The Forge of Vulcan

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on April 11, 2009 - 2:11am

Quicktime

Valley of 10,000 Smokes. NPS photo by Peter Hamel.

Most of us know about Yellowstone National Park and its fuming and sputtering and spouting geyser basins. And Lake Clark National Park and Preserve has been in the news lately with the rumbling and sputtering of Redoubt Volcano.

But how many are familiar with the Forge of Vulcan?

In reality, the forge is the "valley of 10,000 smokes" and the underlying volcanics in Katmai National Park and Preserve. To learn the history of this place, fill your cup of coffee or tea, sit back, and watch this 18-minute video from 1979. It's a classic of National Park Service interpretation.

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Comments

Submitted by Jim Burnett on April 11, 2009 - 8:58am.

The "Forge of Vulcan" - now there's a great name for a place with volcanic activity!

Submitted by Ray Bane on April 12, 2009 - 1:13am.

Ah, great memories! Katmai is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic and awe inspiring places on earth.

Submitted by dmackay (not verified) on April 12, 2009 - 6:06pm.

It is a classic. The guitar work in the background distinctly sets it apart as being made in the late 70's and early 80's. It was well written and very enjoyable. Thanks for making it available. I wonder how many such documentaries that have been made over the last century are lying in a vault or perhaps a cardboard box, waiting to be rediscovered. What treasures.

Thanks,
Don