Admired – and feared – by humankind since the dawn of time, volcanoes are among the most spectacular natural wonders you can see. And you might be surprised at how many there are in North America, which make for a thrilling day out and an opportunity to learn about this fascinating slice of the Earth’s geology. Intrigued? Keep reading for our pick of the most inspiring volcanoes in the continent.

Lying within Lassen Volcanic Center, 55 miles (88km) east of Redding, this 10,457-foot (3,187m) peak was considered extinct until recently. In 1914, Lassen Peak erupted unexpectedly, spewing powerful streams of lava and triggering avalanches and mudflows down its slopes. The volcano hasn’t erupted since, but the region remains dynamic, with plenty of examples of hydrothermal activity to see within Lassen National Park: bubbling mud pools, fumaroles, streams and more.

Oregon’s largest volcano, Mount Hood has erupted twice in the last 1,500 years, with the most recent eruption in 1865. There are plenty of ways to see this prominent peak. You could head to one of the many ski resorts here in the winter and hurtle down its steep slopes, or hike around one of its scenic trails to see it from all angles. However, visit at your peril, as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) currently ranks Mount Hood’s threat potential as ‘very high’.

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Reaching 9,144 feet (2,787m) at its highest point, Mount Edziza is a composite volcano made of overlapping shields, domes and stratovolcanoes. Located in the Tahltan Highlands in northwestern British Columbia, it was formed over the past 7.5 million years, with its most recent eruption thought to have occurred around 1,000 years ago. Although it’s considered dormant today, several smaller eruptions have occurred near Edziza and created a cinder cone-studded landscape, which makes the surrounding provincial park a hot spot for geology enthusiasts. 

Washington’s highest peak at a towering 14,410 feet (4,392m), Mount Rainier was once even taller – but 5,600 years ago an eruption caused it to collapse, forming the crater we can see today. The volcano, which last exploded 150 years ago, is home to America’s largest glacier system on a single mountain (outside of Alaska), which makes it a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering. But it’s also amazing to visit in summer, when wildflowers fill its surrounding meadows and the region comes alive with colour. 

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Rather than being a towering mountain which can be seen for miles, Yellowstone Caldera is a 30-by-45-mile (50 by 70km) supervolcano hidden beneath western-central Yellowstone National Park. It explodes infrequently – there have been just three eruptions in the last 2.1 million years – but it’s capable of super-eruptions, which would spew at least 240 cubic miles (1,000 cubic km) of volcanic material. Thankfully, the odds of this happening are extremely low. Although the volcano itself is buried beneath the surface of the Earth, there’s plenty to see at ground level, including hot springs, geysers such as Castle Geyser (pictured) and awe-inspiring rock formations.

Formed in 1943, western Mexico’s Paricutín is one of the world’s youngest volcanoes. Yet the explosion which brought this 9,210-foot (2,808m) marvel to life was catastrophic. Beginning in February, small tremors were felt throughout the surrounding area, which led to a sudden and all-encompassing frenzy of smoke, ash and molten rock over western Michoacán. A few months later, lava flows down its slopes meant surrounding villages had to be evacuated – two were buried completely and hundreds of homes were destroyed. If you wish to visit today, you’ll need to hire a local guide. 

While they might look like regular (albeit very beautiful) mountains to the untrained eye, the Three Sisters are in fact a cluster of glacier-covered stratovolcanoes. Located in Oregon’s Cascade Range, the South, Middle and North sisters developed at different times and from different types of lava, with the most recent eruption occurring at South Sister around 2,000 years ago. Scientists believe the surrounding land is rising faster than usual, meaning that magma could be moving underground, although there is “no imminent threat” of an eruption.

A must-see for anyone visiting Hawaii’s Big Island, Kīlauea is one of the most fascinating and active volcanoes in the US. Formed between 210,000 and 280,000 years ago, it began its most recent period of eruptions on 29 September 2021 and is continuing to spew molten rock at the time of writing. Those who wish to see the lava flows should head to Volcanoes National Park (open 24 hours a day) and check out one of the recommended viewpoints: Uekahuna, Wahinekapu, Kilauea Overlook, Kupi Na Pali and Keanakakoi Overlook. 

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Until very recently, most people just saw Mount St Helens as a picturesque, cone-shaped mountain – it was often called ‘the Mount Fuji of America’. But in 1980, that all changed. An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter Scale led to a huge landslide on the peak’s northern slope, which ultimately triggered a giant Plinian eruption (large, explosive events which send gas billowing more than 6.8 miles (11km) into the atmosphere). Today, your best bet for seeing the volcano up close (if you dare) is to visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory, located in the blast zone, which is open mid-May to mid-October.

