Pros & cons
PROS
- Historic shipwreck remains on Stevenson Island
- Viewable via the lake passenger cruise
CONS
- Limited access—typically seen from the water
- Very niche unless you’re into park history
Overview
Marooned on Stevenson Island in Yellowstone Lake, the E.C. Waters is a skeletal remnant of a turn‑of‑the‑century steamboat—more curiosity than spectacle, but a cool, odd slice of park history if you’re into that kind of thing.
A Short, Colorful History
E.C. Waters was a controversial early concessioner on Yellowstone Lake. His namesake vessel ended up abandoned on Stevenson Island after he was ultimately debarred from the park in 1907. What’s left today is a weathered hull—a tangible memento of Yellowstone’s early battles with commercialization and the outsized personalities who tried to profit from this place.
How to See It
You don’t stroll up to this one—it sits off the shore of Stevenson Island. The simplest way to lay eyes on the wreck is to hop a passenger cruise on Yellowstone Lake; you’ll get a shoreline view and context about the era and the man behind the boat.
Is It Worth Your Time?
If you’re a history buff or already planning time on the lake, yes—it's a neat add‑on that gives Yellowstone some unexpected maritime flavor. If you’re squeezing in geysers and canyons, this is a nice‑to‑have, not a must.
Planning Notes
- Expect to view it from the water rather than land; plan your day around lake cruise availability.
- As always here, check the park’s official road/status updates before you go—conditions and operations can change through the season.
Best Time to Visit
Whenever passenger lake cruises are operating is your window. Go in good daylight for a clearer look, and build in a little buffer in case weather or daily operations shift.
Where it is
44.5095, -110.3821Tips for E.C. Waters
- 01Easiest viewing is on the Yellowstone Lake passenger cruise.
- 02Check official park status before planning a lake outing—operations can change.
Near E.C. Waters
All places →All trails →
2 mi awaySand Point Picnic AreaShady lakeside picnic spot with a rare sandy beachPicnic Table · Restroom
2.1 mi awayGull Point Picnic AreaShady lakeside tables with a sandy beach and easy fishingPicnic Table · Restroom
2.9 mi awayLake General StoreHistoric lakeside general store with ice cream and a simple grillRestroom · Parking
2.9 mi awayLake Yellowstone HotelHistoric lakeside grand hotel with sunsets, live music, and boat accessLodging · Restaurant
3.2 mi awayBridge Bay Campground-Natural Bridge TrailShady out-and-back to a rhyolite arch steps from Bridge BayEasy · 2.5 mi · 1.2 hr
3.2 mi awayNatural Bridge TrailEasy forest walk to a rhyolite arch, with a short steep viewpointEasy · 3.1 mi · 1.2 hr
3.4 mi awayElephant Back Mountain TrailShaded forest loop to a big Yellowstone Lake panoramaModerate · 3.8 mi · 2 hr
3.6 mi awayPelican Creek Nature TrailShort, shady loop to Yellowstone Lake with easy birding rewardsEasy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
