Eleanor Lake Picnic Area

Overview

Tucked at the west end of Eleanor Lake along the East Entrance Road, this tiny, creekside pullout is a low-key spot to lay out lunch and breathe for a minute between sights. It’s simple by design: two picnic tables with a vault toilet and a pretty lakeside backdrop. No potable water is available here, so bring what you need.

Facilities & What to Expect

• Two picnic tables and a single vault toilet.
• No running water; Madison is the only picnic area in the park with potable water.
• Compact roadside parking that often doubles as parking for hikers using the nearby trail—expect it to feel tighter at peak hours.

Cooking, Food, and Rules

• Camp stoves (liquid or gas) and self‑contained charcoal grills are OK.
• No campfires here (no fire grates are listed).
• Pack it in, pack it out. Keep all food, coolers, and cooking gear secured when not in immediate use—this is bear country.
• No overnight camping in any picnic area.

Avalanche Peak Tie‑In

This pullout also serves as the practical jumping-off point for Avalanche Peak. The trail begins across the road and is a steep, strenuous climb—about 5.0 miles round trip with roughly 2,100 feet of gain. On a clear day, the summit rewards with big views toward the Tetons, Yellowstone Lake, and the Absaroka wilderness. Bring extra water, layers, and bear spray.

Wildlife & Safety

Grizzlies and other wildlife roam this corridor. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, hike in groups of three or more, make noise in brushy or low-visibility stretches, secure food at all times, and if you do encounter a bear, don’t run—back away slowly.

Best Times to Visit

Because the lot is small and shared with Avalanche Peak hikers, aim for early morning or late afternoon to snag a table and a parking spot. Mid-mornings on fair-weather days tend to be busiest. Weekdays generally feel calmer than weekends.

Is It Worth a Stop?

If you want a quiet, scenic bite beside the water or you’re gearing up for (or decompressing after) Avalanche Peak, this is a handy, no-frills pause. If you need more space, more tables, or a place with fire grates, look to one of the larger picnic areas elsewhere in the park.