How on earth did Yellowstone come to be? What processes took place to create the vast multitude of awe-inspiring natural wonders and remarkable wild animals we see here today? Geologist Dr. Paul Doss (former Yellowstone Chief Geologist 2000-2001) is back to be your guide this summer for his Field Seminar, Exploring the Essence of Yellowstone: From Volcanoes to Bears, from June 21-24. Based out of the one and only Lamar Buffalo Ranch, Paul will lead you through renowned locations like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and Lamar Valley as well as lesser-known sites not seen by most visitors.
We briefly caught up with Paul where he described his long-time connection to Yellowstone, his passion for the study of the Earth, and what he hopes participants come away with from his Field Seminar this summer.
When did you first come to Yellowstone? What were your impressions then?
I first visited Yellowstone NP in the early-mid 1960’s sitting in the back of an LTD station wagon… back when the rangers at the fee station told visitors the bears liked to eat marshmallows! (see old Kodak Brownie pic here). I’m glad we’ve learned and that things have changed. I was smitten with it all.
Do you have a favorite feature or location in the park? Why?
This is not really a fair question, but I have always been drawn to the Northern Range. It’s the magnificent, sweeping landscapes and diversity of ecosystems there that attract and intrigue me. The trout streams don’t hurt either, I love to cast a fly in the backcountry along Soda Butte Creek. But then there’s also the Canyon, or Mammoth Terraces, or Yellowstone Lake, or Gibbon Canyon, or…
How long have you been teaching about and in Yellowstone National Park? What keeps you coming back?
I’ve been on the Yellowstone Plateau essentially every year since 1984, conducting field research, teaching, hiking, fishing, and backpacking. And fortunately, I lived and worked full-time in the park in 2000-2001, helping to manage the geological resource while serving as the park’s Chief Geologist. There is much, much more than a lifetime of stuff to see, learn about, experience, and share with others in Yellowstone–that’s what keeps me coming back.
What do you hope participants come away with from your Field Seminar this summer?
All visitors to Yellowstone stand in awe of the landscapes and ecosystems “on display.” But unfortunately, our public education system does not provide a true understanding of the science of geology. Most think it’s “the study of rocks.” Nope… it’s the study of the Earth! That’s a bit bigger and a lot more important. I want people to understand the undeniable, understandable, and really cool roles that geologic setting imposes on all aspects of every ecosystem. Those roles are magnificently displayed in Yellowstone NP, but what we see and the concepts we learn on this seminar are applicable to essentially every square inch of the Earth’s surface.
Register and join Paul for his summer 2025 field seminar today by clicking the button below!
Exploring the Essence of Yellowstone: From Volcanoes to Bears
Dates: June 21 â 24, 2025
Instructor: Paul Doss, Ph.D.
Location: Based out of the Lamar Buffalo Ranch
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