Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve - Alaska

Address:King Salmon, Alaska
Tel: (907) 246-3305

Aniakchak National Monument near the active Aniachak volcano encompasses a massive dry caldera, ripe lava flows, cider cones, the Aniakchak Wild River, and Surprise Lake. Unfortunately, the park's remote location on the Aleutian Range and challenging weather conditions result in low visitation. A summer visit, however, promises to be rewarding and may include rafting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. There are no accessible trails within the reserve and the park can only be reached by boat or plane.

The Aniakchak Caldera, is the result of a series of eruptions, the latest in 1931. Nearly six miles in diameter and covering some ten square miles, it is one of the finest examples of dry caldera in the world. Located in the volcanically active Aleutian Mountains, the crater contains many outstanding examples of volcanic features, including lava flows, cinder cones, and explosion pits. Surprise Lake, located within the caldera, is the source of the Aniakchak River, which cascades through a 1,500-foot gash in the caldera wall. The site also contains the Aniakchak Wild River.