Chigmit Mountains

The Chigmit Mountains are the northernmost section of the Aleutian Range in southwestern Alaska, forming a line of volcanoes and rugged peaks on the western side of Cook Inlet.

The range contains prominent glacier-clad stratovolcanoes, including Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, and offers alpine terrain, glaciers and steep relief that draw climbers and flightseeing tours. Many peaks are remote and visited seasonally by experienced parties.

The range is volcanic in origin and has had historical eruptions, with Mount Redoubt producing significant eruptive episodes in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Glacial sculpting and ongoing volcanic processes shape the landscape.

Geographically the Chigmit Mountains lie west-southwest of Anchorage along the western margin of Cook Inlet in southwestern Alaska; much of the terrain is remote and accessed via aircraft or long overland approaches.

• Viewing and access: Most easily viewed on flightseeing tours from Anchorage or from regional roads and trailheads in summer; access is remote and weather-dependent.
• Volcanic activity: Home to active volcanoes with recorded eruptions; aviation notices and local advisories are issued during eruptive episodes.

What to See #

• Mount Redoubt: A glacier-covered stratovolcano that reaches 3,108 metres and is the most active peak in the range; it produced notable eruptions in 1989-90 and 2009.
• Mount Iliamna: A high volcano in the western part of the range with an elevation around 3,050 metres; frequently monitored for fumarolic activity and glacier-covered slopes used by mountaineers.