Quake Lake
The first time I went to Yellowstone was in the mid-1980’s. Harnessing the power of the internet, such as it was back in 1985, I found suggestions for places to go in the region. One suggestion was to visit a place called “Quake Lake”, a few miles northwest of West Yellowstone, Montana.
In 1959, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred, centered near Hebgen Lake on the Madison River in southwestern Montana. It caused a massive landslide in Madison Canyon, killing several people camping along the river. It also created a new lake, below Hebgen Lake, named Earthquake Lake.
Every time I visit Yellowstone, I have also ventured over to this area. There are roadside information displays, and a visitors center with more information about the quake. If you are at all interested in geology and earthquakes, I encourage you to visit.
Here’s the view of the landslide from the visitors center…
Click any image to enlarge.
Here’s a view of Quake Lake, looking to the west. Trees that were inundated by the water are shown in the foreground. The landslide is at the far end of the lake.
