Mount Edgecumbe (Alaska)

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For other mountains named Edgecumbe, see Mount Edgecumbe.

Mount Edgecumbe is the current name of a long-dormant volcano located on Kruzof Island, Alaska, USA. It had for centuries been known to the native Tlingit people as L'UX, and was given the name Mount San Jacinto by Spanish explorer Juan de la Bodega in 1775. It was subsequently renamed by British Captain James Cook in 1778, probably for George, Earl of Edgecumbe.

Ascent

Mount Edgecumbe can be easily ascended in a day hike. Although finding marine transportation from the nearby town of Sitka to Kruzof Island is often the biggest obstacle, once hikers reach the island and the Mt. Edgecumbe's trailhead of Fred's Creek, the trip to the base of volcano is relatively flat passing over relatively open expanses of muskeg. There is a three-sided shelter at about mile 3.5, halfway to the mountain and a small campsite right before the final ascent. At about mile six, the climb begins. Soon tree line is achieved and a series of posts guide hikers through the scree. The top is quite barren and winds can be suddenly awoken so it is advisable to bring shelled clothing.

Eruptions

7220 BC
3810 BC
2202 BC ±100 years

In 1974, a prankster ignited several old tires in the crater, convincing nearby residents of Sitka, Alaska that the volcano had awakened.

Trivia

Mount Edgecumbe is the namesake for Mt. Edgecumbe High School which is located on Japonski Island in Sitka.

External links

[Global Volcanism Program: Mount Edgecumbe]
[Topographic map of Mount Edgecumbe (1:250,000 scale)] from USGS Sitka and Port Alexander
[Alaska Volcano Observatory]

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