Soda Butte

Standing like a weathered monument in the Lamar Valley, Soda Butte is one of Yellowstone’s most recognizable roadside features. Though no longer active, this fossilized geyser cone offers a striking subject for photographers—especially when framed against the valley’s sweeping landscapes and roaming wildlife. It’s a quick stop with big visual impact.

Location & Access

  • Where: Along Northeast Entrance Road, near the eastern edge of Lamar Valley

  • GPS Coordinates: Approx. 44.904° N, 110.172° W

  • Parking: Small roadside pullout with interpretive signage

  • Accessibility: No hiking required—Soda Butte is visible from the road


Geology of Soda Butte

Soda Butte is a travertine cone, formed by mineral deposits from a once-active hot spring or geyser. Unlike the colorful features of the Upper Geyser Basin, Soda Butte is dry and chalky—its activity ceased long ago, leaving behind a sculptural remnant of Yellowstone’s geothermal past.

  • Height: ~20 feet

  • Composition: Calcium carbonate (travertine)

  • Formation: Built up over centuries by mineral-rich water flowing from underground

  • Fun Fact: Despite its name, Soda Butte is not a true butte—it’s a geyser cone!

Photography Tips for Soda Butte

Best Time to Shoot

  • Golden Hour: Early morning or late evening for warm light and long shadows

  • Winter: Snow adds contrast and texture to the cone’s surface

  • Wildlife Season: Lamar Valley is prime habitat for bison, elk, and wolves—include them in your compositions if they’re nearby

Gear Suggestions

  • Wide-Angle Lens: Capture Soda Butte in context with the surrounding valley

  • Telephoto Lens: Isolate textures or wildlife interactions

  • Tripod: Optional—handheld works well due to proximity and light

Composition Ideas

  • Frame Soda Butte with Lamar Valley’s rolling hills in the background

  • Use leading lines from the road or pullout to draw the eye toward the cone

  • Include wildlife or passing clouds for scale and atmosphere

Yellowstone-Soda-Butte-001.jpg

Wildlife Awareness

Soda Butte sits in one of Yellowstone’s most active wildlife corridors. Always maintain safe distances—25 yards from bison and elk, 100 yards from bears and wolves—and never approach animals for a photo.

Final Thoughts: A Quick Stop with Timeless Character

Soda Butte may not erupt or shimmer, but it tells a quiet story of Yellowstone’s geothermal history. Its sculptural form, roadside accessibility, and dramatic setting in Lamar Valley make it a worthy addition to any photography itinerary. Whether you're chasing wildlife or capturing landscapes, this fossilized cone offers a moment of stillness in a park defined by motion.