Where in the World is the Boiling Lake?

The heart of the Valley of Desolation

The Boiling Lake in DominicaPhoto byJust Go Dominica

So far in this series, we have traveled to Australia to explore the bubblegum pink lake, Lake Hillier. We’ve awed at the mysteries located in the depths of the Pearl of Siberia, Lake Baikal. We have even trembled on the shores of Lake Natron, located in Tanzania, whose waters turn animals to stone.

Now our journey takes us to a body of water that is just burning for visitors!

The Boiling Lake

The name Boiling Lake is pretty straightforward, as it is the second-largest lake in the world with waters that are literally boiling. Located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park on Dominica, a Caribbean island, it sits 6.5 miles from the island’s capital, Roseau. The area surrounding the lake is known as the Valley of Desolation.

The lake is tinted a bluish-grey and is usually blanketed with a cloud of steam rising from its bubbling water. Measuring approximately 200 to 250 feet across, its true depths are unknown, not only because of dramatic changes in the levels but the inability of anyone to physically go in and measure the depths.

The first recorded sighting of this natural wonder was in 1870 by two Englishmen working in Dominica, Edmund Watt, and Henrey Alfred Alford Nicholls. Nicholls, along with government botanist Henry Prestoe began investigating the lake in 1875.

They believed the depth at the time to be deeper than 195 feet and were able to measure the water’s temperature around the edge of the lake, finding it to be between 180 to 197 °F (82–92 °C).

Ever-Evolving

Even with the investigations of the lake being considered very recent, the observed changes in the water levels during this time have been significant. When it was discovered in the 1870s, the lake was estimated to be around 195 feet deep, however, after a phreatic eruption in 1880, the lake actually disappeared, leaving behind a steaming geyser of water.

After refilling over the next century, another phreatic eruption lowered the water level by 33 feet between December 2004 and April 2005. It had refilled itself by the following day.

The breathtaking views from the edges of the Boiling LakePhoto byJust Go Dominica

The speed at which the lake is able to drain and refill proves that it lies well above the water table and water is driven into the lake by a continuous stream of steam, emanating from an underground magma chamber. If the supply of steam is disturbed, it allows the water in the lake to drain through the hollows that usually allow the steam to rise.

While referred to as a lake, it is actually a flooded fumarole, which is an opening near a volcano where sulfurous gases escape. The water fills the bottom of the basin, surrounded by high rock walls. The water originates from rainfall, as well as two small streams that drain into the basin.

Visiting

As far as visitors are concerned, just know that even the most experienced hikers have commented on just how difficult the trek to the site is. There are no roads that lead directly to the lake and the nearest road is 8.1 miles (13 km) away!

The most important rule in regards to planning this adventure is: go with someone who knows the way very well. There are guides in the area who specialize in helping tourists to the sight and back.

The eight miles hike takes a minimum of three hours each way. The terrain is rough and rugged. You can check out an hour-by-hour breakdown of the hike here.

Keep in mind that you will not be allowed to climb down to the water's edge and if it needed to be stated, you absolutely cannot swim in the lake.

A portion of the grueling hike to get to The Boiling LakePhoto byDiscover Dominica

The Boiling Lake has become a source of pride for Dominica and has generated revenue from tourism, jobs, a boost in the economy, and most importantly, connections with people from around the world.

***Story originally published on Medium.com by the author***