Have you hiked to the Lone Star Geyser? It's far more impressive and reliable than Old Faithful. It goes off every 3 hours, so sometimes you have to sit and wait after you get there. It's only a few miles but the tourists stay away because most people don't hike any farther than they can see their cars. So crowds are light, just hikers and real nature lovers. And no board walk!
Lots of waterfalls easily accessible on back country trails day hikes. Again, low crowds. I'm not home right now to look at a trail guide so I can't make specific sugestions. You might be able to do some clever camera work to de-emphasize the dull trees.