Medicine Lake Volcano
Medicine Lake Volcano is a broad basaltic shield volcano in southwest Alaska, featuring a large caldera lake and extensive lava flows. It offers accessible hiking, fishing, and scenic views.
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Geography
| Address | Medicine Lake, Alaska, USAInlet near Medicine Lake |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Alaska |
| Subregion | Alaska Peninsula |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| County | Haines Census Area |
| District | N/A |
| City | Glacier Creek |
| Neighborhood | Medicine Lake area |
| Postal Code | 99657 |
| Timezone | AmericaAnchorage |
| Latitude | 56.21 |
| Longitude | -156.86 |
| Maps |
10:58 AM LOCAL TIMEMedicine Lake Volcano is a sprawling basaltic shield volcano positioned on the western Alaska Peninsula, northwest of Yukon and south of Bering Sea. Its defining feature is a large, low-relief caldera — approximately 8 km across — filled by Medicine Lake and several smaller ponds. Beyond the caldera, the volcano’s gently rolling terrain is carved by extensive lava flows and exposed ash deposits, providing routes for hiking and off-trail exploration. The area is known for easy access from nearby roads, year-round fishing in the lake and streams, and views across tundra to surrounding volcanic mountains. Visitors come to experience remote wilderness, observe alpine and subarctic ecosystems, and learn the volcano’s geologic story through interpretive signs and guide services. Near-vehicle accessibility and relatively moderate terrain make Medicine Lake a destination for day-hikers, fishing trips, and scenic drives, with safety precautions against sudden weather changes and volcanic ash hazards.
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