Jim....I've been back to Heart Lake a few times before the fires....9 miles (hike) a bit far for a canoe...but many go back, and pack in float tubes and flippers.  Camp a night or two and come out.  Heart lake trailhead right across from Lewis lake area.

I also have camped and fished the Yellowstone right near your "house" during the late 80's.  Cutthroat and whitefish were just as prevalent then as well.  That area is infamous for class III and a short class IV stretch....but from there on down to Livingston is an easy paddle and float....not to mention breathtaking.

The Gardner area and just N of the park has seen several Grizz attacks in the last two years.


Mad Matt...it's been my dream to tow across Yellowstone and hike down to near Jackson from the reaches of the upper Yellowstone....past Bridger lake and Hawk's Rest, past Parting of the Waters Nat. Landmark...and on SW.  And to see the Thorofare and Hawk's rest cabins.  I'm jealous of your hike.