By: AEOP Membership Council Member Emilie Becraft

Yellowstone – most people think of geysers erupting, bison roaming free, and colorful landscapes. But for me, it was the falls – the Upper and Lower Yellowstone River Falls – the roar of powerful water rushing down the mountains. Our family trip to Yellowstone proved to be my favorite yet!

The falls were formed by volcanic activity and erosion. Millions of years ago, lava flows created a strong layer of rock. Over time, the Yellowstone River carved its way through the softer rock until it reached the harder layer. Since the water erodes the stronger rock more slowly,  it plunges over the edge, creating the falls we see today.

There are also fascinating  hydrothermal features in the area. The same volcanic forces that shaped the landscape also heat the groundwater, creating  the geysers and hot springs Yellowstone is famous for.

The Lower Falls – the Yellowstone River plummets 308 feet into the canyon below, its thunderous roar echoing off the canyon walls. The spray and mist from the water is illuminated by the sunlight, creating specs of rainbows. We hiked to the platform overlooking  the Lower Falls and, standing at the railing, the roar of the water was extremely loud.

The Upper Falls, though smaller at 114 feet, were equally impressive in its own way. Located  just upstream from the Lower Falls, it offered beautiful views of the river’s path. I could see the water rushing before the plunge to form the waterfall.

That trip to Yellowstone, and the experience of witnessing the falls, sparked my curiosity about geology and the Earth’s processes. I have a newfound interest in environmental science and want to learn about the forces that shape our planet. The roar of the Yellowstone Falls serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of ecosystems and the  importance of protecting them.