{"id":5302,"date":"2015-06-23T14:54:12","date_gmt":"2015-06-23T18:54:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/avirtualdominica.com\/?page_id=5302"},"modified":"2023-09-05T19:48:01","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T23:48:01","slug":"the-boiling-lake","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.avirtualdominica.com\/the-boiling-lake\/","title":{"rendered":"The Boiling Lake"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Boiling Lake
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The most famous of Dominica’s trails, the Boiling Lake\u00a0<\/strong>is a flooded fumarole reached after a hard 3-4 hour hike (one-way) from the village of Laudat. But it’s well worth it – the Lake is a cauldron of bubbling greyish-blue water that is usually enveloped in a cloud of vapour.\u00a0The lake is known as the world’s second largest boiling lake, at approximately 200 ft (63m) across.<\/p>\n

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A Little History<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n

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The first recorded sighting of the Lake was in 1870 by Mr. Watt and Dr. Nicholls, two Englishmen working in Dominica at that time. In 1875, Mr. H. Prestoe, a government botanist, and Dr. Nicholls were commissioned to investigate this natural phenomenon. They measured the water temperature and found it to range from 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit (82 – 91.5 Celsius) along the edges, but could not measure the temperature at the centre where the Lake is actively boiling. They recorded the depth to be greater than 195ft (59m).<\/p>\n

A later report indicated that apparently the water level of the lake dropped and a geyser developed in the lake’s centre. The geyser spewed water and mud to 60ft (18m) and higher, building a pumice cone at its base and filling the bottom of the lake. A photograph taken in 1895 when the Boiling Lake was ‘dry’ showed the water level 30-50 feet below the water line. In April 1988, the lake stopped boiling. intermittently, and the level dropped by 29 feet. It has since returned to its normal conditions.<\/p>\n

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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”The Trail” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” module_id=”thetrail” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

The Trail<\/h2>\n

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Any page about The Boiling Lake trail should start with the cardinal rule: first and foremost go with someone who knows the way well<\/strong>. You can get a guide<\/strong> when you get to the usual launching point – Laudat – or you can ask around in Roseau in the days before you go or organise it through your hotel. The trail is for the most part well defined and it is tempting to set out on one’s own. But since much is along a razor-thin ridge and there are other parts where you’re scrambling over rocks, the experience of One Who Knows The Way is without price (but will usually cost you about EC$150 per person).<\/p>\n

The trail itself is around eight miles. Officially it’s around a three-hour walk each way, and that amount of time should be allowed for; do not start the hike after midday. The going is not, in horse racing terms, Good to Firm. ‘Extremely Muddy’ describes it better. Which leads into cardinal rule number two: wear your scruffiest clothes. The problem is that few people travel on their dream holiday to the Caribbean with the kind of clothes they’d mow the lawn in or paint the house. Nethertheless, I’ve seen many good (brand new, even) training shoes totally ruined by a trip to The Lake. Good walking boots are best, but any firm & comfortable shoe should suffice.<\/p>\n

Next tip: schedule the trip so that the following day is a ‘beach day’. That is, will put no demands on your body whatsoever. Such as can be had lying in the sun, or in the office.<\/p>\n

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The Hike<\/h2>\n

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The Lake is reached by a 2\u00a0–\u00a04 hour walk from the village of Laudat.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Part I” title=”Part I: Titou Gorge to Breakfast River” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”&#x39;||divi||400″ icon_color=”#96e082″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#79d097″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#79d097″ icon_placement=”left” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” header_font_size=”22″ background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” image_max_width=”none” border_radii_image=”on||||”]<\/p>\n

Time taken: Approx 1 hour<\/h4>\n

The starting point for the trail is Titou Gorge <\/b>(1,690ft). The path climbs steadily for about 45 minutes, and there are one or two points early on where you can (carefully) look down on the Gorge. This is perhaps the muddiest part of the hike. \u00a0As you descend to the Breakfast River there is a good viewpoint looking up the river.<\/p>\n

The Breakfast River<\/b> is traditionally the first stop, where one takes a breather and eats\u00a0breakfast. It is good to gain some energy as it\u2019s uphill immediately thereafter and for the next hour. This is the last spot for clean drinking water, so fill up!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Part II” title=” Part II: Breakfast River to the top of the Valley of Desolation” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”&#x39;||divi||400″ icon_color=”#96e082″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#79d097″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#79d097″ icon_placement=”left” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” header_font_size=”22″ background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” image_max_width=”none” border_radii_image=”on||||”]<\/p>\n

