Earthquake Lake
4.8(207)google
4.2(6)yelp
Scenic LookoutEducationalVisitor CenterOutdoorLakeGeology
Overview
Quake Lake (officially Earthquake Lake) is a lake in the western United States, on the Madison River in southwestern Montana. It was created after an earthquake struck on August 17, 1959, with 28 fatalities. Northwest of West Yellowstone, Quake Lake is six miles (10 km) in length with a maximum depth of 125 feet (38 m).
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeBest visited during the warm season from May through October, with an ideal daily window between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM under bright, clear skies. Formed naturally by a catastrophic earthquake-induced landslide in 1959, high overhead sunlight perfectly illuminates the eerie ghost forest of stark, dead pine trunks still standing upright directly out of the deep turquoise alpine lake waters.
Getting TherePositioned roughly 27 miles northwest of the town of West Yellowstone. Driving is the exclusive transit mode: head north from West Yellowstone on US-191 North for 8 miles, turn left onto US-287 North (Earthquake Lake Scenic Byway), and drive straight for about 20 miles to spot the USFS visitor center perched on the geological slide debris; a large free parking lot faces the water. No transit stops exist.
Travel Tips
- The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center opens strictly from late May to mid-September; automated outdoor interpretive fields have no running water, electricity, or restrooms.
- The lakebed is choked with sharp, calcified ghost trees from the 1959 landslide landslide; motorized speedboats are banned to prevent high-speed structural hull punctures.
- The slide debris fields alongside US-287 remain active rockfall zones; setting up camp, prolonged idling, or climbing beneath the debris-retaining nets is prohibited.
Reviews
Positive
- This is a stunning geological relic formed by a massive landslide from the 1959 earthquake; the sight of dead trees standing in the lake is unique and solemn, inspiring awe of nature.
- The Visitor Center is excellently managed, offering rich multimedia historical records, earthquake simulators, and detailed geological exhibits; the rangers are highly dedicated.
- The viewing area infrastructure is great, with flat, accessible boardwalks leading to platforms, vivid and clear signage, clean modern restrooms, and ample parking.
- Admission and parking are basically free (a tiny fee might apply inside the visitor center), offering great value as a highly educational spot with a unique landscape mix.
Heads up
- The overall atmosphere is somewhat desolate and heavy; since this was the site of a tragic disaster with multiple casualties, it may not suit families looking for a lighthearted vibe.
- Located in a remote canyon, surrounding commercial amenities are near zero with no restaurants or shops; visitors must bring their own food/water, and cell service is very weak.
- The visitor center is only open in summer (late May to late September); if visiting off-season, you only see dead water and bare mountains without any exhibits or guidance.
- Some gravel viewing trails along the lake lack non-slip guardrails, and mosquitoes can be extremely dense during certain summer periods, severely affecting the outdoor viewing experience.