1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake

We slept in today and took a break from driving all over Yellowstone. About 15 miles northwest of where we are staying, there was a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in 1959. Part of a mountainside broke away and slide down into a canyon. It blocked up a river and created Earthquake Lake. It was a horrible natural disaster and 20 something people lost their lives. Most of them were camping in the canyon near the slide area. The park service has set up a visitor center on top of the slide rubble. It was very interesting to see the lake with all the dead trees still standing in the middle. The slide area is still very noticeable. The area and Hebgen Lake is really pretty. I'd like to camp there but the earthquake history is a little unnerving so I'll probably skip it.

Here I am in front of the slide area.


On the way back to West Yellowstone, we stopped a little bar called the Happy Hour which was situated overlooking the lake. It was a sunny, nice day so we sat on the patio. Beware, they have a rather loud airhorn on the side of the building facing the lake and they like to blow it when unsuspecting tourists are trying to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery...just to watch you jump. Then, to smooth things over, they give you a sticker that says you got "honked". Whoopee! I could have done without the airhorn.

Here is the photo I took right before I was airhorned.


Back in town, we strolled the main drag and looked in some shops. Only one shopkeeper was actually nice. I guess they get tired of being chatty with the 2 million tourists that come through in the summer. Anyway, it was a nice relaxing day. Tomorrow is our Ranger Adventure Hike at the mudpots. It's going to be another early morning.