On June 30th, I backpacked into Mallard Lake with my daughter for a three night stay at campsite 0B3 on the east side of the lake. On day two, we hiked off-trail, east to De Lacy Lakes, where we passed by a few unnamed ponds along the way and when we reached the lakes, we had an otter entertain us while we ate our lunch on the lake shore. On day three, we started off on the Mallard Creek Trail, but quickly headed off-trail again to an unnamed pond which is located northeast of Old Faithful. The unnamed pond is located about 2 miles as the crow flies from Old Faithful or 1 mile west of Mallard Lake for those who have a map handy. On our fourth day, we packed up and headed back to the trailhead and then a stop at the Bear Pit before heading home.
Early morning departure from Salt Lake City
Map of our route to Mallard Lake
A Bison, giving us the "eye" along the Mallard Lake Trail
My daughter in her backpacking attire
A marmot along the trail
Friendly little chipmunk
Trail Junction Sign
Mallard Lake
Mallard Lake
Our tent at campsite 0B3
Map of our route to De Lacy Lakes on day 2
Pond #1
Me, and a little snow between the lakes
Pond #3
De Lacy Lakes (West Lake)
Otter at De Lacy Lakes
Otter
De Lacy Lakes (West Lake)
Map of route to unnamed pond on day 3
Unnamed pond - hundreds of elk track around this pond
Off-trail hiking in Yellowstone sometimes requires some balancing
Of course, Mallard Lake this time of year is mosquito heaven
Sunset on our last night at Mallard Lake
On our way back to the trailhead
The Firehole River
