Quake Lake

Quake Lake is a mountain lake in Montana created when an earthquake triggered a massive rock slide that blocked the Madison River. The water body stretches about 6 miles long and sits at an elevation of around 6,400 feet.

A powerful earthquake struck in August 1959, triggering a massive landslide that dammed the river and created this lake almost instantly. This natural event reshaped the entire landscape within minutes.

The visitor center here tells the story of how a natural disaster reshaped the landscape, helping people understand geological forces in action. Locals and travelers view this place as a reminder of nature's power and how landscapes can transform overnight.

The lake is easily accessible from US Highway 287, with multiple spots to launch boats or fish along the shoreline. Plan to visit the information center first to get oriented before exploring the water or walking the nearby areas.

Beneath the water lie the remains of an old forest and buildings from before the earthquake, preserved in the lakebed as a hidden time capsule. This submerged landscape offers a haunting reminder of what stood here before 1959.

Location: Madison County

Location: Gallatin County

Inception: 1959

Elevation above the sea: 1,948 m

GPS coordinates: 44.85278,-111.39167

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:37