The Absaroka Mountain Range, an extremely rugged and untamed range, runs along the eastern border of Yellowstone National Park. The Lamar River and a dozen of its tributaries gather momentum as they flow down from the Absarokas and Mirror Plateau. Here, in this immense section of northeastern Yellowstone, there is only one paved park road. Sightseers knowing about the herds are often rewarded with sights of bison and elk roaming the Lamar Valley. This morning scene marks a time of day when visitors may be treated to sights of Yellowstone's wolves, grizzly bears, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and especially a large bison herd.
   Nearing the start of the 20th century, Yellowstone's bison herd was decimated and numbers had been reduced to 25 head. The first efforts to strengthen the herd began with the purchase of 21 bison from private owners. These bison were fed and bred in Lamar Valley at what became known as the Lamar Buffalo Ranch. Thanks to these initial efforts, today's Yellowstone bison population are numbered in the thousands. At the present time Expedition Yellowstone and Yellowstone Forever Institute use the Lamar Buffalo Ranch as a base camp for educational field classes and seminars.
   The Lamar River, flowing about 45 miles until it meets the Yellowstone River, cuts through some of the most rugged terrain in the park. Dedicated fishermen find the Lamar and Upper Yellowstone rivers may offer some of the most exciting cutthroat trout fishing in the area. Anglers enjoy the bonus of fishing in this scenic wonderland.

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