Take part in history that shaped Earthquake Lake
From Custer Gallatin National Forest
Sixty years have passed since the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake, but the evidence of its marks on the natural landscape provide a prominent lasting memory.
On Saturday, August 17th, the Earthquake Lake Visitor’s Center and Geologic Area, as part of the Hebgen Lake Ranger District, will be remembering the 60th Anniversary of the event that shaped its history. This 7.3 magnitude earthquake triggered a landslide that blocked the Madison River, killing 28 people and forming Earthquake Lake.
As part of acknowledging and remembering this tragic event, the Visitor’s Center focuses on the historic and geological makeup of the area, giving people that walk through for just a couple hours or even a day-long learning experience.
Throughout August the Visitor’s Center will host a Junior Geology Ranger program ages 9 and up (daily – approximately 90 minutes for kiddos), along with guest speakers, hikes, a smokejumper practice jump and viewing at Refuge Point and a memorial service, with book signings.
The full lineup of events includes:
– Aug. 3rd and 10th at 10am and 1pm: Guided landslide walk to Memorial Boulder. A short, handicap accessible walk telling the story of the Earthquake and providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can choose to do a short hike (1/8 mile) to Memorial Boulder or continue on an unpaved gravel path on Landslide Trail (approx. 1 mile).
– Aug. 8th: Interpretive Afternoon with Leslie Quinn and Mike Stickney. Shake, Rattle & Roll: 60 years Since the Hebgen Lake Earthquake (1pm); Mike, Director of Earthquake Studies will speak to the 1959 Quake and Geology (3pm).
– Aug. 16th at 2pm: Guest Speaker Jamie Farrell, Assistant Professor of Seismograph Stations, University of Utah
– Aug. 17th: Memorial Service at Memorial Boulder with Pastor Benny McCraken at 10:30am followed by Rock Creek Campground survivors sharing their stories from 11:30am–1:30pm. Book signing by Larry Morris, 1959 Yellowstone Earthquake, and Anita Painter Thon, Shaken in the Night, will happen throughout the day.
– Aug. 18th at 11am: Smokejumper Practice Jump at Refuge Point. Some of the first to aid survivors, smokejumpers are often used to access remote areas. View a jump in action and walk the 2.5-mile trail around Refuge Point. Bring bear spray, water and a picnic lunch to enjoy the day with the family.
For more information about these events, call the Visitor’s Center at (406) 682-7620.
Custer Gallatin National Forest is known as one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the region. The Forest stretches from the rugged high-country of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, the Gallatin Crest and vast portions of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to the rolling landscapes and buttes of far southeastern Montana and northwestern South Dakota on the Ashland and Camp Crook districts. •
