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Volcanoes, awe-inspiring natural phenomena formed by the Earth’s tectonic processes, dot the globe in regions where tectonic plates converge or diverge. The United States holds the record for the most volcanoes overall, with 169 Holocene volcanoes spread across its diverse regions. This makes it the country with the highest total number of volcanoes globally. Significant concentrations of volcanoes are in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest.

The Aleutian Islands and Alaska Peninsula are home to over 80 volcanoes, many of which are remote but geologically significant.

Volcano tourism The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operates five volcano observatories, including the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Cascades Volcano Observatory, to monitor activity and issue alerts.


Hawaii, formed by a tectonic hotspot, is a premier destination for volcano tourism in the U.S. Big names like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park draw millions of visitors annually. The park encompasses two of the world’s most active volcanoes , Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can drive along Crater Rim Drive or Chain of Craters Road for jaw-dropping views of Kilauea’s caldera and Mauna Loa’s slopes. The Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) provides a unique underground experience, where you can walk through a cave formed by ancient lava flows.


The Cascade Range, stretching from Washington to Northern California, is home to iconic stratovolcanoes like Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier , and Lassen Peak. These volcanoes are a part of the Ring of Fire, combining dramatic landscapes with accessible trails.

Mount St. Helens in Washington is famous for its catastrophic 1980 eruption, which killed 57 people and devastated 230 square miles. For adventure seekers, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument offers hiking trails like Monitor Ridge, a strenuous 5-mile climb with views of the crater and surrounding Cascade peaks.


At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier looms over Seattle and is considered one of the most hazardous volcanoes due to its potential for volcanic mudflows. But it is also one of the most visited mountains in the country. For those interested in outdoor adventures, Mount Rainier National Park offers summer hiking, biking, and the Sunrise Geology Audio Tour. Come winter, the mountain is one of the best for activities like skiing and snowshoeing.

With over 50 volcanoes, Alaska is a hotspot for adventurous travelers seeking remote volcanic landscapes. Mount Redoubt, located in Lake Clark National Park, erupted in 2009. Visitors can view it from Deep Creek State Recreation Area, about 50 miles away, or via helicopter tours. Great Sitkin in the Aleutian Islands has been erupting lava since July 2021, and because of this, visitors are not allowed. But one can still view the volcano from the nearest city of Adak.