Fumaroles On Kanaga Island

Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska · Near Dutch Harbor
51.9250°N, 177.1600°W · 3,963 ft
219°F 3,963 ft Restricted Backcountry US Fish and Wildlife Service
Fumarole: Not a Soaking Spring

Fumaroles On Kanaga Island is a fumarole, not a traditional hot spring. These geothermal features can be extremely dangerous. Boiling water, toxic gases, and unstable ground are common hazards. Do not attempt to soak.

Aerial view of the ground around Fumaroles On Kanaga Island

The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Fumaroles on Kanaga Island vent at boiling temperature, high up at nearly four thousand feet. This is Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge ground, access restricted, in the Aleutians West Census Area some three hundred miles from Dutch Harbor. Steam at this heat cooks flesh. There is nothing here to soak in.

Location
313 miles from Dutch Harbor, AK

The record puts the nearest road about twenty miles off, and nothing on file says how anyone closes that gap. Weather on file is cold, averaging under freezing, and wet, with nearly four feet of precipitation and about six of snow.

Best months on file are January through March. Restricted access applies, through the Fish and Wildlife Service. Boiling ground and boiling steam; do not approach the vents. Nothing has been logged about camping or fees, and there is no chemistry. Nothing describes a route up.

Terrain

USGS hasn't flown a detailed laser scan here yet, so this view comes from aerial photos and older elevation data.

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the west.
Highest ground nearby
258 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the west
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from west to east, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Monthly Climate
21°
Jan
21°
Feb
22°
Mar
23°
Apr
26°
May
29°
Jun
32°
Jul
35°
Aug
34°
Sep
30°
Oct
26°
Nov
23°
Dec
Annual Precip: 46.0 in Annual Snow: 71.2 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 21°F · Water 219°F · +198° contrast
February Air 21°F · Water 219°F · +198° contrast
March Air 22°F · Water 219°F · +198° contrast
January offers 14°F more contrast than August
Temperature
219°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 219°F (104°C)
Avg Air Temp 27°F
Above Ambient +192°F
Access
Restricted
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 19.5 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Fish and Wildlife Service
Designation National Wildlife Refuge
Unit Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
Manager US Fish and Wildlife Service
Protection 1 - Permanent protection, natural state
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Fumaroles On Kanaga Island?
Fumaroles On Kanaga Island has a water temperature of 219°F (104°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Fumaroles On Kanaga Island located?
Fumaroles On Kanaga Island is located in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska at 3,963 feet elevation, near Dutch Harbor. Coordinates: 51.9250°N, 177.1600°W.
How do I get to Fumaroles On Kanaga Island?
Fumaroles On Kanaga Island has Backcountry road access (19.5 mi from the road).
Is Fumaroles On Kanaga Island free to visit?
Fumaroles On Kanaga Island has Restricted access. It is managed by US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Is it safe to soak at Fumaroles On Kanaga Island?
No, not at the source. The water at Fumaroles On Kanaga Island reaches 219°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.