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