Bighorn Canyon Pontoon Rentals from Okabeh (A day on the Pontoon)

Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area by car, from the south end of the park.  The road goes from Wyoming to Montana via one of the largest canyons in the USA.  I described it nearly as good as the Grand Canyon but without all the people.  The southern entrance to Bighorn Canyon is only 1 hour from Cody, WY, one of the gateway cities to Yellowstone National Park.  While Yellowstone gets over 4,000,000 visitors per year, it’s shocking that Bighorn Canyon gets only 250,000 visitors, given the close proximity to Yellowstone.  Read here about accessing Bighorn Canyon from the South.   This year, I had an opportunity to use the Bighorn Canyon Pontoon Rentals from the northern entrance.

This post contains affiliate links.  This website earns a small commission for items purchased through these links with no additional cost to you.   This trip was sponsored by Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area/NPS, Crow Tribe and Visit Southeast Montana.

Billings MT to Okabeh Marina

The northern entrance of Bighorn Canyon is best accessed from Billings.  The drive from Billings to Okabeh takes about 2 hours each way.  The best way to drive is to Hardin, then on 313 through the historic town of St Xavier.   You will drive through a variety of farmland – including wheat fields, sugar beets, and sunflowers.  The last 10 miles from Fort Smit to Okabeh Marina is via private Crow land and very sceic.  Make sure you watch for wildlife (wild turkeys, deer, and bears) and grazing horses.  Stop at the crest of the hill to see interpretive signs about the life of the Crow Tribe.

Okabeh Marina (or OK-A-Beh Marina)

Okabeh Marina is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.  There’s free parking, a café, and restrooms.   

Bighorn Canyon Pontoon Rentals

The Crow Tribe is the official concessionaire for boat rentals on the reservoir.   Rates are $300-400 for half or full day rentals.  Fuel is available at the Marina.  Make sure you pick up a Bighorn Canyon Boating Map, that marks points of reference and campgrounds along the water.

On The Pontoon

You can visit a canyon within a canyon!  Once you’re on your pontoon, you should first explore the area between the marina and the dam.  There are some year-round spring fed waterfalls in this area, called Box Canyon.  From there, you will head south for great views within the greater Bighorn Canyon.  You can check out some of the other canyons along this stretch, from Black Canyon to Dry Head Creek.    Black Canyon is one of the best places to camp if boating.  You need to boat or kayak to get into these spots.    

Wildlife in Bighorn Canyon

While the south end of the park is good for bighorn sheep and mustang viewing, the north is good for bear viewing. Bears are especially prevalent later in the season when berries are plentiful.

Yellowtail Dam

If you’re boating from Okabeh Marina, you should also stop into the visitor center at the Yellowtail Dam.  The visitor center is also open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day each year.    While you can no longer go onto the dam, there’s a great view of dam from the visitor center. 

Okabeh Marina – Where to Stay

There are several guesthouses and resorts in Fort Smith, some associated with fishing outfitters.  If camping, the Afterbay Campground is part of the National Park Service and is located on either side of the Bighorn Canyon between Fort Smith and the Yellowtail Dam.   If you’re also planning to visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield, consider spending the night at Hardin (Check Rates and Availability).

Want to drive in and have views from the top? Consider visiting the south end of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

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