In Yellowstone's Geysers, a Treasure Trove of Lost Items

Yellowstone's geysers didn't just spout steam this summer—they spit back nearly 280 hats. Park staff say this season's sweep of hydrothermal areas turned up everything from a FIFA 2026 World Cup cap to a baseball cap labeled "Cowboy Hat," plus more than $18 in coins from multiple countries, apparently tossed in like the springs were wishing wells, per Popular Science. Citing a US Geological Survey report, Outside notes that more than 25,000 items in total ended up in the park's geysers this year, a record that surpasses last year's haul by 50%.

Rangers warn that coins can damage fragile thermal features by introducing algae and bacteria, urging visitors to stash loose items deep in pockets and dispose of trash properly. Alongside the hats and money, workers collected plastic and paper litter, toys, hotel keys, eyeglasses, AirPods, an inhaler, fake fingernails, dental retainers, golf tees, a copy of The Vampire Diaries, and even a lone Uno card. The rescued hats will be cleaned and donated to local clothing groups after the 2026 season has wrapped up. Check out last year's hat haul, courtesy of the USGS.