Volcanic Wonders: La Soufrière Volcano

Prepare yourself well for this extraordinary hike. We left with a path opener who knew his route very well but was not a guide (he climbed the volcano in fangs with his machete...but hats off to you at 62!) if we had had a problem he wouldn't have been able to do anything for us despite everything. He had one goal, to take us to the top of the volcano. We started from Richmond Beach, then walked through some beautiful hollows into a lush jungle. The climb is gradual. Large steps allow you to gain ground effectively but not easy for fragile knees. You need to be in good shape, have water, a good snack and leave early. We crossed the last desert area with all its buried trees of which only the trunks remain, the last thirty steep minutes on a ridge of the volcano are striking, a lot of wind which sometimes requires you to crouch down and the emptiness on each side...but the view at the top is breathtaking. The crater offers itself to us with all its fumaroles...its shades of gray, tones...its wind...magical. The descent of the volcano is not to be taken lightly especially as we experienced a windy downpour but it quickly calmed down. For the descent into the jungle, a lot of holes in the ground but by leaving early in the morning you are more vigilant, it's pleasant to be among the trees and in a certain humidity. A word of advice: don't go there alone... a priori there would be a simpler route but that's not the one we obviously took.

The hike was worth it we had a wonderful view at the top

Great hike, its tough, plenty worth it

Very nice hike. Also a very good view at the top. Would recommend. Just being good shoes and some water

One of the best and most impressive hikes in my life! The leeward hiking trail is not officially open as of December 2024 but you can still make it if you are fit and well prepared. It's also definitely not for the beginners (if you are unsure, you can take the easier Windward trail). Be aware that cross-country route is not available and perhaps won't be available in the future due to unstable ground at the crater. The trail also lacks clear markings, it's difficult to find the starting point after crossing the river but afterwards it's quite intuitive where to go. Last hundred meters are very demanding due to steep incline, unstable ground, changing weather, strong cold winds and sulfur smell. The place feels very remote so take somebody in company if you want to feel safer. Start early if you want to make it to the top and come back before the dusk, it took me 5-6 hours in total. Good luck, the views are really rewarding!!