Teakettle Spring

Teakettle Spring is one of the intriguing hydrothermal features of Yellowstone National Park, admired for both its unusual shape and the delicate beauty that surrounds it. Located in the Upper Geyser Basin, not far from the world-famous Old Faithful, this spring draws immediate attention due to the distinctive circular rim and the resemblance that inspired its name. 

The spring’s constantly bubbling water gives the impression of a teapot vigorously heating on a stove, with steam wafting upward and gentle pulses of water rising and falling as if preparing to whistle. Travelers strolling along the boardwalk often stop to watch the rhythmic motion, captivated by the sense that the earth itself is quietly breathing beneath the surface.

Teakettle Spring

Quick Reference: Teakettle Spring

Feature	Details
Location	Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Type	Hot spring
Visual Appearance	Clear blue pool with white sinter edges; bubbling and steaming like a boiling kettle
Temperature	Approximately 180°F – 195°F (82°C – 91°C)
Activity Pattern	Continuous bubbling and steam release; no major eruptions
Connected Features	Influenced by nearby hydrothermal activity and underground water system
Unique Trait	Resembles a boiling teapot due to rhythmic bubbling and steam
Accessibility	Easily viewed from Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk
Safety Note	Stay on boardwalk due to thin crust and boiling water
Ideal Viewing	Clear days when steam rises visibly from the surface

The water inside Teakettle Spring is crystal-clear, allowing visitors to see deep down into the vent where intense heat and pressure create perpetual motion. Although small in surface diameter when compared to the large pools in the basin, its depth and internal activity are impressive. The brilliant aqua color of the central pool contrasts beautifully with the surrounding ring of white silica sinter, creating a delicate frame that appears carved by precise hands. Around the edges, heat-loving microorganisms contribute hints of yellow and orange tones that further accentuate the spring’s visual appeal. The spring’s boiling and bubbling are caused by superheated water rising from below, escaping through narrow channels much like steam escaping from the spout of a kettle.

Visitors can safely view Teakettle Spring from the designated boardwalks that weave through the basin. Because the ground surrounding hydrothermal features is extremely fragile and thin, stepping off the boardwalk is dangerous and strictly prohibited. Despite its modest size, many travelers consider Teakettle Spring a memorable stop, especially for those with an appreciation for geology and natural artistry. The soothing sound of bubbling water, the shimmering haze of steam in the sunlight, and the vivid palette created by thermophiles make this spring an enchanting reminder of Yellowstone’s living volcanic heart.