Few tourists know that Mount Rainier in Washington is actually an active volcano. While it has been over 1,000 years since it last erupted, the park still has a deadly history. The area is cold all year round. Combining that with its narrow hiking trails and frequent avalanches, taking on this mountain just might be the last thing you do.
The most dangerous part of the mountain is Liberty Ridge, where 25 percent of the park’s fatalities occur. Even the most experienced of hikers have found themselves in trouble on this trail. Fortunately, the Mount Rainier National Park makes sure visitors know how dangerous Liberty Ridge is, and now only two percent of hikers choose to take that route.
Death Valley, California
As one of the hottest locations in the world, it’s no coincidence that Death Valley is named after kicking the bucket. The desert reaches temperatures so high that heatstroke and dehydration are a common occurrence. In fact, even driving by the area is known to lead to death. People often pass out behind the wheel, causing a surprising number of deadly car accidents.
In addition to the heat, tourists have to be able to navigate the area’s rocky terrain and watch out for a number of venomous animals. A highly experienced tour guide is not just recommended, it’s necessary for anyone considering a trip to Death Valley.
Barrow, Alaska
Utqiagvik is a town in Northern Alaska formerly known as Barrow. Home to the Iñupiat indigenous group for more than 1,500 years, the area is only accessible by plane or boat. Residents find themselves in the dark from November to January, but that’s not what makes this remote town so dangerous to tourists.
Those who visit Barrow are strongly encouraged not to wander too far from the town. With temperatures below freezing all year round, being caught outdoors without a hat or gloves will guarantee a trip to the emergency room. Frostbite is the biggest threat for tourists who dare to venture to this remote village.
The Berkeley Pit, Montana
Started in 1955, the Berkeley Pit was an active copper mine until 1982. Located in Butte, Montana, the area was considered an essential part of the mining boom in the 19th century and even went on to earn itself the nickname of the “richest hill on Earth.” After the pit was shut down, the miners took their water pumps with them, ultimately leaving the pit to fill up with groundwater.
This isn’t your typical groundwater though. Due to the pollution caused by years of mining the area, as well as natural minerals in the ground, the water that ended up filling the pit is extremely toxic. Full of nasty chemicals and heavy metals, the water often appears discolored. The color tends to change from black, to red, and sometimes even an unnatural blue. Visitors can check out the Berkeley Pit from a viewing platform and even take a tour of the mines. It’s fairly safe as long as you don’t drink the water!
Huntsville, Alabama
While Huntsville, Alabama may seem like just another city in the United States, tourists might be risking their lives by visiting. Every few years, an unexpected natural phenomenon takes over the city, putting everyone at the center of destruction. Tornadoes have been ripping through Huntsville for decades, and never fail to appear during a storm.
The area has been ripped apart by more than a dozen tornadoes since the ‘70s and they don’t appear to be letting up anytime soon. What makes these tornadoes especially dangerous is how quickly they appear, destroying everything and everyone in its path.