially the Yellowstone river and lower falls.

[@billk8579]

Great video. Love the scenery…nice narration.

[@davepalmerton2429]

What a great hike. I last visited Yellowstone 4 years ago, can't wait to get back. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@jackienaturelover9761]

Wow. What a wonderful, enjoyable video. How cool. I so glad I found your videos on KZbin. I am always looking forward to you next one. Enjoy you day. Thanks for sharing.

[@sharnale]

I noticed the trail got smaller and smaller the farther you went! That sends a message! Love your videos! Thanks! My grandson is working there this summer.

[@dr.susanchaudoir8576]

Great videography! You're an excellent guide. Thanks for thinking of this trail to share with us. You're really fit and knowledgeable to take such an descent/ascent, but man what beautiful scenery, and the luck of hearing that tree limb fall. Spectacular. Would love to hear more about the meaning of place names, such as the coltrane (?) that you mentioned. What is that? You're an excellent guide. Keep it coming, keep it beautiful, and may the rest of your summer just keep getting better each and every week ⛰🏞🥾🥾

[@theparkjunkie]

Thanks! I think you may be referring to my mention of John Colter, an early explorer who was part of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. He was the first Euro-American to report his encounters with the bizarre world of Yellowstone & its thermal features. Upon his return to society, most thought he’d lost his mind & was hallucinating out there in the wild world. Thus, the non-believing called this place Colter’s Hell… His stories are cool, but pale somewhat when compared with the tale of Truman Everts, who spent 37 days separated from his party, wandering in the Yellowstone wilderness… Thanks for watching & stay tuned for more FUN You can read more about Truman Everts & John Colter here: parkjunkie.com/history-of-yellowstone/

[@robingastonia9192]

Amazing and beautiful hike. Thank you for sharing. Yellowstone is beautiful and so many interesting places to explore.

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

What a beautiful hike! Looks like that old geyser gave you some trail love ❤️

[@ks77347]

Well, well, well...you're cracking me up as I'm ready to faint from the height.

[@contentofcharacter]

Another fantastic video. I can’t wait to get there in late September.

[@OlliMSa]

What a beautiful hike! Thanks for taking us on it and sharing this absolutely spectacular one. I want to go back to YS so badly!

[@darlenestout7548]

Absolutely beautiful thx for taking me along.

[@tridtraveler]

Happy 4th PJ! Not only do we have Independence we have the most amazing NPs! Thanks for sharing the off the beaten trails with us.

[@theparkjunkie]

Thanks Cathy, & Happy 4th to you too! Damn right we do… Now we just need time to explore them all! Cheers

[@derbywinner6316]

I had been twice in Yellowstone, I didn’t know about this hikes 😟. It’s on m6 list to do .😄

[@zornjunctionyarncoyarn3259]

Loving your hike they are fantastic thank U

[@virginiaallen4723]

A wonderful hike. I went to a view of the falls. Thank you for completing the hike for me.

[@theparkjunkie]

But of course… 😁

[@michaelbdoherty]

Nice , thanks for taking us along.

[@vickizweibohmer5747]

I can just smell the evergreen on your hike!!

[@tonieiselt6274]

Beautiful hike. I was surprised there was not much evidence of the recent flooding especially at the river itself.

[@YellowRoseoftx]

Great hike😀😎loved the vies and tier. Thank you 🇺🇸

[@chrystal5665]

It's funny that you mentioned "if it's hard going down, it's going to be a duzzy coming back up." I will choose a trail based on just the fact that the uphill happens first. I will hike UP to a sight but I will almost never hike DOWN to one. I have to save some for the trip back and I rarely do so that makes it easier for me.

[@Mark_Demaline]

Slicing through the trees. Thanks again Todd, great video.

[@theparkjunkie]

Yep, "slicing"... it was a gorgeous scene... Thanks!

