Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Overview
Wrangell–St Elias National Park and Preserve is a large protected area in south central Alaska managed by the National Park Service. It was established in 1980 under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The park and preserve are part of an International Biosphere Reserve and the Kluane-Wrangell–St, St Elias-Glacier Bay-Tatshenshini-Alsek UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Covering a total of 13,175,799.07 acres (20,587.19 sq mi or 53,320.57 km2), it is the largest area managed by the National Park Service. This expanse is larger than nine US states and comparable in size to Bosnia and Herzegovina or Croatia.
The national park alone is larger than the combined area of the 47 smallest American national parks. It is more than twice the size of all but two other national parks, making up over 15% of all designated national park land in the United States.
Wrangell–St Elias National Park and Preserve includes a significant portion of the Saint Elias Mountains, home to some of the highest peaks in the US and Canada. The park’s proximity to tidewater within 10 miles (16 km) creates one of the highest reliefs in the world. It borders Canada’s Kluane National Park and Reserve to the east and approaches Glacier Bay National Park to the south. The main difference between park and preserve lands is that hunting is prohibited in the park but allowed in the preserve.
The park experiences long, very cold winters and a brief summer season. Plate tectonics caused the mountain ranges in the park to rise. Mount Saint Elias, reaching 18,008 feet (5,489 m), is the second highest peak in both the United States and Canada within the park. The landscape of the park has been influenced by volcanic activity and glaciers. Kennecott, a bustling town at the heart of the park, mined one of the most abundant copper deposits globally from 1903 to 1938. The deserted mine structures and factories now form a National Historic Landmark area.
Things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a wealth of activities and experiences for visitors, each one more awe-inspiring than the last. From scenic drives to world-class mountaineering, there’s something for everyone in this vast and remarkable landscape.
Scenic Drive
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to take in the park’s stunning scenery, a scenic drive is perfect. The McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road offer incredible views and access to some of the park’s most remote areas. As you drive, you’ll witness a constantly changing landscape of mountains, rivers, and forests.
Explore the Kennicott Ghost Town
Step back in time by visiting the Kennicott Ghost Town. This historic site offers a glimpse into Alaska’s rich mining history. Wander through well-preserved buildings and imagine what life was like during the copper mining boom. Don’t miss the chance to tour the impressive Kennicott Mill, where you can learn about the area’s fascinating past.
Day Hiking
Exploring Wrangell-St. Elias through hiking is highly recommended as it offers spectacular views. The trails are well-maintained at the beginning but may become more challenging further on.
There are trails suitable for all levels of hikers, from easy strolls to difficult treks. Most trails are located outside the park but still provide stunning vistas of the Wrangell Mountains.
Although there are limited day hikes along McCarthy Road, Kennecott offers several trails, some of the best in the park for glacier sightseeing. Many day hikes are possible, leading you along creeks, into the mountains, and through alpine meadows.
While there are no official park trails in this region, Tongass National Forest near Yakutat has numerous trails that guide you through the temperate rainforest.
Mountaineering
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has 7 of the top 20 highest peaks in North America. The mountains in this park are different from those in other places outside Alaska. Peaks taller than 10,000 feet have glaciers and usually need extensive, technical journeys to reach the summit.
Floating and Boating
Elias National Park and Preserve provides a secluded, wilderness experience with unique hazards not commonly found elsewhere outside of Alaska. If you are inexperienced in leading river trips, it is advised not to attempt your first one here. Instead, consider going with a guide company for safety.
The majority of rivers in Wrangell-St Elias National Park are fed by glaciers and have challenging whitewater. Glacial rivers are filled with high levels of silt, often making it difficult to see the riverbed. Water levels can change rapidly due to spring runoff, heavy rain, and hot weather. These rivers are frigid, posing a risk of hypothermia even after a short exposure, regardless of the air temperature. It is crucial to always wear a drysuit and a personal flotation device for protection.
Sport Hunting and Fishing
For those interested in sport hunting and fishing, Wrangell-St. Elias provides ample opportunities. With proper permits and adherence to regulations, you can enjoy hunting for big game or fishing in the park’s pristine rivers and lakes. This is a great way to connect with nature and test your skills.
Motorized Vehicle Use
Explore the park’s vast landscapes using motorized vehicles. With designated trails for ATVs and other off-road vehicles, you can cover more ground and access remote areas that are otherwise hard to reach. Just be sure to follow the park’s guidelines to protect its natural beauty.
Off-road vehicles (ORVs) are allowed only in specific areas of Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. These areas and trails are chosen based on the type of ORV use, trail type, and Wilderness Area designation. Permits are necessary for recreational ORV use and highly recommended for subsistence ORV use.
Places to stay in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs, from remote wilderness campsites to cozy lodges and resorts.
Camping
For those seeking a true wilderness experience, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a wealth of camping opportunities, both in designated campgrounds and in the backcountry.
Developed Campgrounds: The park’s developed campgrounds, such as the Kennecott Campground and the Copper Center Campground, provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets.
Backcountry Camping: Adventurous campers can explore the park’s vast wilderness by obtaining a free, self-issued permit and setting up camp in designated backcountry sites or remote, undesignated areas.
Camping Regulations: Visitors must follow all park regulations regarding camping, including proper food storage, waste disposal, and campfire use, to ensure the protection of the park’s delicate ecosystem.
