Quake Lake
Lake Lake formed by 1959 earthquake and landslide
Reservoir in southwestern Montana formed after the 1959 earthquake and landslide, with an interpretive visitor centre. Anglers, geologists and road-trippers stop for the seismic history and fishing access.
Quake Lake is a lake on the Madison River in southwestern Montana that was created by a catastrophic landslide during the Hebgen Lake earthquake in August 1959. The landslide blocked the river valley and produced the lake that is visible today.
The site is visited for its stark landscape, interpretive exhibits and short trails that show the quake-scoured terrain and the tree stumps and debris left by the 1959 event. Boating and fishing are available in the lake under local regulations.
The 1959 earthquake and landslide are well documented, and the lake serves as a case study in earthquake geomorphology and hazard response; scientific studies and memorial markers are present near the site.
Quake Lake lies in a remote stretch of the Madison River canyon within southwestern Montana, inside Gallatin National Forest and not far from the west entrance area to Yellowstone National Park.
- Formed in 1959: Formed suddenly in August 1959 when a massive landslide triggered by an earthquake dammed the Madison River, creating a new lake and altered river channel.
What to See #
- Earthquake Lake Visitor Center: A visitor centre managed by the U.S. Forest Service and local partners that interprets the 1959 earthquake and regional geology and provides trail and viewpoint access.
How to Get to Quake Lake #
Quake Lake is accessed off US Highway 287/191 north of West Yellowstone, Montana. From West Yellowstone, follow US-191 north for approximately 20-25 miles; the lake’s visitor area and interpretive center are signed off the highway.
Facilities and road conditions vary seasonally; check National Park Service alerts for access updates, especially in winter.
Tips for Visiting Quake Lake #
- Visit at sunrise or late afternoon to see the lake's glassy reflections and avoid the midday glare.
- Walk the short interpretive trails that explain the 1959 earthquake landslide and the debris dam-read the signage before approaching the dam for safety guidance.
- Bring warm layers, the lake sits at 2,000 m and mornings can be cold even in summer.
Best Time to Visit Quake Lake #
Summer months are best for access and interpretive programs; late spring and early fall are quieter.
Weather & Climate near Quake Lake #
Quake Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (696 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 75 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)