The Mallard Lake trail is majestically lined with trees both old an new. This is a 5 mile leading to the beautiful Mallard lake, making it a 10 mile round trip. The trail is most popularly used for hiking, running, camping, and is best to hike from May-September. The Mallard lake trail gives a spectacular birds eye view of Yellowstone's Old Faithful. The trail is known to change scenery every mile or so, ranging from young and old pine, to rocky terrain, and then grassy meadows. Wildflowers are in abundance on this hike as well. These flowers can be found along the trail and surrounding the lake. The lake is calm, and only experiences disturbances when the wind causes ripples or when the fish create bubbles.

This lake is a little more private, which means it does not get very crowded during the warmer seasons. You can hike to the lake and enjoy a meal with a view, or let all of your senses indulge in the scenic creations. Many of the trees that were knocked down from the Yellowstone fires in 1988 can be used as seats or tables by the lake. Since the fire, the forest along the creek and surrounding the lake has developed into a beautiful, youthful, green woodland.

The lake itself was once known to be overly populated with fish.The rangers in the area tried to combat the over population and saw little success in the past. However when Yellowstone opened the area for public fishing the solution was found. the Mallard Lake is still brimming with lake trout. If you being your fishing gear on this hike, you might come home with dinner!