Mount Iliamna
Mountain Active stratovolcano with extensive glaciers in Alaska
A glaciated stratovolcano in Alaska’s Chigmit Mountains, Mount Iliamna is known from aerial sightseeing flights and technical climbs across crevassed glaciers.
Mount Iliamna is a stratovolcano in southwestern Alaska, rising to about 10,016 feet (3,053 meters). It is part of the Aleutian volcanic arc and has a heavily glaciated summit area.
The mountain is closely monitored for seismic activity and fumarolic signs, and it is visible from surrounding Cook Inlet lowlands and nearby communities. Climbs involve glacier travel and alpine conditions, and the mountain is visited by experienced mountaineers rather than casual tourists.
Iliamna lies in southwestern Alaska near the northern edge of the Alaska Peninsula region and is within the broader landscape of Cook Inlet and adjacent protected areas.
- Volcanic activity: The volcano is notable for frequent seismic activity and glacier-covered flanks; visibility from surrounding lowlands makes it a prominent landmark.
Tips for Visiting Mount Iliamna #
- Iliamna is a remote, glaciated volcano best accessed through local air operators-most approaches use floatplanes or bush-plane drops from Homer or nearby towns, so coordinate with experienced pilots familiar with weather and landing sites.
- Treat any ascent as technical glacier travel: hire guides who operate in the area, confirm current aviation and route advisories, and plan for rapidly changing weather and crevasse hazards rather than attempting an unguided climb.
- Pick your window in late spring/early summer for longer daylight and generally firmer snow conditions, and build extra days into the schedule to allow for weather and aircraft delays common in this region.
Best Time to Visit Mount Iliamna #
Best attempted in June-September when weather windows, daylight and access are most favorable for aviation and climbing.
Weather & Climate near Mount Iliamna #
Mount Iliamna's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -15°C to 4°C. Moderate rainfall (894 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -11°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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June
June is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm).
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September
September is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and breezy conditions.
