Yellowstone Area

QUAKE LAKE Hebgen Lake is a few miles to the west of Yellowstone National park and gives a stark reminder of the lethal power that lies underneath this region. Before 1959 this area was seen as the perfect camping location set in quiet mountain scenery alongside good fishing and peaceful walks. Then the earthquake struck and a whole mountaintop plunged into the valley, burying campers and flooding the valley. Yellowstone is a super volcano and earthquakes are a natural accompaniment to all that hidden power.

The area is still beautiful and is back on the list of popular camping areas but, since that 1959 tragedy (which took 12 lives) the beauty has an awesomeness about it. The lake was created by the landslide that caused such devastation and the lake edges are dotted with the dead stumps of trees that were drowned by the raised water levels. Take the road from the central crossroads in West Yellowstone, follow the signs, and look in awe.
	The lake is beautiful to see, but perhaps more awe-inspiring when you know its history. The wildlife has returned and you may even see bald eagles flying over head and fishing in its waters.
Below the lake is the natural dam that the landslide left behind. Above the lake is a man-made dam that presents a handly viewing platform for looking down the valley.

If you are staying in West Yellowstone, the quake lake can be reached via an easy drive in the opposite direction from Yellowstone National Park. It is worth the trip.

Yellowstone Area

QUAKE LAKE