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Lodgepole Pines
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Wyoming
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Lodgepole Pines
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Forests cover roughly 80% of Yellowstone and lodgepole pine comprises nearly all of that canopy. Some American Indian tribes used this tree to make the frames of their tipis or lodges, hence the name “lodgepole” pine. The log walls of the Old Faithful Inn are made with lodgepole pine. The volcanic rocks beneath much of Yellowstone form nutrient-poor soils. These areas generally have extensive stands of lodgepole pine, which are drought tolerant and have shallow roots that take advantage of the nutrients in the soil. Lodgepoles are the only pine in Yellowstone whose needles grow in groups of two. They can be up to 75 feet tall. Lodgepole pine trees have very thin bark and can be killed by ground fires. Fire Rejuvenates Forests Wildland fire is an integral, dynamic process. Fires rejuvenate forests on a grand scale. Some species of plants survive the intense burning to re-sprout. Some cones of lodgepole pines pop open only in heat generated by fires, spreading millions of seeds on the forest floor. After fire sweeps through an area, mammals, birds, and insects quickly take advantage of the newly created habitats. Fires recycle and release nutrients and create dead trees or snags that serve a number of ecological functions, such as the addition of organic matter to the soil when the trees decompose.
Howard Eaton Trail
~1 min drive
22 mi · Hard
Fumaroles in Porcelain Basin
~5 min drive
<p>Hurricane Vent, nearby, was once a steamy, noisy fumarole. It has also been boiling and full of steam, with a small waterfall on the far side.</p> <h2>Fumaroles</h2> <p>Fumaroles or steam vents, are the hottest hydrothermal features in the park. The limited amount of water…
Artists Paintpots Trail
~9 min drive
This is a one-mile (1.6 km) trail that enters a partially burned lodgepole pine forest, then winds across a wet meadow on a boardwalk. This trail is a short loop. The hydrothermal area has colorful hot springs, mudpots, and small geysers. Watch out for flying mud. Stay on th…
Observation Peak Trail
~13 min drive
9.4 mi · Moderate
Mount Washburn Spur Trail
~14 min drive
17 mi · Hard
Back Basin
~6 min drive
<p>In contrast to Porcelain Basin, Back Basin is more forested and its features are more scattered and isolated. Young lodgepole pines growing up among the remains a fire the burned through the area in 1988.</p> <h2>Color and Heat Lovers</h2> <p>Hydrothermal features are also…
North Rim Restrooms
~12 min drive
0.3 mi · Easy
Seven Mile Hole Trail
~14 min drive
9.9 mi · Moderate
Roaring Mountain
~11 min drive
<p>Roaring Mountain is a large, acidic thermal area (solfatara) that contains many steam vents (fumaroles). In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the number, size, and power of the fumaroles was much greater than today.</p> <h3>Fumaroles (Steam Vents)</h3> <p>Fumaroles or steam v…
Cascade Lake Trailhead (4K5)
~13 min drive
From this trailhead you can embark on the following trails: Cascade Lake Trail Observation Peak Trail There is a dedicated parking lot at this trailhead. The nearest restrooms are location to the east at the Cascade Lake Picnic Area. Cascade Lake Trail A moderate 4.4-mile…
