West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park

Located along the shore of Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the smallest but most scenic geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park. Aside from geysers, the basin also features hot springs, pools, mud pots, and fumaroles (openings in the earth's crust that emit steam and gases). The most popular feature of this basin is Fishing Cone, found on the shore of the lake. This geyser was named for the fact that fishermen used to stand on the cone to fish, and then they'd parboil their catches in the vent of the geyser. Abyss Pool--with a depth of 16 m (53 ft)--is the deepest pool in Yellowstone; its dark green waters give the impression that it's bottomless. Add West Thumb Geyser Basin and other attractions to your Yellowstone National Park trip itinerary using our Yellowstone National Park online visit planner.