Fountain Geyser

Fountain Geyser sits in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone and shoots water in fountain-like bursts reaching 75 to 220 feet high. It has a large round pool surrounded by bright mineral formations.

This geyser has been active since the 1800s but was significantly altered by the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake. That earthquake shifted underground structures and changed its eruption patterns permanently.

The name comes from the fountain-like jets of water that shoot into the air. Visitors can see the colored mineral deposits around the pool, created by the hot mineral-rich water.

Visitors should prepare for long waits since this geyser erupts in cycles of 9 to 15 hours between displays. It helps to check the Old Faithful Visitor Center for current predictions before heading out.

Water displays here follow multiple phases lasting up to two hours, starting with initial overflow and continuing with strong bursts and occasional wild-phase activity. These multi-stage eruption sequences mean each eruption unfolds differently and can surprise observers.