Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is a massive freshwater lake located within Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, United States. It sits at a high elevation of approximately 2,357 meters (7,732 feet) above sea level on the Yellowstone Caldera. It is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, covering a surface area of roughly 350 square kilometers.

Yes, the bottom of Yellowstone Lake features active hydrothermal vents, geysers, and hot springs due to its location inside the Yellowstone supervolcano caldera. Scientists have discovered spires and silica formations on the lake floor created by these superheated water vents. Because of this geothermal activity, the water in certain areas of the lake bottom can reach boiling temperatures.

Yellowstone Lake drains into the Yellowstone River at its northern end near Fishing Bridge. The Yellowstone River flows north through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and eventually joins the Missouri River in North Dakota. The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the contiguous United States.

Swimming in Yellowstone Lake is generally prohibited or highly discouraged, except for a designated area near the Bridge Bay Marina. The water is incredibly cold, with surface temperatures rarely exceeding 15 degrees Celsius even in mid-summer. Additionally, the lake is subject to strong, unpredictable winds, and the thermal features on the lake bed pose significant safety hazards.