Umnak Island, west of Dutch Harbor, is a remarkably remote and rarely visited island in the eastern Aleutians. Other than the Aleut village of Nikolski on the western end of the island and a lonely ranch at the abandoned Fort Glen, Umnak is all wilderness located within the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Buffeted by storms and cloaked in thick green vegetation, Umnak rises steeply from the Pacific and Bering Seas, providing breeding habitat for sea-birds and marine mammals. Okmok Caldera, which erupted violently in July 2008 dominates the east end of Umnak Island; two steep and dramatic volcanoes dominate the west end. In between lays Geyser Bight, Hot Springs Cove, and an area of rocky ridges, alpine glaciers, lush verdant valleys, and black sand beaches.

After an unforgettable boat ride aboard the Ms Alyssa from Dutch Harbor, complete with whale watching and world-class birding, Captain Jimmer will ferry us to the beach. We will have most of a week to enjoy this exotic destination. The hot springs and geysers heated by nearby volcanic activity are scattered throughout the area. There are warm pools to lounge in, with a bubbling creek in which to cool off. Around each bend of the creek is a new wonder. When the tide recedes there are even hot-springs on the beach so you can relax in a warm bath while dipping your toes in the Bering Sea. Once relaxed and refreshed we can hike inland is search of fumeroles and geysers. Some of the geysers are capable of throwing rocks meters into the air!

When not gawking at the geothermal attractions we can relish in the flora and fauna. The mild maritime climate creates an explosion of flowers each summer, head-high beach grasses and mats of berries. Without bears to prey upon them, the island’s reindeer population flourishes and we are likely to see them grazing on the mountainsides.

The weather in the region is legendary. The temperatures are not extreme but the wind can be extraordinarily strong, whipping the sea into a maelstrom; rain and fog are common. For some, the dramatic weather and the ever-changing sky are reason enough to travel to these little rocky islands in the middle of the enormous ocean.

In addition to the wildlife and wild geology, this trip will introduce you to the long and fascinating human history of the area. Aleut (Unangan) people have lived on Umnak for 12,000 years and their history and history is worthy of study. The modern ranching, fishing and military history of the area also add interest and depth to our trip. We will provide a selection of relevant books but perusing the reading list below will add to your enjoyment of the trip.

This is an extremely remote area almost never visited by tourists and we are eager to share its beauty with you. Because of the fickle weather, we have a plan A, B, and C, but we may need to develop plans D through G. We have numerous contacts in the area and a wealth of experience leading groups in remote areas. If delayed by weather we will find interesting and exciting things to do while we wait for an opportunity to travel. Travel insurance is required.