By Mario Russell
Dominica is a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails to explore. The hike to Boiling Lake is considered to be one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Caribbean for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
It is larger than the Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand and considered to be the largest boiling
lake in the world. It is a top tourist attraction for Dominica and visitors come from all over the world to experience its adventure.
The Boiling Lake is a large, flooded fumarole (an opening in the Earth’s crust through which volcanic gases and steam escape) located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica. The lake’s name comes from its bubbling, churning, and steaming appearance, which is caused by the intense heat from volcanic activity beneath the surface. The water is typically shrouded in a cloud of vapour and can reach temperatures near boiling point due to the geothermal activity beneath the surface. It was formed as a result of volcanic activity in the area. The water temperature of the Boiling Lake can vary, but it often hovers around 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit (82 to 92 degrees Celsius). The intense heat is what gives the lake its characteristic boiling and steaming appearance. The Boiling Lake holds cultural significance for the indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica, who consider it a place of mystery and power.
The Hike
Access to the Boiling Lake is via a challenging and strenuous hike, however, it is doable by the average fit person. The hike takes approximately 2 1/2 – 3 hours to reach the lake and passes through lush rainforests, sulfur springs, and breathtaking landscapes. The distance to the lake is 3.32 miles or
5.3 km, however, the traverse terrain makes it longer. The return journey is via the same route and the real challenge on the return is the reverse and entails climbing out of the Valley of Desolation.
Titou Gorge is located at the beginning of the expedition and on the return from Boiling Lake it is a lovely place to take a cool-down swim, through the gorge to a lovely waterfall. There is also a hot spring flowing into the gorge.
The hike starts at the trailhead in the village of Laudat, where there are numerous hot springs, waterfalls and lakes. Some of the popular destinations in the surrounding valleys are Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls, Fresh Water Lake and Borei Lake. Given the elevation gain and the challenging nature of the hike, it’s essential to be physically prepared and allow sufficient time to complete the journey safely. Additionally, the weather and trail conditions can play a significant role in the overall difficulty of the hike.
The trail to the lake is wide and open and easy to follow however a guide is strongly recommended. The journey can be divided into 3 legs and it promises to be the most diverse and awe-inspiring trail in Dominica.
Leg#1 is to Trois Piton River, Leg #2 is up the steep hills to descend in the Valley of Desolation and Leg#3 is from the Valley of Desolation to the lake.
Leg#1
Leg #1 starts from Titou Gorge with a constant 45-degree climb through the lush rainforest to the top of Morne Nicholls at 770 metres. The trail descends sharply to the Trois Piton River. Hiking time is approximately an hour.
Leg#2
Leg# 2 is where one’s fitness and determination will be tested and you will feel the through experience of Dominica’s rugged mountains. From the river, the trail continues with a steep and never-ending climb through an open valley to the top of the mountain. It can be best described as a constant 2-foot stairway to heaven. On both sides of the footpath, there are steep cliffs however the
views of the surrounding mountains are just awesome. The altitude at the top of the mountain is 950 meters or 3117 feet above sea level. At the top of the mountain, there is an open area where one can relax and catch their breath. A tall mountain facing the southern side of the trail is Morne Watt at 4016 feet. The wind at the summit is so strong, it adds anxiety to the journey. The
descent to the Valley of Desolation is almost vertical and caution is needed going down the steep inclines.
Leg#3
Leg # 3 The walk through the Valley of Desolation is simply mind-blowing with hot springs bubbling on each side of the footpath. The water’s heat and bubbling are a clear indication of the volcanic forces still active in the region.Tall mountains isolate the valley and you feel you are in no-man’s land. The
trail narrows and leads down the stream where there are numerous pools and mini waterfalls to ascend. The water in the river contains sulphur deposits andis ash grey in colour. It takes about 45-mins hiking through the Valley of Desolation to reach the lake.
