Old Faithful [GEO.19], the most famous geyser in the world, was named when members of the Washburn Expedition noticed its regularity. This group of men explored the area in 1870 and helped to encourage Congress to set it aside as a park. © Not only is Old Faithful Geyser the top priority for most visitors to see here, it’s extremely accessible. Parking is close by, and generous boardwalks and benches border two sides of the geyser’s mound. Ifyou happen to be in Old Faithful Inn when the geyser erupts, you can watch it from the porch roof just off the first balcony.
In fact, Old Faithful, true to its name, will probably erupt for you even if your time here is very limited. The Haynes Guides offered some advice about photographing Old Faithful, suggesting that the photographer not stand too close to it and try to catch the best part of the eruption, which may not be at the beginning of the geyser’s activity. Most people photograph this first display, wrote Mr. Haynes, and are changing film about the time the geyser attains its maximum height. You can watch eruptions via the National Park Service Webcam at: www.nps.gov/yell/oldfaithfulcam.htm.
