Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The temperature of the Firehole is definitely influenced by the gallons of runoff water
contributed by all the geothermal sources along the river and its tributaries. From Lone
Star Geyser (the geyser that's farthest upstream) to just above the Lower Geyser Basin, the
river's temperature rises a total of almost 29°F (18°C) in this meandering stretch of about
13 miles (21 km). Rainbow trout grow faster and spawn later in the season than their cous-
ins in cool mountain streams.
Fountain Flats Drive and trail access
After the bridge crosses the creek, a short dirt road leads to the Nez Perce
picnic area. Nez Perce Creek and the Firehole River come together just to the north, creating
one of the prettiest picnic spots in the park.
Beginning in 1880, guests stayed in a primitive hotel called Marshall House at this site. The
1884 Firehole Hotel here was abandoned after Fountain Hotel was built (in 1891), but stood
until the 1930s. For a short time there was also a guardhouse here, built to incarcerate those
who violated park laws but almost never used.
Beyond the picnic area you'll see steam rising to the left from
Hygeia Spring
(Hygeia was
the Greek goddess of health). Though occupants of the Marshall House used the water of this
spring for bathing and cooking, now it's lukewarm.
Near the river is
Maiden's Grave Spring,
named in memory of the wife of the winter hotel
keeper at Marshall House. Her gravestone is between the present-day picnic area and the Fire-
hole River's confluence with Nez Perce Creek.
As you continue on Fountain Flats Drive, you'll be in an area heavily burned by the North
Fork fire of 1988. Until the mid 1990s, this road continued to a thermal area, two trailheads,
and a pair of fishing lakes. The road was closed of in an effort to mitigate impact on the wet-
land area and to create an additional biking opportunity. You have the option of turning back
at the turning circle or leaving your car to walk about a quarter mile (0.4 km) to Ojo Caliente
Spring.
