The Ghost Town of Quake Lake

This past week was the 61st anniversary of the August 17, 1959 earthquake that occurred in the Madison River Canyon just north of Yellowstone National Park in Montana.

The 7.5 quake caused the side of this mountain to crash down into the Madison River blocking the river.  They say the lake tilted and dropped 19 feet that night.  A campground in the Canyon was flooded, boulders crashed down into the campground.  Although there were many survivors, 28 people lost their lives.  In reading the names of those who lost their lives on the monument it appeared that several entire families were lost.

My hiking buddy, Elizabeth, and I decided to go in search of the ghost village that resulted from the flooding.  The rangers at the visitor center pointed us in the right direction and our adventure began.

In the picture above you can see the trees poking above the water in the lake that was formed by the quake.  It's hard to believe they are still standing there after 61 years.

Before long we came across the remains of Halford's Camp.  These cabins were lifted off their foundations and floated until the water receded.  They still remain in their resting spots.

Another view of the trees in the lake.  You can't see it in my photos, but this is a nesting ground for pelicans.  The majestic birds were everywhere.  They're amazing to watch when they take flight.

Further down the trail we found the remains of another cabin on the opposite side of the river.  This one is much more dilapidated then those on the opposite shore.

Another view of the cabins.   I'm glad the Forest Service has preserved this area as a reminder of the disaster that happened that night.  

The Madison River is incredibly beautiful.  I envy the fishermen who were fly fishing.  It looks so peaceful.

On our way out we were treated to a couple ospreys in their nest.  These birds are magnificent fishers.  It's fun to watch them while they're hunting.

The earthquake on August 17, 1959 was the largest quake every recorded in the rocky mountain.  In addition to the damage it caused in the canyon that night it also caused the geysers in Yellowstone to go a little crazy.  Let's hope we don't have another quake like that anytime soone.