Novarupta

Novarupta is a volcano in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, rising to 841 meters above sea level. The summit displays a wide crater opening with a solid dome of cooled lava surrounded by layers of ash and volcanic rock.

The June 1912 eruption lasted 60 hours and ranks as the most powerful volcanic event of the 20th century worldwide. The explosion transformed the surrounding terrain into a plain of ash and formed what became known as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.

Native Alaskan communities near the volcano survived the 1912 eruption by applying their traditional knowledge of natural disasters management.

Access requires a journey through remote wilderness with no road connections, typically by floatplane from King Salmon. Visits are possible from June through September when guided tours operate through the park.

The eruption formed a new volcano at a spot where no mountain existed before. The expelled material covered more than 100 square kilometers with a thick layer of hot ash and pumice.

Location: Alaska

Elevation above the sea: 841 m

Part of: Aleutian Islands

GPS coordinates: 58.26540,-155.15900

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42