Thankfully, this volcano isn’t half as lethal as a shot of tequila, as it hasn't erupted since the Pleistocene era (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago) and is generally considered extinct. Located in Mexico’s Jalisco state, it’s surrounded by a stunning combination of blue agave fields, native aloe vera plants and cedar forests. To reach the summit, it’s a fairly straightforward four-hour walk up a rocky path from the town of Tequila, although if you want to get right to the top there’s a short section of rope climbing at the end.

Situated in the eastern Cascade range, Newberry is mind-bogglingly big: at 1,200 square miles (3,100sq km), it’s around the size of Rhode Island. Not only that, it’s one of the Pacific Northwest’s most active volcanoes, with its most recent eruption occurring 1,300 years ago. Two crater lakes, Paulina and East Lake, can be found at the top of the caldera while other fascinating features include fossilised lava flows, steep cliffs, hot springs and waterfalls. Since it’s so large and varied, it’s worth spending a couple of days visiting this magma-formed natural playground, where hiking, biking, paddle boarding and sailing are popular activities.

Rising up in the centre of the Island of Hawaii, Maunaloa is the biggest active volcano on the planet at more than 13,100 feet (4,000m) above sea level. Fittingly, its name means ‘long mountain’ in Hawaiian – its dome is around 74 miles (120km) long. It’s far from being a gentle giant too, having erupted on average once every five years since 1843, although thankfully there hasn’t been an explosion in almost four decades. If you do wish to visit, you’ll have to obtain a permit to trek to its summit, which can be strenuous and is only recommended for experienced hikers. 

On a clear day, you can see the majestic Mount Redoubt from Kenai, 50 miles (80km) west – which is as close as many visitors will want to get to this active volcano. It erupted three times in the 20th century, with one particularly severe explosion between 1989 and 1990 becoming the second most expensive eruption in US history. During the latest period of activity in 2009, it emitted a plume of ash over nine miles (14km) high. To see the terrifying peak from afar, head to Deep Creek State Recreation Area or Anchor River State Recreation Area along the Sterling Highway.

Volcano enthusiasts should look no further than Long Valley caldera, which is an excellent place to learn about these intriguing geological features. The 11-by-20-mile (17-by-32km) caldera, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada, was formed by a ‘supereruption’ 760,000 years ago. During this eruption, which is thought to have been one of the largest on Earth, around 24 square miles (100sq km) of tephra (rock fragments) were dispersed, creating a range of geological features including the Long Valley caldera. 

Remote and little-known El Chichón was considered dormant until fairly recently. In 1982, the volcano in Mexico’s Chiapas state rumbled back to life, sending a giant ash cloud into the skies and a slew of lava flows down its slopes. Tragically, nine villages were wiped out and around 1,900 lives were lost. The eruption dramatically changed the shape of its surrounding landscape too: its previous dome was obliterated and a large crater lake was left in its place. 

The highest volcano in Washington’s North Cascades range at 10,781 feet (3,286m), Mount Baker hasn’t had a major eruption in 6,700 years. That being said, scientists noticed magma entering it from the nearby Sherman crater between 1975 and 1976, which led to more intense monitoring of the area (although much of that has since been reduced). Today, the alpine wilderness surrounding Mount Baker is popular for climbing, skiing, camping, hiking and more.

The awe-inspiring Mount Shasta, situated in the Cascades range around 60 miles (97km) north of Redding, is shrouded in myths and legends. For many Indigenous groups who live in its shadow, including the Klamath, Modoc, Pit and Wintu peoples, it’s considered sacred and the home of the creator. Meanwhile, scientists say it’s so tall that it creates its own weather. Today the volcano, which erupts on average once every 600 to 800 years, is a honeypot for mountaineers, but there are also plenty of gorgeous hiking trails nearby, so you don’t need to scale the summit to experience its beauty.

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Named after USGS geologist Josiah Edward Spurr, who led an expedition here in 1898, Mount Spurr is the highest volcano in the Aleutian arc, at 11,070 feet (3,374m) tall. It’s located roughly 80 miles (130km) west of Anchorage and can be seen from the city on clear days, or you can head to one of many viewing points along the Seward Highway for a closer look. During its latest explosion in 1992, it covered the surrounding region in an eight-inch (20cm) thick layer of ash.

Rising 4,134 feet (1,260m) from its very own island in Cook Inlet, southern Alaska, this conical volcano is considered one of the most dynamic in the region. It has erupted nine times in the last century and its most recent period of activity, in January 2005, saw 5.6-mile (9km) high plumes of ash spouting from the peak, with a large lava flow down its northern side. The best way to see it? Head to Lower Cook Inlet or Anchor Point, although bear in mind that the summit can sometimes be obscured by clouds. 

Another fiery giant that’s still very much active is Colima, situated in Jalisco in western Mexico. Known to have erupted frequently since the 16th century, the restless peak began releasing lava and gases in September 2016, followed by an ash cloud which rose 6,562 feet (2,000m) into the atmosphere. Those wishing to visit can book onto a specialist tour with a guide to see the volcano (from a safe distance).

