Volcanic Geology and Huoshu Crater

The volcanic origins of Jingpo Lake are visible throughout the National Forest Park, and exploring them gives the landscape a second dimension beyond the scenery. Lava caves, basalt columns, and solidified lava flows in unusual forms are scattered through the forest along the park's trail network. The Huoshu (Fire Tree) crater area to the north of the lake is the most concentrated volcanic feature — a series of craters and lava formations from the eruptions that created the lake, with good views over the surrounding forest from the higher points.

The lava caves are accessible on guided tours from the park entrance area; some are large enough to walk through comfortably, with internal formations that form naturally when the outer crust of a lava flow cools and solidifies while molten rock continues to drain through inside. Allow a half-day for the volcanic geology circuit, separate from the waterfall and lake visits.

things to do sight
A story
Jingpo Lake did not exist 10,000 years ago. A series of volcanic eruptions from the Diaoshuilou volcano sent lava flows down the Mudan River valley, blocking it completely. The river backed up behind the natural dam, and what had been a mountain valley slowly filled to become a lake 45 kilometres long. The lava dam is still there, at the northern end — that is what the river falls over at Diaoshuilou.