Yellowstone NP - Lakes & Boiling Mud - July 2013

Happy Independence Day! Yellowstone is open on the 4th of July and has its own natural fireworks (real ones are banned). Yellowstone Lake is a massive lake that feeds the Yellowstone River. After a nice lunch at the lodge, I headed out on a boat tour of the lake. The lodges in the park attempt to provide very good food, but most are just average. They do serve a lot of local food and beer though. Save your money for an occasional splurge, but the cafeteria is just as good as the fancy spots.

Speaking of the lodge, this is the Lake Yellowstone Lodge which is the oldest in the park. The interior is classic lodge style and would be a great place to stay if it wasn't so far from the other features in the park. The view of the lake is spectacular.

On the lake, our ranger explained the invasion of Lake Trout into the lake who are destroying the native Cutthroat Trout. They have large nets underwater to catch the deeper Lake Trout who are killed then put back into the lake to retain the nutrients. The park also encourages anglers to catch as many Lake Trout as possible, and the lodge will even cook up your catch with sides for only $10! The boat also zoomed by some islands including a wrecked ship that was often used as a party central for summer staff who may or may not have burned the ship down.

This is another fun picture. The bison is just relaxing near the Mud Volcano. They are allowed to hike off the boardwalks, although I don't think the rangers want to mess with them. I don't know how they stand the sulfur smell. This area has several thermal features covered in mud which make interesting gurgling and bubbling sounds. There was a somewhat recent explosion of steam and gases in the area that killed off all plant life and changed the surface. The area has recovered, but it shows how fragile and violent the area can be.

One last thermal feature before I leave. The Sulfur Caldron is far below the overlook, but still impressive. The mud pots and springs even cut a fresh sinkhole in the parking lot, so it's easy to see how this section of the park is still changing. Enjoy the rest of my pictures below.