Also, most of the time if you see those people with the big optics, they are happy to tell you what they are looking at, and many will offer a peek through their Swarovski spotting scope.
The meadows across the river in the Lamar are a good place to spot bears. The only buildings in the Lamar (other than outhouses) are some cabins and corrals used by the Yellowstone Association for classes. They are on the north side of the road, and it's okay to pull up into their parking areas to glass across the river. Early in the morning you may hear wolves howl around their, too.