[@stephenpolos1689]

Good video 😀 where are your hiking 🚶‍♂️ pole's 🤔

[@theparkjunkie]

I gave em to my Mom… 🤷‍♂️

[@jeffrothwell5899]

Hiked Seven Mile Hole in 1991 and 1993. Thanks for the video, brought back some good memories. You should hike Mt Sephlchur near Mammoth, you can see backside down to Gardiner from the summit. It is a great hike.

[@theparkjunkie]

On the list!

[@ladybugmom10]

We were just there in Yellowstone and artist point yesterday. I looked to see if you were there… lol.

[@steveegbert7429]

Nice hike. I can imagine you were thinking how nice it would have been to be on your KTM on the way up out of there! I have been there in late May to mid June many times and never once has it failed to snow on me at least once.

[@theparkjunkie]

Lol, yeah! A true dirt rider!

[@gus1911]

From an old Savage, thanks for the tour!

[@theparkjunkie]

You got it Savage!

[@barrya5191]

Thank you for the tour. An incredible place with an incredible tour guide! I just can't believe how many cameras you "leave behind" 😂 on these trips. But I love your technique.

[@theparkjunkie]

Thanks! There are numerous "cut" moments out there... 😂

[@ladybugmom10]

Lol 😂

[@rockinroxxi3710]

Beautiful hike thank you 🙏

[@shannacraft4099]

🌸 Beautiful!!!

[@russelljackman1413]

Good job, Todd! Thanks!

[@angelar3086]

Ok so there are so many reasons why I wouldn’t do this! Bears….10 mi rt…rough terrain…one slip n fall and u could be stuck out there for a bit! Nope! But thanks for showing us!!!!❤️❤️

[@jriver64]

Awesome hike!

[@magicworldbyjorg]

[@geraldepperson8694]

Love the videos friend...what boots are you wearing?

[@theparkjunkie]

These are new to me, Salewa GTX Crow. They are really well made, & fit kinda like an approach shoe. The shank is pretty stiff, but they hug the feet quite well & have not needed a “break in” period.

[@geraldepperson8694]

@@theparkjunkie Wow those ARE great boots. We will be visiting YS first of Sept. Thanks again

[@chuckhieronymi144]

Awesome hike! We got to visit Yellowstone last year… now you are our view into its beauty, Thanks, by the way, what protection if any do you bring with you as you go further off the parking lots?

[@theparkjunkie]

Thanks for watching! Bear spray… 🤷‍♂️

[@jeffhalverson111]

Great video. Do you ever carry bear spray and/or bear bells on your hikes?

[@theparkjunkie]

Thanks! Yep, bear spray on the hip... & I obviously talk a lot... 😁

[@Yawndave]

Nice hike! Having some shade on the way back is definitely a plus! That cascade/pool feeding into the river at 12:33 looks awfully inviting. By the way, I've read different things about the location of Colter's Hell--do you know if that spot on the trail is the actual area he passed through?

[@theparkjunkie]

That pool was NICE! But no, I'm not exactly sure of which spot was Colter's true Hell... I imagine the entirety of his story was applicable to the tale. What specific locations have you heard labeled as his Hell?

[@Yawndave]

@@theparkjunkie Well, originally as a kid I read about Colter's Hell and the book said something like "and that area is now known as Yellowstone National Park".From what I've read more recently (mostly since I posted my reply), it seems the accepted wisdom is that the "real" location of Colter's Hell is probably on the banks of the Shoshone west of Cody.

[@medicus5565]

You provide great and informative videos - thanks for that! A question or two: I notice that you were hiking alone. Any concerns for that? I plan on hiking several trails in Yellowstone next week and will be by myself. Also, the water sources that you crossed...is that water drinkable (with filtration)? Not too acidic? Thanks! You've been my #1 source of Yellowstone information for my upcoming trip.

