Novarupta

The lava dome of Novarupta marks the center of a 1.5 mile (2 km) wide volcanic vent.

NPS Photo / M. Fitz

Quick Facts

Location:

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

Significance:

Eruption Site

Designation:

Wilderness

MANAGED BY:

Katmai National Park

It is a mere bump on the Valley’s floor and rises only 200 feet (65 meters) above its surface, but despite its small size this volcanic dome marks the vent of the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. When explorers first entered the Valley, this was one of the hottest areas and the dome still wafts warm steam. Superheated jets of steam from nearby fumaroles cooked the surrounding ash and pumice and deposited kaleidoscopes of minerals. The area near Novarupta is the most colorful in the Valley.

Novarupta is located approximately 14 miles from the Windy Creek trailhead on the Valley Road. Water draining from perennial snowfields is typically available near Novarupta, even in late summer.