Makushin Volcano Fumaroles

Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska · Near Dutch Harbor
53.8920°N, 166.9300°W · 5,475 ft
54°F air · Good soaking weather 5,475 ft Restricted Hike US Fish and Wildlife Service
Fumarole: Not a Soaking Spring

Makushin Volcano Fumaroles 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 Makushin Volcano Fumaroles

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

Makushin Volcano Fumaroles sit high on the volcano at around 5,500 feet inside the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Fumaroles are vents for volcanic steam and gas, which is the first thing to know about this listing. Dutch Harbor is about 142 miles away. Access is restricted. Temperature: none recorded.

Location
142 miles from Dutch Harbor, AK

The vents are a five mile hike from the road end, high on the mountain. Snowfall is enormous and the annual average is around twenty degrees. Rain is heavy too. Refuge land under the US Fish and Wildlife Service, access restricted.

No season is on file, and the snow figures argue hard against most of the year. Restricted refuge access means permission first. The record is blank on camping and fees as well as temperature. This is a volcano summit feature, and nothing on file speaks to conditions near the vents.

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 southwest.
Highest ground nearby
311 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the southwest
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from southwest to northeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

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

Monthly Climate
12°
Jan
15°
Feb
14°
Mar
17°
Apr
20°
May
26°
Jun
31°
Jul
31°
Aug
27°
Sep
23°
Oct
18°
Nov
14°
Dec
Annual Precip: 77.8 in Annual Snow: 233.1 in
Current Conditions
54°F
Cloudy SSW 45.6 mph 67% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 35° Low 33° Slight Chance Light Snow then Partly Sunny 17% precip
Wednesday 38° Low 35° Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Snow 38% precip
Thursday 37° Low 36° Light Snow Likely 61% precip
Friday 34° Low 33° Light Snow then Snow Showers Likely 87% precip
Saturday 36° Low 31° Snow Showers 76% precip
Mile-High Advisory 5,475 ft

Makushin Volcano Fumaroles sits at 5,475 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
No data recorded
Avg Air Temp 21°F
Access
Restricted
Road Access Hike
Distance to Road 4.9 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
Where is Makushin Volcano Fumaroles located?
Makushin Volcano Fumaroles is located in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska at 5,475 feet elevation, near Dutch Harbor. Coordinates: 53.8920°N, 166.9300°W.
How do I get to Makushin Volcano Fumaroles?
Makushin Volcano Fumaroles has Hike road access (4.9 mi from the road).
Is Makushin Volcano Fumaroles free to visit?
Makushin Volcano Fumaroles has Restricted access. It is managed by US Fish and Wildlife Service.