Wrangell St. Elias Alaska Awaits You!
Introduction to the Park
Hey there! Welcome to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the biggest national park in the U.S., sprawling over a jaw-dropping 13.2 million acres. Nestled in Alaska, this park is a playground for adventurers with activities like hiking and climbing, fishing, camping, and diving into the rich mining history of the area. With over 70% of its land marked as wilderness, Wrangell-St. Elias is part of the world’s largest protected wilderness and a World Heritage site.
Whether you’re itching to conquer Mount St. Elias, one of North America’s tallest peaks, or just want to soak in the stunning glacier views and wildlife, this park’s got you covered. No entry fee here, but some activities like subsistence use, sport hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle use need permits. Commercial operations also need permits.
Getting There
Getting to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is an adventure on its own. Unlike many Alaskan parks, this one has road access, making it easier for visitors. The main way in is via the Edgerton Highway/McCarthy Road, a 60-mile gravel road that follows the old Copper River Northwestern Railway route.
| Route | Description |
|---|---|
| Edgerton Highway | Paved road leading to Chitina, the park’s gateway. |
| McCarthy Road | 60-mile gravel road leading to the historic town of McCarthy. |
McCarthy, at the end of McCarthy Road, is a must-see for its historical charm from the Kennecott Mining District days. Just five miles past McCarthy, you’ll hit the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, where you can dive into the area’s rich mining history. The park service visitor center here is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
For more detailed info on planning your visit, including the best times to go and weather tips, check out our tips for your visit.
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Fun Things to Do
Hiking and Climbing
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a hiker’s dream and a climber’s challenge. With over 13.2 million acres to roam, you’ll find everything from lush rainforests to towering peaks. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s a trail or climb here with your name on it.
For those who love to hike, check out the Root Glacier Trail or the Bonanza Mine Trail. These paths offer jaw-dropping views of glaciers and mountains, making every step a visual treat. If climbing is your thing, Mount St. Elias and Mount Wrangell will push your limits and reward you with epic views.
| Trail Name | Difficulty | Length (miles) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Glacier Trail | Moderate | 4.0 | Glaciers, wildlife |
| Bonanza Mine Trail | Strenuous | 9.0 | Historic mines |
| Mount St. Elias | Expert | Varies | Summit views |
| Mount Wrangell | Expert | Varies | Volcanic activity |
Want more info on hiking and climbing routes? Head over to our Wrangell-St. Elias National Park page.
Fishing and Camping
Fishing and camping in Wrangell-St. Elias are like stepping into an Alaskan postcard. The rivers and lakes here are packed with fish, making it a paradise for anyone with a rod and reel. You can reel in salmon, trout, and grayling in these pristine waters.
Camping options range from comfy campgrounds to wild backcountry spots. Whether you want a site with all the bells and whistles or a secluded spot to call your own, this park has you covered. Just remember to follow Leave No Trace principles to keep this place beautiful.
| Fishing Spot | Fish Species | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Copper River | Salmon, trout | Summer |
| Tanada Lake | Grayling, trout | Spring, Summer |
| Tebay Lake | Lake trout | Summer, Fall |
| Nizina River | Salmon, grayling | Summer |
Need camping gear or info on rules? Check out our What to Bring and Permits and Regulations pages.
Digging into Mining History
Wrangell-St. Elias is a goldmine of history, especially in the Kennecott Mining District. The town of McCarthy and the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark offer a peek into the past. Just five miles from McCarthy, the Kennecott Mines are a must-see for history buffs.
The visitor center at Kennecott is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offering guided tours and exhibits. Learn about the copper mining boom that put this place on the map and explore the well-preserved buildings and gear.
| Site | Highlights | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Kennecott Mines | Historic buildings, guided tours | Summer |
| McCarthy | Historical town, visitor center | Summer |
For more on mining sites and tours, visit our Kennecott Mines and Mount St. Elias pages.
Every activity in Wrangell-St. Elias offers a unique way to soak in the park’s beauty and history. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, camping, or diving into mining history, adventure is just around the corner in this amazing Alaskan wilderness.
