Vol 3, #56

   Friday, May 28, 1999

YELLOWSTONE
WEATHER
Highs 70s, Lows 30s
Some Precip
 

Yellowstone Net Home Page
Vacation Reservations

ROAD REPORT
All entrances
are now open.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
News Brief

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (YNET) -- Memorial Day Weekend marks the official beginning of the summer tourist season in Yellowstone.  Today, the northeast entrance via the famous Beartooth Highway is scheduled to open, meaning that all entrances to the Park will be available to automobile traffic.  The Beartooth Highway, considered by many to be the most scenic of Yellowstone's five approaches, climbs to nearly 11,000 feet.  For the first few weeks following the opening of the highway each year, snowbanks of up to 20 feet line the roadway in places.

More than three million people will visit Yellowstone this summer, including many from other countries, making it one of the top destinations in America.  Visitors will be greeted with the newly-dedicated Old Faithful Snow Lodge this summer, as well as continued road construction in places.

During these early weeks of the summer season, many of Yellowstone's trails will be under snow.  In addition, many areas and trails will be closed to visitors because of increased grizzly activity.

Visitors should be certain to stop at a visitor's center to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of Yellowstone, as well to learn of area and trail closings.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS

Ralph Maughan
Kim Steinbacher
Kevin Sanders
Steve Brashear
Clint Wilkes
Tim Gourley
Hon. Bob Gammage
Ruth Colter-Frick
Lee Whittlesey
Tom Mazzarisi
Russ Finley
David Monteith
Denise Elmer
Dr. Bob Bara

BILLINGS, Mont. -- As the thoughts of many turn to the outdoors this weekend, including Yellowstone, Russ Finley has created a Yellowstone National Park quiz to test your knowledge of the nation's oldest national park.

What year was Yellowstone established?  Which is the fastest animal in Yellowstone?  Try your hand at answering these questions and more by going to Yellowstone Net, taking the online tour of Yellowstone, and clicking on "Quiz."

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Officials in Montana are expecting a three percent increase in visitors during this summer season.  In recent years, Montana has experienced growth of from one to three percent annually in the number of tourists.

Yellowstone National Park headlines a list of Montana attractions which also include Glacier National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield, the old west towns of Virginia City and Nevada City, and the recently-constructed Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls.

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The Yellowstone River between Gardiner and Livingston is rapidly nearing flood stage, and is unsuitable for fishing.  The spring snowmelt is taking place at a quicker pace than usual, leading to the rapid rising of the river.