Dogshead Trail to Shoshone Lake

This was my first hike to the backcountry in Yellowstone, it was about ten miles round trip and ended at the largest backcountry lake in the lower 48. This trail gave me a good introduction of what to expect while out here in Yellowstone. The major feature of this hike (other then the lake), is the damage caused by the fires of 1988. These burned hundreds of thousands of acres throughout the park, and the forest is slowly recovering from the fires. The majority of trees which you see are Lodgepole Pines, whose seeds are only released from pine cones in the intense heat of fires. This is why you see a number of small pines among the burnt out trees that still stand. The other thing of note is that the Lodgepoles lack a strong tap root and easily blowdown, hence the number of fallen trees. These two issues lead to many parts of the park seeming devastated, however the fires and dead trees lead to all sorts of new life growing out of the devastation. It also opens up amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The mountains which you see are the Absarokas which run throughout the eastern edge of the park north to south. (again click the pictures for full size images)