Unique Features
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is packed with jaw-dropping sights that’ll blow your mind. From sky-high mountains and fiery volcanoes to sprawling glaciers and a zoo’s worth of wildlife, there’s something here for every thrill-seeker.
Mountains and Volcanoes
This park’s got some serious peaks. The Wrangell and St. Elias Ranges are home to some of North America’s biggest volcanoes. Mount Wrangell, the park’s only active volcano, towers at 14,163 feet. It’s a must-see. Curious about another giant? Check out Mount St. Elias.
| Mountain | Height (ft) |
|---|---|
| Mount St. Elias | 18,008 |
| Mount Wrangell | 14,163 |
| Mount Blackburn | 16,390 |
Glaciers and Icefields
If glaciers are your thing, you’re in luck. Wrangell-St. Elias has more glaciers than anywhere else in North America. The Malaspina Glacier alone is bigger than Rhode Island! Its glacial silt even supports plant life, making it a one-of-a-kind spot. Want more glacier goodness? Dive into our piece on the largest national park in the United States.
| Glacier | Size (sq. miles) |
|---|---|
| Malaspina Glacier | 1,500+ |
| Nabesna Glacier | 75 |
| Hubbard Glacier | 1,350 |
Wildlife and Habitats
The park’s a wildlife wonderland. On the coast, you might catch sea lions and harbor seals doing their thing. Head to the mountains and forests, and you’ll find mountain goats, Dall sheep, caribou, moose, and bears. The rivers are packed with salmon, and the skies are full of migratory birds like trumpeter swans.
| Animal | Habitat |
|---|---|
| Mountain Goats | Mountain Slopes |
| Caribou | Forests and Tundra |
| Salmon | Rivers and Streams |
| Sea Lions | Coastal Areas |
Exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is an adventure you won’t forget. Whether you’re into geology or wildlife, this park’s got you covered. Don’t miss out on the Kennecott Mines for more cool stuff to see and do.
Visitor Centers and Resources
Exploring Wrangell St. Elias in Alaska is like stepping into a treasure trove of natural wonders. To make your adventure even better, there are several visitor centers packed with info, maps, and tips to help you get the most out of your trip.
Copper Center
First stop, Copper Center. The Wrangell-St Elias Visitor Center here is your go-to spot for all things park-related. Want to know about the park’s history or the best trails? This place has got you covered. Check out the Bluff and Boreal Forest Trails for some epic cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. And don’t miss the historic Valdez Trail, a short but sweet hike.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Copper Center |
| Trails | Bluff Trail, Boreal Forest Trail, Valdez Trail |
| Open | Year-round |
Kennecott and McCarthy
Next up, McCarthy and the nearby Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. This place is a goldmine for history buffs. The Kennecott Visitor Center, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, dives deep into the area’s mining past. Just five miles from McCarthy, it’s a must-see for anyone curious about Alaska’s rich history.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | McCarthy/Kennecott |
| Historical Significance | Kennecott Mining District |
| Visitor Center | Open Memorial Day to Labor Day |
Want more on Kennecott Mines? Check out our article on kennecott mines.
Slana and Chitina
For those looking to explore the more remote parts of Wrangell St. Elias, the Slana Ranger Station is your best bet. Open from April to September, it’s perfect for camping, hiking, and spotting wildlife. Over at the Chitina Ranger Station on McCarthy Road, you can get the lowdown on hiking trails and backcountry routes. This station is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Slana Ranger Station | Open April to September |
| Chitina Ranger Station | Open Memorial Day to Labor Day |
| Activities | Hiking, camping, wildlife viewing |
Curious about what else Wrangell St. Elias has to offer? Check out our article on the largest national park in the United States.
These visitor centers are your ticket to an unforgettable adventure in Wrangell St. Elias, Alaska. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or diving into history, these spots have all the info you need. For more tips on planning your visit, see our section on wrangell st. elias national park.
Latest Updates
- Fall 2024 saw increased accessibility to backcountry hiking areas due to improved trail conditions.
