Ellen Butler

Earthquake Lake Ellen Butler

The scenic yet somber Earthquake Lake is nestled along the Madison River in the mountains of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana, north of the community of West Yellowstone, which is a popular gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Earthquake Lake serves as a reminder of the night of August 17, 1959, when Montana's deadliest earthquake--and the strongest one on record in the Rocky Mountains--struck the area. The resulting damage permanently altered the natural landscape for miles surrounding the epicenter. When the earthquake struck, campers were trapped by a massive landslide, and guests were evacuated from hotels and inns throughout the Yellowstone region. Roads were destroyed, new geysers sprang to life, and chimneys toppled over. First responders and volunteers immediately jumped into action, determined to rescue those who had been stranded and injured by the destruction. These captivating photographs explore the history of the infamous earthquake and its significant effects on the region.