Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States, is a breathtaking wilderness waiting to be explored.
Covering an astonishing 13.2 million acres, it showcases an impressive mosaic of glaciers, towering peaks, and secluded boreal forests, offering endless opportunities for adventure.
Summer is the recommended time to visit, with pleasant weather and vibrant wildflowers adding color to the stunning landscape.
During a visit in June 2024, I embarked on a unique camping trip on Root Glacier, aiming to experience the summer solstice and the park’s famous midnight sun from the serene beauty of an ice sheet.
Located over 200 miles northeast of Anchorage, Wrangell-St. Elias is roughly six times the size of Yellowstone National Park and is positioned near the Yukon border.
Reaching this vast outdoor paradise often requires taking a tiny bush plane or navigating pot-holed roads leading to hidden trails and breathtaking treks.
For those planning a visit, there are two main districts to explore: the northern Nabesna District and the more frequently visited Kennecott District in the south.
The Nabesna District features the rugged 42-mile Nabesna Road, which leads to remote trails, campgrounds, and a wilderness lodge for those seeking solitude.
In contrast, the Kennecott District offers a glimpse into the region’s mining history, with abandoned ghost towns, historical sites, and numerous adventurous trails.
The gateway to this adventure is the town of McCarthy, where visitors can find intriguing hotels, inventive restaurants, and that quintessential Alaskan atmosphere of seclusion.
Even amidst the quaint buildings and bustling historic sites, a sense of wilderness and remoteness permeates the air.
Wilderness guide Tessa Hill, who led my Root Glacier camping expedition, perfectly summarized the park’s allure, saying that the sight of two massive glaciers on the horizon, with a stunning icefall, takes your breath away.
With nature’s raw power and beauty surrounding you, exploring Wrangell-St. Elias is an experience that truly needs to be felt to be understood.
Getting to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is an adventure in itself.
The Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center is located on Highway 4, roughly 200 miles northeast of Anchorage and about 250 miles south of Fairbanks.
While the highway connecting these cities offers standard amenities, the journey into the park’s depths soon takes a wilder turn.
If you aim to explore the Kennecott District, prepare for a 60-mile drive down the gravel McCarthy Road from Chitina, known for its low visibility and potholes.
Alternatively, for those opting for air travel, backcountry bush plane services like Wrangell Mountain Air provide flights into McCarthy from Chitina.
For a trip to the less-traveled Nabesna District, embark on a 42-mile drive down Nabesna Road starting from the town of Slana.
Adventurous visitors can opt for flights into the May Creek or Chisana airstrips to access the backcountry.
The most remote section, the Yakutat District, located along a southeastern bay within the park, is best accessed via boat or by flying in from Seattle or Juneau on Alaska Airlines.
Before embarking on your Wrangell-St. Elias adventure, it’s essential to prepare adequately.
Due to the park’s vastness, it is virtually impossible to see everything in one visit.
It’s advisable to choose one district or a specific long-distance adventure and keep the promise of returning to discover more.
Given the park’s location in bear country, staying bear aware is crucial by familiarizing yourself with local wildlife advice.
This includes using bear-resistant containers, maintaining distance, and reporting any bear sightings.
Visitors during the summer months should also brace themselves for an onslaught of mosquitoes, particularly from late June through July.
Bringing bug spray, potentially using a mosquito head net, and wearing lighter clothing can help stave off these pesky insects.
Before arriving, ensure you download the free NPS app, saving the Wrangell-St. Elias section for offline access to maps and information.
Although open year-round, the most popular time to visit is during summer from mid-May to mid-September.
During this period, the park comes alive with vibrant scenery, and most services are readily available.
Tessa Hill recommends late July to early August as her favorite time, as the crowds begin to diminish, giving visitors a more intimate experience of the park’s wilderness.
Plus, by then, the mosquito population starts to subside while the enchanting landscapes continue to thrive.