- A new wildlife viewing program focusing on caribou and Dall sheep has launched, boosting eco-tourism.
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Tips for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
When’s the best time to hit up Wrangell-St. Elias National Park? It really depends on what you’re into. The park’s open all year, but most folks show up between mid-June and mid-September. Why? Because the weather’s decent, and most of the services are up and running.
| Season | Average Temperature (°F) | Visitor Services |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (June – September) | 50 – 70 | Full services |
| Winter (November – March) | -20 – 30 | Limited services |
Winter’s a whole different ball game. McCarthy and Kennecott basically shut down, and the roads can be a nightmare. If you’re brave enough to visit in winter, pack for snow, ice, and some gnarly road conditions.
Weather and Conditions
Weather in Wrangell-St. Elias is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get. The park’s huge, with elevations all over the place, so temps can swing by 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Be ready for anything, no matter when you visit.
| Location | Summer Temperature (°F) | Winter Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowlands | 40 – 70 | -10 – 20 |
| Mountains | 30 – 50 | -20 – 10 |
Layer up and bring the right gear. Always check the weather before you head out, and be ready for it to change on a dime.
Accessibility and Services
Wrangell-St. Elias is pretty good about making sure everyone can enjoy the park. They offer:
- Wheelchair Access: Visitor centers and some facilities are accessible.
- Hearing Assistance: Just ask at the visitor centers.
- Vision Impairment Programs: Special tours and programs are available.
The park doesn’t charge an entry fee, but some activities need permits. This includes stuff like subsistence use, sport hunting and fishing, and off-road vehicles. All commercial activities need permits too. For more info, check out our permits and regulations page.
In winter, getting to Kennecott is an adventure. You’ll need to walk, ski, snowshoe, or use a snowmachine since shuttles don’t run. And don’t count on renting gear—outfitters are closed in winter.
Plan ahead to make the most of your visit to this amazing wilderness. For more tips on planning your trip, visit our page on the largest national park in the United States.
Gearing Up for Your Wrangell St. Elias Adventure
Planning a trip to Wrangell St. Elias National Park? Here’s the lowdown on making your adventure both epic and safe.
Permits and Rules
Wrangell St. Elias doesn’t charge an entry fee, but you might need permits for certain activities. Make sure you’re covered for:
- Subsistence Use: Locals might need permits for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
- Sport Hunting and Fishing: Non-residents need permits for these activities.
- Off-Road Vehicles: Using ATVs and other off-road rides requires a permit.
- Commercial Operations: Any business activities in the park need permits.
For the nitty-gritty on permits, check out the permits and regulations section on the park’s official site.
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Safety Tips
Staying safe in this massive, wild park is a must. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stick to Marked Trails: Trapping is legal here, so avoid trap lines by sticking to the paths.
- Weather Ready: The park’s huge, with elevations that can make temps swing by 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Be ready for anything.
- Winter Warnings: McCarthy and Kennecott shut down in winter. Roads can be a mess with snow, ice, and mud. Getting to Kennecott in winter means walking, skiing, snowshoeing, or using a snowmachine.
For more safety tips, visit our safety and precautions page.
What to Pack
Bringing the right stuff can make or break your trip. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Clothes: Layer up to handle temperature swings.
- Shoes: Tough hiking boots for rough terrain.
- Navigation: Maps, compass, or GPS.
- Safety Gear: First aid kit, bear spray, and an emergency whistle.
- Food and Water: Enough to last your whole visit.
- Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, and cooking gear if you’re camping.
- Winter Gear: Snowshoes or skis if you’re visiting in winter.
| Item | Importance |
|---|---|
| Layered Clothing | High |
| Sturdy Footwear | High |
| Navigation Tools | High |
| Safety Gear | High |
| Food and Water | High |
| Camping Gear | Medium |
| Special Equipment | Seasonal (Winter) |
For a full packing list, see our what to bring guide.
By prepping right and following these tips, you’ll be all set to enjoy everything Wrangell St. Elias has to offer. Happy exploring!
