Mount Shishaldin
Mountain Symmetrical active volcano on Unimak Island, Aleutians
Shishaldin Volcano on Unimak Island is a symmetrical Aleutian cone and active volcano; it attracts experienced climbers and volcanologists for technical ascents and aerial glacier views.
Mount Shishaldin is a symmetrical stratovolcano on Unimak Island in the eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska, with an elevation of about 2,857 meters (9,373 feet). It is one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian arc and is prominent for its near-perfect cone.
The mountain’s prominent cone and high relief make it visually striking from sea level, and it forms a dominant landmark on Unimak Island. Helicopter and fixed-wing overflights are common ways for non-climbers to view the volcano because of its remote location.
Shishaldin is part of the Aleutian volcanic arc formed by subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American Plate; it has recorded repeated eruptive episodes in historical times and sustained seismic activity.
The volcano stands near the center of Unimak Island in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, several hundred kilometers southwest of mainland Alaska. The nearest significant settlement is the community of False Pass and the airport at Cold Bay provides regional access.
- Profile and elevation: The volcano has a near-perfect conical profile and a summit elevation around 2,857 meters, making it the highest peak on Unimak Island.
- Hazards: Frequent seismicity and periodic eruptive activity mean approaches can be hazardous; climbing is undertaken only by experienced alpinists.
How to Get to Mount Shishaldin #
Mount Shishaldin sits on Unimak Island in the Aleutians and is reached only by air or sea. The usual access is to the Aleutian gateway towns (Cold Bay or Dutch Harbor) by regional flight from mainland Alaska, then by chartered boat or bush/floatplane to Unimak Island. Approaches onto the volcano itself require landing on the island and then overland travel by experienced mountaineering parties or guides; there are no public roads linking the summit area to Alaska’s road system.
Tips for Visiting Mount Shishaldin #
- Mount Shishaldin is remote on Unimak Island and is normally reached by charter aircraft staging from False Pass or Cold Bay-book a local air charter and logistics well before your trip.
- Climbing Shishaldin involves glaciated, steep alpine terrain and rapidly changing Aleutian weather; only attempt with experienced glacier/volcanic-mountaineering partners or a professional guide and carry reliable communications.
- Before travel, check the Alaska Volcano Observatory for current volcanic activity and advisories; plan your trip in the short summer window (typically June-August) when weather and access are most favorable.
Best Time to Visit Mount Shishaldin #
Visit in summer (June-August) when weather and access are most favorable for approaches and climbs.
Weather & Climate near Mount Shishaldin #
Mount Shishaldin's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in April). Temperatures range from -11°C to 1°C. Abundant rainfall (1343 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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April
April is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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June
June is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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July
July is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 1°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (152 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and breezy conditions.