Hotel and Resort
For those seeking a more comfortable and amenity-rich accommodation option, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers several hotels, lodges, and resorts located just outside the park’s boundaries.
Ma Johnson’s Hotel (2.5-star)
Ma Johnsons Hotel combines stunning views, delicious food, and rich Alaskan history in one place. The hotel serves a variety of traditional dishes that are perfect for families. What sets Ma Johnson’s Hotel apart is that it is the only genuine historic hotel in the park, fully restored to its former glory.
- Address: 101 Kennicott Avenue, P.O. Box MXY, McCarthy, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, AK 99588
- Price Range: From $250/night depending on the season and demand
Kennicott Glacier Lodge (3-star)
Kennicott Glacier Lodge, a lodge owned by a family, is situated in the largest National Park in America, Wrangell-St Elias. Experience glacier hiking or ice climbing on the Root Glacier, one of the easily reachable glaciers in North America. Enjoy stunning views of the park on a flightseeing tour, or engage in activities like alpine hiking, river rafting, and exploring the National Historic Landmark of the Kennicott Copper Mine.
- Address: 15 Kennicott Millsite, Kennicott, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, AK 99588
- Price Range: From $245/night depending on the season and demand
Currant Ridge
These spacious Alaskan log guest houses are luxurious and can accommodate up to 24 guests comfortably. They are the most convenient, largest, and modern lodging options in McCarthy. You can easily drive directly to your guest house without having to wait for a shuttle. The accommodations feature full kitchens, private bathrooms with showers and tubs, decks with gas grills, and large bedrooms with queen beds. There is convenient drive-in access and complimentary parking available.
- Address: MIle 56.7 McCarthy Rd, McCarthy, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, AK 99588
- Price Range: From $345/night/1-2 persons depending on the season and demand
Dining
Dining options within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are limited.
Roadside Potatohead
Roadside Potatohead, which started operating in June 2016, now offers complete table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a license to serve beer and wine. The establishment hosts concerts and community events, catering to a wide range of customers including locals, visitors, coffee enthusiasts, early risers looking for burritos, late-night beer lovers, and everyone in between.
- Address: Kennicott Road, McCarthy, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, AK 99588
- Open time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Prices range: $10 – $24
The Golden Saloon
The Golden Saloon is located in the very center of Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Service was good and the atmosphere was lively. It seemed to get much more lively later in the evening. The menu ran the gamut from good burgers to fancier dishes with fish.
- Address: 101 Kennicott Ave, McCarthy, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, AK 99566
- Open time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
- Prices range: $8 – $20
Salmon & Bear Restaurant
The Salmon Bear Restaurant offers dishes made with locally sourced ingredients like yak, red angus, Kenny Lake pork, and Copper River salmon. The menu changes regularly and is complemented by a selection of excellent wines.
- Address: 101 Kennicott Ave, McCarthy, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, AK 99588-8998
Open time:
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Prices range: $10 – $65
Planning Your Trip to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Planning a visit to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve requires careful consideration of several factors, from the best time to visit to the logistics of transportation and accommodation.
Visiting Time
The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve can vary depending on your interests and the activities you hope to enjoy.
The summer months offer the most temperate weather and the longest daylight hours, making it an ideal time for hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities.
Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) shoulder seasons can provide a more solitary experience, with fewer crowds and the opportunity to witness the changing of the seasons.
Winter (November to March) can be challenging, with extremely cold temperatures and limited access to certain areas. However, this can be an excellent time for activities like ski mountaineering and wildlife viewing.
Transportation
Accessing Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve can be a logistical challenge, as the park is located in a remote and largely undeveloped area of Alaska.
The Nabesna Road and the McCarthy Road are the two primary access points for driving into the park, but both require the use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle and careful planning.
Visitors can fly into one of the park’s gateway communities, such as Glennallen or Copper Center, and then either rent a vehicle or use local transportation services to reach the park.
For those seeking a more adventurous and remote experience, chartered flights can provide access to the park’s backcountry areas, allowing visitors to reach otherwise inaccessible locations.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Map
Conclusion
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a wealth of natural wonders and outdoor adventures for the intrepid traveler. From the towering peaks of the Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges to the vast glaciers and diverse ecosystems that define this remarkable landscape, there is something to captivate and inspire visitors of all interests. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, you can unlock the secrets of this remarkable park and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Photos
Q&A for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve covers an area of over 13.2 million acres, making it the largest national park in the United States.
The park is home to some of the highest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias (the second-highest peak in the United States), Mount Fairweather, and the peaks of the Fairweather Range.
The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, wolves, and the elusive wolverine.
Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities, including scenic driving, day hiking, mountaineering, rafting and kayaking, sport hunting and fishing, and the use of motorized vehicles in designated areas.
The park offers a range of accommodation options, from remote wilderness campsites to cozy lodges and resorts located just outside the park’s boundaries.
The summer months (June to August) offer the most temperate weather and the longest daylight hours, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The spring and fall shoulder seasons can also be excellent times to visit, with fewer crowds and the opportunity to witness the changing of the seasons.
Accessing the park can be a logistical challenge, as it is located in a remote and largely undeveloped area of Alaska. Visitors can drive to the park using Nabesna Road or McCarthy Road, or they can fly into one of the park’s gateway communities and then use local transportation services to reach the park.