Earthquake Lake, West Yellowstone

YES, this place is worth visiting, both in summer and in winter! If you are traveling to Yellowstone National Park, make the effort to go a bit out of your way to Earthquake Lake! It takes a little while to drive to, but it is a very unique place! Earthquake Lake was formed not too long ago by one of the most powerful earthquakes in recent Yellowstone history. A landslide occurred, blocking off a river, and the area began to flood. Many people camping by the river died from this event unfortunately, and yet the lake is still here, decades later. Earthquake Lake is so unusual as it still has many of the trunks from trees poking out of the water. These trees used to be on dry land alongside the river, but when it flooded, they died, and just the trunks remain. Also be sure to head up through the pass to see toward Idaho - if you’re there at sunset, it amounts for some beautiful photos. There is a visitor center, gift shop, ample parking, some hiking trails, and various turnouts along the road so you can get some pictures of the lake. It’s worth visiting - I really like it here!

Interesting story about this lake and how it was once a river with campgrounds until an earthquake turned it into a lake and buried many campers below.