Mount ShishaldinMount Shishaldin at a Glance
About Mount Shishaldin
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.
Nearby Attractions to Mount Shishaldin
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - -2° | -11° | 118 mm | - | - | 8.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - -3° | -11° | 123 mm | - | - | 7.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -10° - -9° | -17° | 91 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -11° - -10° | -19° | 65 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -8° - -7° | -14° | 77 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -4° - -3° | -9° | 99 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -1° - 0° | -6° | 90 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 0° - 1° | -5° | 112 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -2° - -1° | -8° | 130 mm | - | - | 7.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -7° - -3° | -13° | 140 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -6° - -3° | -12° | 152 mm | - | - | 7.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - -1° | -10° | 146 mm | - | - | 8.7 m/s | - | - |
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.