Between early May and late August, visitors can experience the magical midnight sun where daylight persists for all hours.
The longest day occurs on the summer solstice, with the chance for northern lights returning by September.
Winter can be equally rewarding, providing almost deserted roads and ample opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.
For adventure seekers, Wrangell-St. Elias offers a plethora of activities and hikes for every thrill level.
Backpacking in the park is a must for outdoor enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness.
Popular trails, such as the alpine Dixie Pass overlooking Mt. Blackburn and the Nugget Creek Trail leading to a public cabin, attract hikers of varying expertise.
For those seeking an even more challenging experience, consider fly-in trips like the Goat Trail traverse or Solo Creek to Chisana—both requiring expert backcountry skills.
Campers with limited time can still enjoy the backcountry with a two-day camping trip on Root Glacier.
Simply hike between 10 to 15 miles, starting from Kennecott on a forested trail, transitioning to crampons on the glacier.
Guides such as Tessa Hill are invaluable for navigating the ice’s hidden dangers.
Another fascinating site to explore is the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, offering a glimpse into the early 20th-century copper mining industry.
A two-hour guided tour of the Kennecott Mine reveals the impressive mill and shares the stories of past lives within those walls.
For the adventurous, ice climbing on Root Glacier offers a unique opportunity to ascend blue ice walls amidst stunning scenery.
Outfitters like Kennicott Wilderness Guides provide this exhilarating experience.
Rafting on the Kennecott River is another thrilling option for those looking to mix scenic views with adrenaline.
Guides manage the rapids while serving delicious meals along the riverside, concluding with a bush plane flight over the breathtaking McCarthy-Kennecott valley.
To truly grasp the park’s scale, flightseeing tours are a thrilling addition to any itinerary, showcasing the vast landscapes from above.
Wrangell Mountain Air offers different flight options, including a 50-minute tour guiding visitors over notable peaks and glaciers.
For those interested in hiking, several trails showcase the park’s rugged beauty and impressive vistas.
The Root Glacier/Erie Mine Trail is a popular choice, offering a scenic four-mile round-trip route to the glacier and an eight-mile option to the Erie Mine.
This enjoyable hike presents stunning views across the ice and towards Mt. Blackburn.
Adventurers can take on the more strenuous Bonanza Mine Trail, a nine-mile trek with a significant elevation gain that rewards climbers with breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains.
The Caribou Creek Trail and Trail Creek Trail provide easier exploratory options, perfect for spotting wildlife amidst vibrant wildflower landscapes.
Additionally, a fly-in hike to Iceberg Lake, available through St. Elias Alpine Guides, presents another magnificent exploration opportunity.
This short journey leads to a glacial lake with calving icebergs, revealing even more natural beauty.
When it comes to accommodations, options range from historical hotels to rustic lodges inviting guests into the heart of the wilderness.
Ma Johnson’s Hotel, a restored boarding house from the 1920s, allows visitors to step back in time while enjoying shared facilities.
For those seeking isolation combined with comfort, Ultima Thule Lodge, deep within the park, offers scenic views and personalized wilderness activities.
In the less-frequented Nabesna District, the Wrangell Mountains Wilderness Lodge & Cabins provides sustainable options in tranquil surroundings, giving guests a cozy getaway.
For a more traditional camping experience, Kendesnii Campground on Nabesna Road offers developed campsites alongside picnic tables and trails for an authentic outdoor experience.
Dining in this remote corner of Alaska may surprise many.
The Salmon & Bear Restaurant in McCarthy serves upscale dishes crafted from local ingredients, creating a fine dining experience in the wilderness.
Reservations are recommended due to its limited seating, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience amid stunning scenery.
For casual eaters, local favorites like The Potato provide comforting fare and crispy fries, while Tok Thai offers delicious Thai dishes, contributing to the culinary diversity of this unique destination.
Undoubtedly, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve unlocks a world of adventure, solitude, and natural beauty, promising unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
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