Explore the Ring of Fire: Educational School Trips to Hawaii, California, Washington, and Alaska

For many students, volcanoes are confined to the realm of imagination, from spectacular movie scenes to classic baking-soda-and-vinegar science experiments. But there's nothing like experiencing real volcanic activity up close, where boiling mud pots, hot springs, and lava tubes bring the science to life.

The West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii, all located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, offer unique opportunities to witness volcanic activity right here in the United States. These regions are perfect for educational school trips, providing hands-on learning experiences in geology, earth sciences, and environmental studies. Here are four incredible destinations for school trips where students can see active volcanoes and explore the natural wonders of these volcanic landscapes.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: School Trip to Hawaii’s Fiery Landscapes

A school trip to Hawaii is more than just a beach vacation—it's a journey into the heart of the Earth. At the 505-square-mile Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, students can explore how volcanic activity has shaped these islands. Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, this park is a World Heritage Site and an ideal location for an educational trip focused on geology and environmental science.

Students can drive or hike through Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road for awe-inspiring views of vast volcanic craters. The highest accessible point, Uēkahuna, offers panoramic views of Kaluapele and Mauna Loa, and is also a significant site for Hawaiian cultural practices. At Kīlauea Overlook, students can marvel at the two-mile-wide Kīlauea caldera, while Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff) showcases the power of magma-heated rocks creating billowing steam.

For an underground adventure, the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) provides a thrilling exploration of caves formed by flowing lava, accessible both day and night. This hike through lush rainforests is a must for any educational trip to Hawaii.

Mount Rainier National Park: Educational Trip to Washington’s Majestic Volcano

Just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Seattle, Mount Rainier stands as a towering symbol of the Pacific Northwest. This 14,410-foot stratovolcano is one of the most hazardous in the Cascade Range, offering students a firsthand look at the power of volcanic forces. An educational trip to Washington that includes Mount Rainier allows students to explore a unique environment shaped by millions of years of eruptions and lava flows.

With activities ranging from summer hiking, climbing, and biking to winter skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, Mount Rainier National Park offers a variety of ways to engage students in the natural world. The Sunrise Geology Audio Tour provides a self-guided exploration of the geological interactions between fire (volcanoes) and ice (glaciers). The park’s renowned wildflower bloom in early August adds another layer of natural beauty to the educational experience.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Volcano and Rainforest School Trips in California

Located about a 3-hour, 45-minute drive from San Francisco, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hidden gem for educational trips focused on volcanic activity. It’s the only place on Earth where students can see all four types of volcanoes—shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome—in one location.

Though Lassen’s volcanoes are currently dormant, the park is alive with geothermal activity, including steam vents, boiling springs, and bubbling mud pots. The park’s Volcano Club, which resumes in 2022, offers students a chance to earn a special patch by completing educational activities that deepen their understanding of volcanic processes.

Beyond volcanoes, the park’s lakes provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, while the dark skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing, especially during the park’s Starry Night Festival.

Katmai National Park & Preserve: A Remote Adventure in Alaska’s Volcanic Wilderness

For those seeking a truly remote and rugged experience, a school trip to Alaska’s Katmai National Park offers an unparalleled educational opportunity. Accessible only by air, Katmai is home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, born from the massive 1912 eruption of Novarupta and Mount Katmai, one of the largest in recorded history.

Students will be amazed by the park’s otherworldly landscape, which was so scarred by volcanic activity that it was used as a training ground for Apollo astronauts. In addition to exploring volcanic formations, students can engage in wildlife observation, with opportunities to see brown bears, moose, gray wolves, and marine life such as orcas and sea otters.

Katmai’s blend of volcanic history and diverse wildlife makes it an extraordinary destination for an educational trip focused on geology, biology, and environmental conservation.

Plan Your Next School Trip with Educational Adventures

Whether you're organizing a school trip to Hawaii, an educational journey to the Pacific Northwest, or a volcano-focused adventure in Alaska, these destinations offer rich, hands-on learning experiences. Encourage your students’ curiosity and ignite their passion for science with an unforgettable trip to one of these volcanic wonders. If interested contact Appleseed Expeditions about one of our exciting educational trips.