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<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="13c785a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Wrangell-St. Elias Tours</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>  </B></FONT><B>  </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="WrangellSt. Elias Tours"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="daytours.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Day Trips to McCarthy and Kennicott"><U>Day Trips to McCarthy and Kennicott</U></A>   |   <A HREF="schedules.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Anchorage Shuttles"><U>Anchorage Shuttles</U></A>   |   <A HREF="contact.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reservations"><U>Reservations</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="McCarthy Road "><U>McCarthy Road </U></A>   |   <B>More Information</B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="13dd2b03.jpg"> <div> <IMG SRC="1e9b4760.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="118" ALT="Raft on the Copper River, Alaska" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Rafting the Copper</div> <div> <IMG SRC="1e6b4810.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="129" ALT="the road to Chitina, Alaska" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The  road to Chitina</div> <div> <IMG SRC="1eaa97c0.jpg" border=0 width="169" height="124" ALT="airstrip at McCarthy" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Flying into McCarthy</div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>More Information</I></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="wrangell_st__elias_national_park_visit"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Visit Alaska's Largest National Park</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="283" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 187 ><NOBR><div> <B>Transportation to McCarthy, Alaska</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#how_to_get_to_mccarthykennicott" TITLE="More Information"><U>How to get to McCarthy/Kennicott</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="schedules.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Anchorage Shuttles"><U>Getting here from Anchorage</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="daytours.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Day Trips to McCarthy and Kennicott"><U>Getting here from the Copper River</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#flying_into_the_area" TITLE="More Information"><U>Flights</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#travel_by_busshuttle" TITLE="More Information"><U>Travel by Bus/Shuttle</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#how_to_get_to_mccarthykennicott" TITLE="More Information"><U>Rental Cars on the McCarthy Road</U></A></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <IMG SRC="19d3ced0.jpg" border=0 width="316" height="237" ALT="Wrangell peaks and glaciers" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20">The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve contains more than 100 major glaciers as well as eight mountains summits over 14,500 feet tall. At 13.2 million acres, it is the largest national park in the United States. The name is derived from two of the four mountain ranges that converge here.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="19379450.jpg" border=0 width="121" height="69" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Wrangell-Saint Elias is one of four National Parks in Alaska that can be reached by car. Two Alaska highways, the Richardson (#4) and the Glenn (#1), travel along the boundaries of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park. It is a one day drive from Fairbanks or Anchorage, and a few hours driving from Valdez or Tok.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Only two gravel roads lead directly into the park - the Nabesna road, a 45-mile gravel road that begins at Slana, and the Edgerton Highway & McCarthy Road, which is accessed from the Richardson Highway, 81 miles north of Valdez.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> The Nabesna Road, northern road-entrance to Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park, is paved for the first 4 miles from Slana. Beyond mile four, the road is gravel and dirt surface. High-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1c53ced0.jpg" border=0 width="316" height="237" ALT="Edgerton Highway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"></B></div> <div> The Edgerton Highway and McCarthy Road is commonly used to access the park. The road is paved for the first 32 miles to Chitina. From there, the highway continues as a 60-mile gravel road following the old Copper River and Northwestern Railroad route. This gravel road leads to the historic mining towns of Kennicott and McCarthy, near the center of the park.</div> <bR> <div> Travelers on this road will enjoy scenic views of the Copper River, Chitina River, and the Kuskalana River Gorge. On a clear day, you can see and photograph some of the highest peaks in the Wrangells. You may also spot wildlife such as eagles, beavers, bears and moose. Hikers can enjoy several hiking areas along this route. </div> <bR> <bR> <div>  </div> <div> At the end of the McCarthy Road, you can explore the historic townsites of McCarthy, Blackburn, and Kennicott. Tour opportunities include historical sightseeing, glacier-hiking, and some of the most astounding wilderness flightseeing in Alaska. A variety of exciting flights, from 35 to 90 minutes, provide stunning aerial views of Wrangell-St. Elias glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.</div> <bR> <div> The McCarthy area of Wrangel-St Elias National Park is a world-class backcountry destination. There is glacier access via the Root Glacier Trail from Kennicott, and local flying services provide access to the park's remote areas and <A HREF="#public_cabins_in_wrangell_st__elias" TITLE="More Information"><U>wilderness cabins</U></A>. Both day trips and extended visits are possible.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1c73ced0.jpg" border=0 width="316" height="237" ALT="aerial view of the Kennicott Glacier" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  <IMG SRC="1c63ced0.jpg" border=0 width="316" height="237" ALT="drying out after a storm" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> </U></B><B><U> <A NAME="how_to_get_to_mccarthykennicott"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>How to Get to McCarthy/Kennicott</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Unless you're flying into the area, you'll need to travel the 60 mile McCarthy Road, built on the old Northwest-Copper River Railroad bed right of way. A driving speed of no more than 30mph is recommended on this road. The McCarthy Road has been designated a scenic corridor and has seen a tremendous amount of improvement since major upgrading began in 2006.