Washington Man Gets 7 Days for Steamboat Geyser Trespass

Washington man Viktor Pyshniuk, 21, of Lynwood, has been put behind bars for seven days after being caught trespassing at Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park’s Norris Geyser Basin.

Pyshniuk was also slapped with a two-year ban from the park and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine, $30 mandatory court processing fee, and $20 special assessment. He was placed on two years of unsupervised release.

According to court documents, a park employee had taken a photo of Pyshniuk walking off the boardwalk at Steamboat Geyser, clearly crossing over the fence and heading up the hillside within 15-20 feet of the steam vent.

When questioned by a law enforcement officer, Pyshniuk claimed he left the boardwalk to take photos. However, the officer showed him signs posted throughout the area stating it is illegal to leave the boardwalk and explained the dangers of walking in a thermal area, including weak ground layers, geothermal features, and heated steam and water.

Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on June 4, warning Pyshniuk that the punishment was designed to deter him and others from entering closed areas. She expressed concern that Pyshniuk’s actions might have been seen as acceptable by others, potentially leading to destruction of the park.

“Trespassing in closed, thermal areas of Yellowstone National Park is dangerous and harms the natural resource,” said Acting United States Attorney Eric Heimann. “In cases like this one where we have strong evidence showing a person has willfully disregarded signs and entered a closed, thermal area, federal prosecutors will seek significant penalties, including jail time.”

Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, has erratic and unpredictable eruptions that can reach heights of up to 300 feet. The area is closed due to its danger, and the three-foot fencing around the boardwalk serves as a clear warning to visitors.

This case was investigated by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. For questions relating to Yellowstone National Park, contact the Public Affairs Office at 307-344-2015 or yell_public_affairs@nps.gov. You can also visit https://www.nps.gov/yell.