The jewel in the crown of British Columbia’s Garibaldi Provincial Park, this 8,786 foot (2,678m) volcano last erupted in 8060 BC. Thought to be around half a million years old, the glacier-capped peak can be climbed by experienced mountaineers on a guided trip, or you can visit the surrounding 194,650-hectare provincial park to revel at it from below. Popular with skiers and snowboarders in winter, the region is transformed into a verdant, flower-filled landscape come summer, with plenty of well-maintained hiking trails to explore.

Technically a cinder cone, mound-shaped Santa Clara is monogenetic – meaning it only erupts once in its lifetime. So you can check out the 4,806-foot (1,465m) wonder without the fear of it exploding. What’s more, the surrounding scenery of southern Utah’s ‘volcano country’, where you’ll also find the nearby Veyo volcano, has an edge-of-the-world beauty that makes it well worth exploring. Intrepid hikers who wish to do so should pack sensible footwear – the terrain here is loose and rocky – and be prepared to go off the beaten track, as there aren’t established trails in some parts. 

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To see the true power of lava, rock and ash, look no further than south-central Idaho’s Craters of the Moon. This epic 53,500-acre National Monument protects a range of unusual formations and lava flows which were formed by volcanoes around 15,000 to 2,000 years ago. There are around 35 of the craters which give the region its name, the largest of which are up to half a mile (0.8km) wide. Many visitors choose to drive the seven-mile (11km) circular road through the park, stopping to walk along trails and craters along the way.

The largest eruption in the 20th century and the largest ever in North America, in 1912 Novarupta completely altered the shape of the surrounding region. Beginning on 6 June, strong yet shallow earthquakes were felt across the Alaskan peninsula, heralding the start of a 60-hour blast which sent a cloud of ash around 20 miles (23km) high. The nearby Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, which was previously green and verdant, was transformed by the event. Today, it’s a desolate, otherworldly landscape filled with fumaroles spouting steam and gas. 

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Formed roughly 1.25 million years ago, Valles Caldera is the oldest of its kind in the US. Nowadays, the 13-mile (21km) wide hollow, located in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, is barely recognisable as a volcano – it hasn’t erupted for some 40,000 years. In lieu of volcanic activity, the region has been taken over by grasslands which are home to a wide range of species: coyotes, golden eagles, elk, badgers and Gunnison prairie dogs, to name a few.

Considered geologically young, Dotsero Crater erupted into being around 5,500 to 3,800 years ago. The 2,460-foot (750m) wide, 250-foot (76m) deep depression, located in central Colorado, is crossed by Interstate 70, making it easy for many people to peek at the magma-formed marvel while on the road. But it’s well worth stopping to explore the Dotsero Crater Recreation Site to check out its fossilised lava flows and vibrant red slopes up close. You can even hike from the rim of the crater down into the volcano if you wish, following a two-mile (3.2km) there-and-back trail. 

Among Oregon’s best-known natural wonders, Crater Lake is an incredibly clear lake contained within (you guessed it) a six-mile (10km) wide crater. Located in the Cascades Range, it was formed by the eruption of Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago. Today, it’s the deepest lake in the US and is marked out by a cinder cone known as Wizard Island at the centre, while 2,000-foot (600m) high cliffs tower around the outside.

It’s not known exactly when Mount Cayley last erupted, yet there’s no shortage of movement in the surrounding volcanic field, from hot springs to shallow earthquakes. The 7,792-foot (2,375m) peak was formed during three periods of activity in the Pliocene period (5.4 to 2.4 million years ago) and Pleistocene period (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago). There are several hiking trails to check out the area, including the 6.2-mile (10km) Ring Lake trail, or experienced mountaineers can scale the peak via its north or south face.

Towering 10,541 feet (3,213m) above the surrounding landscape of Washington’s Snohomish County, Glacier Peak last erupted 1,100 years ago. The remote stratovolcano is far from major towns and cities, meaning it’s rarely visited, but keen hikers can take a 32-mile (52km) out-and-back trail to discover its wild beauty, journeying through steep valleys and dense forests along the way. It's not to be underestimated though: according to the USGS, the little-known peak has been responsible for some of the largest eruptions in the lower 48 states. 

Fittingly, Popocatépetl’s name means ‘smoking mountain’ in Nahuatl. In 1994, this 17,930-foot (5,465m) stratovolcano, located around 40 miles (70km) southeast of Mexico City, came back to life after lying dormant for around 50 years. In January 2020, it spewed a rock-and-ash cloud some 9,800 feet (3,000m) into the atmosphere and the eruption was caught on camera. It’s possible to visit Popocatépetl and nearby Iztaccíhuatl, although you must obtain access to the national park and check volcanic activity before you go. 

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