The upper section of river has very difficult access being choked with thick forests and much downed timber.

Below Gibbon Falls access is excellent and the river has a healthy mix of rainbow and brown trout.

When the removal is complete, the NPS will stock native westslope cutthroat trout and fluvial Arctic grayling in the upper Gibbon watershed to create a refuge for these species in the park.

[9] In late 2003, the Yellowstone Wolf Project noted the formation of a group of 5 wolves, consisting of members of the Cougar Creek and Nez Perce Pack, in the Gibbon Meadows-Norris Area of the park.

Their recognition as a wolf pack was attributed following the successful reproduction of the group in 2004, raising 2 pups to year end.