[@theparkjunkie]

Thanks! As far as solo hiking, I often hike alone & don’t really think anything of it. Been doing it since I was a child, but I grew up in the woods. Water: the streams would provide decent water once treated, but on a hike of this length, I just carry enough to get me through. If camping, I would filter from the riverside. That water would be great. Thanks for watching!

[@timwolfers7880]

Have done a video of Bunsen peak? It isn't far but the view at the top is tremendous on a clear day. 😎

[@theparkjunkie]

I'll tackle that one soon... Looking forward to a nice view of that region. Of course, the Electric Peak hike is on the list up that way...

[@pschultz1000]

Love your videos. How long are you staying in Yellowstone ? Is there anyone with you doing those videos?

[@theparkjunkie]

Should be here through Sept... No, usually just me.

[@stephaniecannon410]

Ohh WOW, "A seven mile hole."♥️

[@theparkjunkie]

I’ve heard numerous reasons for this name… like that although it is only 5 miles back out, it feels like seven.. I doubt that one. More likely that this spot is 7 miles downstream from Lower Falls… I personally like the option that the dead geyser used to run 7 miles deep… That’s Park Junkie’s hypothesis. 😎

[@peggyramsey8905]

What a great adventure. Did you see any wildlife, like bears?

[@theparkjunkie]

Not on this day... Must have been creating too much of a racket... 😏

[@carleenturner1348]

Beautiful hike, but my fear of heights makes me think I won't be walking this trail, when the family and I go to Yellow Stone in three weeks...

[@theparkjunkie]

The camera makes it worse than it is… 😵‍💫

[@davidgordon7306]

When did you record this? Because I thought that that area would have been destroyed after the flooding

[@theparkjunkie]

Nope… The water just rushed on through… July 1, 2022

[@glennchristians]

What do you bring in your pack for a day hike?

[@theparkjunkie]

Depends on the type of hike. For a trail, I’ll have water & snacks, map, headlamp, extra charger for phone or headlamp, warm dry layers, lighter, sunscreen & I usually roll with a bandana or two in case I need a bandage. I’ll probably do a video soonish about what I pack. Oh, & bear spray is a must in Yellowstone, you’ll want it on the ready, so strapped to the hip!

[@mr73stang]

Loving the vids! This one is awesome! I have a gear question. What hiking boots/shoes are you using/recommend for a trail like this?

[@cliff4377]

never hike in boots you can't wear all day at work. Never hike a new trail in new boots The question can not be answered without knowing the load you expect to be carrying

[@cliff4377]

as a teen I would even do it in 'boat shoes' as a adult I would wear my many years broken in Limmers

[@mr73stang]

@@cliff4377 I currently don't even have a boot. Nor do I know a quality brand to choose. Was why was wondering. Im a novice looking to get into it basically.

[@cliff4377]

@@mr73stang ok, so you have to start by walking a few miles at a time at least once a week, when your feet are used to that, start walking the same distance but up and down steep slopes if you can... the shoes you can do this in are enough, as long as they are not smooth soles, as you are a novice, go with a group of similar ability if you can...

[@cliff4377]

Merrell, Keen, Salomon, that's where I would start I guess as a newbie, but really, you gotta talk to a guy in a shop, it is the only way you can get something that REALLY works for you personally.

[@justinthiel4527]

hey! awesome video, do you remember how long it took you?

[@spirithillfarm]

Since I couldn't ever do a trail like that I am appreciative of your sharing. It is beautiful. Wondering how long it took you to walk it. Again, thank you for sharing. So glad I found your channel.

[@theparkjunkie]

I spent about 6 hours on this one… with a nice riverside nap at the bottom.

[@leonardmeyer4678]

I have been to Yellowstone 20 times. I never really get out car to hike. How often do you come across bears? Do you carry bear spray?

[@theparkjunkie]

I do carry bear spray, as these creatures are common throughout the park. Try a easy trail next time, & just cruise it. Odds favor a rich experience.

