Yellowstone Lake, Natural lake in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
Yellowstone Lake is a large mountain lake in Yellowstone National Park situated at high elevation. The water appears deep blue and is surrounded by forested shores with thermal features visible in some areas.
The lake was used by native peoples for thousands of years who fished its waters and hunted nearby. European explorers first documented it in the 1800s during early surveys of the region.
The lake's name comes from the Yellowstone River, and William Clark and David Thompson both called it Yellow Stone; Washington Hood's 1839 Oregon Territory maps first used the form Yellowstone Lake. The only Native American pottery found in the park was recovered on the western shore near Pumice Point and dates to 500–1500 AD, linked to the Shoshone.
The lake is best visited during warmer months when roads and viewpoints are open and accessible. Winter cold can freeze the surface and heavy snow may block access to viewing areas.
The northern section of this lake sits within an ancient volcanic depression that shapes the geology of the area. This underground formation contributes to the thermal hot springs and geothermal features visible around its waters.
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