Mr. Bubbles
Unknown
Water temperature
Hike
Hard access
Paid
Fees apply
A pool formed where hot water from a bubbling vent mixes with the cold Ferris Fork in Yellowstone's Bechler backcountry. It is one of the few places in the park where soaking is tolerated because the water is technically river water. It takes a long backcountry hike and a permit for an overnight stay.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Swimsuits required
- Camping nearbyDesignated backcountry campsites near Ferris Fork and the Bechler River; reservations are required and reported to fill quickly.
- 1 pool
- ModerateLate summer and early fall when the rivers are lower; reported to be popular and campsites fill early.
- SeasonTechnically open year-round but remote. High water and flooding in spring and early summer; backcountry office takes no reservations here before about July 10. Snow lingers at the Continental Divide into summer and winter access is by ski only.
- FeesPark entrance fee applies, plus a backcountry permit for overnight camping (online or 307-344-2160). Day trips to the pool are very long.
Best time to go. Late summer and early fall when the rivers are lower; reported to be popular and campsites fill early.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
No closures reported
No closure, fire or weather warning found in Forest Service, wildfire (NIFC) or National Weather Service feeds. That isn't confirmation it's open, so check with Yellowstone National Park.
Checked 22 Oct · updated daily
Searched for 2025-2026 Bechler and Ferris Fork closures. Found no closure specific to Mr. Bubbles for 2025-2026 as of Oct 2026; only a 2013 Bechler restoration closure (not affecting authorized trails) and May 2026 bear closures near Old Faithful (Fairy Falls, Sentinel Meadows area), which do not cover the Bechler trail system. Check NPS backcountry office before going; a past summer closure for unsafe temperatures is reported without a date.
Soaking in Yellowstone's thermal features is illegal; only spots where thermal water mixes into a flowing river are tolerated, and the water is not tested or managed. Thermal crust is thin and can collapse into scalding water, so stay on trails and out of any pool fed by a vent. NPS warns of organisms in thermal water that cause rashes, gastrointestinal illness and rare life-threatening infections: do not submerge your head or swallow water. Bechler is grizzly country: carry bear spray and follow park bear rules. Overnight trips need a backcountry permit. Creek fords can be deep and cold during runoff and the backcountry office does not take reservations in the area before about July 10 because of high water. No lifeguards. Park press has reported the pool was closed for most of one summer after a hillside explosion sent extra hot water into it, so conditions change.
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03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Ashton, Idaho.
- 1
Reached on foot in the Bechler area of southwest Yellowstone, from the Bechler Ranger Station (via Ashton and Cave Falls Road) or from the Old Faithful side (over 16 miles).
- 2
An unsigned spur off the Bechler River Trail leads about half a mile to a steaming basin and a rock-dammed pool on the Ferris Fork.
44.2874, −110.8788 · nearest town Ashton, Idaho, WY
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Ashton, Idaho, from campgrounds to cabins.
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Checked against 4 sources, with closures, wildfires and weather warnings re-checked daily.Show sourcesShare your photosSuggest an update
- wyofile.com (category,summary,hazards,hike,permits)
- nps.gov (legality,health,thermal rule)
- backcountrypost.com (directions,access)
- kowb1290.com (closures)
