Boiling River is one of the few locations within Yellowstone National Park where patrons are allowed to enter the waters. To complete this earthcache, you will need to do just that! Yellowstone NP requires all swimmers to wear swimsuits; I strongly encourage you to wear water shoes, but you would be able to complete this task otherwise. The rocks are very slippery and dressing appropriately will make the rest of your visit much more enjoyable. The water feature is available from 9am to 5pm daily but may be closed by the park during the spring or anytime when water levels reach dangerous levels.
If you do not have a thermometer with you to complete all of the required tasks, this does NOT count as a find. Please feel free to use the "write note" option to share your experience and pictures.
According to the website "Moving at the Speed of Creativity," Boiling River is the best kept secret in Yellowstone. This is your opportunity to experience thermal features in a very direct way. While this location is maintained by the NPS, it is not listed on any official Yellowstone maps or even marked with a road sign. There are parking lots available and you will see many cars filling them and lined up along the road between Gardner, MT, and Mammoth. Also according to www.speedofcreativity.org, "the popularity of Boiling River has led to some destruction of surrounding flora as well as rocks, so [...] the Park Service intentionally tries not to over-market to visitors."
The trail will lead you on a 1.25-mile round trip hike. The trail itself is hard packed and level. From the parking waypoints and trailhead, you will start the trail in Montana and quickly cross into Wyoming before reaching the hydrothermal feature. You will know that you have reached your goal when you see the sheltering line of rocks that indicates the protected area suitable for bathers.
In order to log this earthcache, please email the cache owner with answers to the following questions:
- According to the posted trailhead signs, what is the source of the hot water component of Boiling River?
- What is the cause of most destruction at Boiling River? In your opinion, what can be done to offset this potential destruction?
- Using a thermometer, either tell me the water temperature in the wading area or let me know what are the most extreme temperatures you were able to safely read on your thermometer. What are the causes of these different temperature areas? The actual temperatures will be affected by many variables.
- If you have any pictures you would like to upload, they are greatly appreciated!
Please email the answers to the questions as you log your find on the geocaching website. Logs will be deleted if answers are not received within two weeks of posting the "found" log.
This earthcache is placed with permission of Yellowstone National Park.
"Boiling River: Best Kept Secret In Yellowstone National Park." Moving at the Speed of Creativity. N.p., 28 July 2012. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
"Boiling River in Yellowstone National Park." Hikespeakcom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
"Boiling River Yellowstone National Park WY." The Hole Conceirge. N.p., 16 July 2014. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
United States. National Park Service. "More Mammoth Hot Springs Area Highlights." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 22 Sept. 2015. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.