On August 17, 1959, this area was hit with the most devastating modern geologic disaster in the Rocky Mountains. An earthquake of a magnitude 7.5 on the Richter scale violently shook the earth, triggering a massive landslide, large surface cracks expanded and contracted, and fault lines - miles long - tore into the mountainsides permanently altering the landscape, tragically resulting 28 deaths.
Today, this tranquil setting surrounding you is misleading - geologic tensions are still active underground. These 37,800 acres - within the Gallatin National Forest - were federally designated in 1960 to interpret the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake and provide for public use and understanding of the strikingly awesome earthquake features and geology.
As you travel west along highway 287, you will encounter a series of stops within this 16 mile stretch. Each stop offers a different piece of the story - a unique perspective of the event.
The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center , which provides a spectacular view of Earthquake Lake, is located directly on top of the massive landslide that was triggered by the quake.
(Caption above right picture)
The highway slid into Hebgen Lake cutting off links to emergency services and help.
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