\nTime taken: Approx 1 hour<\/p>\n

From the ascent of Breakfast River, it is steeply uphill to about 2,500ft, then a steady SE climb along the ridge to the top (3,168ft) where\u2019s there\u2019s a clearing and a good point to stop and rest. On a sunny day it can provide spectacular 360\u00b0 views. Coming back it at least represents the epitome of the \u2018it\u2019s all downhill from here\u2019 attitude (although it\u2019s not). The trail goes onwards for about 20 minutes to the top of the Valley of Desolation. As you descend the ridge, on your left side in a distance you can grab your first views of the steam rising from The Lake.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Part III” title=” Part III: The Valley of Desolation to The Lake” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”&#x39;||divi||400″ icon_color=”#96e082″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#79d097″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#79d097″ icon_placement=”left” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” header_font_size=”22″ background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” image_max_width=”none” border_radii_image=”on||||”]<\/p>\n

\nTime taken: Approx 1 hour<\/p>\n

From the ridge, the trail descends steeply into The Valley of Desolation.<\/p>\n

\n

The Valley is not covered by an ice-thin crust that can crack open and devour the unsuspecting (although one should certainly explore it with caution). It is perhaps better than The Lake, because you can scamper around and see all the different colours you never imagined water could be. A kind of interactive vulcanism lesson.<\/p>\n

Look also for the Fumarole Vegetation \u2013 the only kind of vegetation that can survive in this environment<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

At the bottom of the Valley the trail becomes vague, crossing and recrossing the stream, so be careful.<\/p>\n

There are several places where you can bathe in the soothing warm waters of the stream, but don\u2019t spend too much time soaking \u2013 you don\u2019t want your muscles to become all mushy for the long hard hike back afterwards!<\/p>\n

From the Valley it\u2019s generally uphill to a point where one can look down on another area of \u2018Desolation\u2019. The Lake is just 15 minutes away there!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Part IV” title=”Part IV: The Lake” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”&#x39;||divi||400″ icon_color=”#96e082″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#79d097″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#79d097″ icon_placement=”left” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” header_font_size=”22″ background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” image_max_width=”none” border_radii_image=”on||||”]<\/p>\n

\nElevation: 2,640ft<\/p>\n

Exercise extreme caution at the lake: the sides are steep and though the hill above the lake offers the best views, the rocks are often very slippy.<\/p>\n

Today the Lake appears like a cauldron of bubbling greyish-blue water that is usually enveloped in a cloud of vapour. The lake is approximately 200ft (63m) across and its present depth is unknown. The side of the lake are a mixture of clay, pumice and small stones.<\/p>\n

It is believed that the Lake is actually a flooded fumarole, a crack through which gases escape from the molten lava below, rather than a volcanic crater. The natural basin of the Boiling Lake collects the rainfall from the surrounding hills and from two small streams which empty into the lake. The water seeps through the porous bottom to the hot lava below where it is trapped and heated to boiling point.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Part V” title=”The Way Home” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”&#x39;||divi||400″ icon_color=”#79d097″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#79d097″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#79d097″ icon_placement=”left” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” header_font_size=”22″ background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” image_max_width=”none” border_radii_image=”on||||”]<\/p>\n

\nBefore you know it, you’re on The Return Journey. And isn’t it funny how one no longer cares about getting muddy?<\/p>\n

Think only of the adventurous swim up the\u00a0Titou Gorge<\/a> to complete the end of your hike or the hot meal that may await you. If you would like to soothe your muscles, hop over to the next valley, Wotten Waven, where you have your choice of many different hot springs, and reward yourself with a relaxing and rejuvenating soak in the warm pools…. and maybe even with a rum punch!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||” saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”From Our Blog” use_border_color=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.17.1″ text_orientation=”left”]<\/p>\n

From Our Blog<\/h2>\n

Read more about the amazing Boiling Lake – 5 Favourite Things About the Boiling Lake<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.1″ show_divider=”off” height=”50px” \/][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.avirtualdominica.com\/dominica-directory\/island-category\/tour-providers\/hiking-guide\/” button_text=”Find a Hiking Guide for your Boiling Lake Trip” button_alignment=”center” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null” _builder_version=”3.18.4″]<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_cta admin_label=”The Perfect Backpack” title=”The Perfect Backpack” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” disabled=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_color=”#000000″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”16800″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” 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For hiking in Dominica, my favourite backpack is a waterproof<\/strong> one. It’s not only great for hiking in the rainforest, you can take it along on a kayaking trip, whale-watching, or to the beach to keep things sand-free & dry. Check out this MarsBro Waterproof Backpack on Amazon<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_button admin_label=”Hiking Guide Button” button_url=”https:\/\/www.avirtualdominica.com\/dominica-directory\/island-category\/tour-providers\/hiking-guide\/” button_text=”Find a Hiking Guide for your Boiling Lake Trip” button_alignment=”center” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null” _builder_version=”3.18.4″]<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_button][et_pb_cta admin_label=”Tips for the Hike” title=”Tips for the Hike” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” disabled=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.9″ button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”]<\/p>\n

\nWear comfortable clothing<\/strong>. It will be humid \u2013 and muddy!<\/p>\n