[@kimborambo]

Are there markers? It looks easy to get lost

[@janwaller3585]

❤

[@ThatsGoodMoneyy]

Great 👍🏻

[@Punisher187u]

Is Yellowstone on fire as the news is reporting? Stay safe! 🤙

[@theparkjunkie]

No, I am not aware of any current fires in Yellowstone, but Yosemite has some. The Mariposa Grove is currently under threat & a possible evacuation is being considered for the Wawona area.

[@albertochoa7331]

It sure is beautiful after the clouds broke up.

[@michaelthompson7570]

Seven mile stress test!

[@theparkjunkie]

Park Junkie passed!

[@donnaruckart915]

We will be back in two weeks. Looks like a trail we might want to do. Any problem driving to the trailhead to park after the flooding?

[@theparkjunkie]

You’ll park at the Glacial Boulder near Inspiration Point on the North Rim Drive & it’s all clear. Good to go!

[@davidgordon7306]

I had the wrong shoes on and slipped on my way down and decided to turn around and ended up sleeping in the car while my friends went down and got eaten up by mosquitos

[@cherylnewell9806]

No bears?

[@theparkjunkie]

Not on that hike… 🤷‍♂️ But I assure you, there are plenty such beasts around here…

[@albertochoa7331]

How the elevation affecting you, you sure look tried be cool, people do go missing out in the wilderness my friend. Be careful.

[@iainsanders4775]

Why were all those trees cut down, makes the place look like a tree graveyard.. yuk!

[@theparkjunkie]

Most of these trees are dead fall. The only ones cut have already fallen, & trail crews just cut them out of the trail. Yellowstone, & many forests, are often a maze of fallen trees, while the young spring up among their deceased comrades. The old rot, and feed nutrients back to the soil... the cycle of life my friend... the cycle of life...

[@iainsanders4775]

@@theparkjunkie OK, pal. Did think I saw clean saw-cuts at the ends of all those stumps. Perhaps Rangers just tidyin' up..

[@petermark1766]

Most of the trees are down from the past fires. They have not rotted because of the dry climate.

[@iainsanders4775]

@@petermark1766 Thanks! That adds 10,000% to the simple view; now I know lots about the recent history.😁 That'll be a reason they have no branches. I'd seen many fallers her4e in Scotland but they all had 'stubble'!

[@vs-yy5cx]

2043 ft elev gain on the hike according to alltrails

[@theparkjunkie]

Yeah, I read that later… seems like an overestimation to me, but that’s what the stats say… 🤷‍♂️

[@vs-yy5cx]

@@theparkjunkie I have watched your vids, and its clear you are a good estimator of those distances. alltrails also said about 5 hrs to complete, how does do like that?

[@theparkjunkie]

@@vs-yy5cx well, I could have drastically botched that Seven Mile Hole estimate…😕 That complete hike took me about six hours. I took a nap down by the river for a while, & played around on the cliffs looking for a good pano shot, so that took a bit of extra time. I’d say your 5 hour estimate is good, but give extra time for chillin…

[@vs-yy5cx]

@@theparkjunkie doesn't surprise me that you crush the alltrails estimate. Im looking forward to your next vid.

[@theparkjunkie]

@@vs-yy5cx Thanks for watching VS! Got some good stuff in the plans!

[@tangents6299]

Wonderful! I personally prefer to see your eyes, not sunglasses.

[@theparkjunkie]

It's bright out there...

[@yellowstoned5048]

Did this hike in 2017. Worst one in the park in my opinion.

[@theparkjunkie]

Maybe you should try it in a storm... then the last trip will have sucked less... 😏

[@cliff4377]

could you mention now and then how dogs are forbidden? www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/pets.htm Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no more than six feet long. Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas. Thanks!

[@theparkjunkie]

Dogs are usually not allowed on national park trails. Many parks back east allow dogs on trail, leashed of course, but I cannot think of a single western park that allows K9 access to trails. Try the national forests, as such restrictions are generally much more lenient toward dogs.