December 3, 2025
Krasheninnikov volcano – active again after 475 years.
Though Krasheninnikov volcano is one of the most meditative-contemplative volcanoes in Kamchatka, helicopter tours usually fly right past it. Even on my own travels around Kamchatka, we always skipped it too. And that’s such a shame, since it’s a truly fascinating sight! So – why’s it normally passed by? Because it’s practically always hidden beneath ever-present pesky clouds. Just like on this day: in the foreground is Krasheninnikov; behind it is Kronotsky ->
So, why even mention Krasheninnikov if it’s just one of the hundreds of Kamchatkan volcanoes? Because it’s been in the news…
After the earthquake in Kamchatka this summer, Krasheninnikov suddenly woke up – after a full 475 years asleep (the last time it erupted was in the year 1550!). And no one expected it. Even volcanologists were surprised – but there you have it. It started puffing out all sorts of volcanic emissions.
As mentioned, this year there were the usual clouds getting in the way of a good view of the volcano. This is the best pic I could manage – but at least it shows the crater emitting something (further adding to the cloud!) ->
Fresh lava flows appear as black streaks across the autumn landscapes:
And up close:
But we couldn’t get in any nearer – the clouds were wrapped tightly around the summit.
The lava flows burn, hiss… and stink:
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the main vent:
So we headed back to base in the Valley of Geysers – where Midori Kuma was waiting for us ->
That evening – a nice bright rainbow. That’s usually a sign that the next day will be wonderful – and it was!…
In closing, a few more contemplative autumnal shots:
And that’s all for today, folks!
The best hi-res photos from Kamchatka-fall-2025 are here.
#/media/File:Krasheninnikov_volcanoe.jpg){kind=link}