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Travel By Car Rental</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Many more car rental companies are now allowing some of their four-wheel drive vehicles on the McCarthy Road. Travelers will still need to come very well prepared - there are no vehicle repair services on many of Alaska's rural roads. The McCarthy Road ends at a footbridge over the Kennicott River. Designated parking is $5.00 per day.  If you are interested in driving to McCarthy, here are some Alaska car rental companies to contact:</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Go North! Rentals, Fairbanks, 1 -866-236-7272</div> <bR> <div> Levi Car Rental, Anchorage, 907-563-2279</div> <bR> <div> Budget Rent-A-Car, Anchorage, 907-243-6750</div> <bR> <div> High Country Car Rental, Anchorage, 888-685-1155</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="travel_by_busshuttle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Travel By Bus/Shuttle</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Wrangell-St. Elias Tours offers <A HREF="schedules.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Anchorage Shuttles"><U>shuttle service between McCarthy and Anchorage</U></A> twice per week in the summer months. </div> <div> There is daily van shuttle service to McCarthy from Glennallen, Copper Center, Kenny Lake, and Chitina in the summer months.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="flying_into_the_area"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Flying into the Area</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Flights from Anchorage to McCarthy via Gulkana are provided by <A HREF="http://www.coppervalleyair.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.coppervalleyair.com"><U>Copper Valley Air.</U></A>  </div> <bR> <div> There is also daily flight service between McCarthy and Chitina, the end of the paved road, during the summer months. </div> <div> In addition, flights to McCarthy are available from the Gulkana Airport, near Glennallen. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="multi_day_backpacking_trips"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Multi-day Backpacking Trips</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has few maintained trails, but lots of alpine hiking, above treeline. Some of the park's most stunning hiking areas can be accessed by bush flight from McCarthy. </div> <bR> <div> The Nugget Creek and Dixie Pass trails (mile 14.5 McCarthy Road) lead to alpine tundra and panaramic mountain and glacier views -- great for a 3 - 4 day trip. There is a public use cabin the end of the Nugget Creek Trail, and access to the Kuskalana Glacier. Like most routes in Wrangell-St. Elias, hikers will encounter glacial stream crossings. Unlike many other areas in Wrangell-St. Elias, however, ATVs also use these trails. </div> <bR> <div> The hike from Kennicott to Donahoe Peak via the Root Glacier is popular. The park service implemented a new registration policy for camping in the Donahoe Basin in 2010, due to pervasive human and bear encounters. </div> <bR> <div> Other than the Donahoe Basin area, backcountry-permits are not required for backpacking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Travelers are encouraged to complete a Backcountry Itinerary available at any park service office, and to leave a description of your planned route and date of return with a friend or family member. Bear resistant food containers are required and can be borrowed from any local park service office. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="backcountry_guides"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Backcountry Guides</U></B></div> <bR> <div> A backcountry guide service can help you plan and prepare for your trip and make the trip easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Backcountry guides are familiar with the terrain, understand bear safety, and are trained and prepared to assist in an emergency. Here are some companies that offer guided trips from McCarthy in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park:</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.kennicottguides.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.kennicottguides.com"><U><U>Kennicott Wilderness Guides</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.alaskasummer.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.alaskasummer.com"><U><U>Pangea Adventures</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.steliasguides.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.steliasguides.com"><U><U>St. Elias Alpine Guides</U></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.trekalaska.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.trekalaska.com"><U><U>Trek Alaska</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U><IMG SRC="1b71cce0.gif" border=0 width="540" height="206" ALT="chell lake cabin, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="public_cabins_in_wrangell_st__elias"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Public Cabins in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park</U></B></div> <bR> <div> There are 14 public-use cabins in remote locations of the park. Many are accessible only by air; three can be reached by hiking or ATV. Campers may occupy a cabin for up to 7 days. Remote cabins offer shelter for hikers in case of an emergency. </div> <bR> <div> While most of the cabins are still free and on a first-come, first serve basis, all of the hike-in cabins on the Nabesna and McCarthy Roads now require reservations. As of 2011, there is a new rule that use of any combination of the cabins cannot exceed 7 days in a 30 day period without a permit. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> For detailed information about hiking, camping, and public cabins, be sure to visit the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Service webpage, <A HREF="http://www.nps.gov/wrst" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.nps.gov/wrst"><U>www.nps.gov/wrst</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="lodging_in_mccarthykennicott"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Lodging in McCarthy/Kennicott</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Historic-period hotel accommodations are available in McCarthy and Kennicott. There is also camping, rustic cabins, modern luxury cabins, and bed and breakfast accommodations.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="lodging_in_the_copper_river_valley"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>A Base Camp in the </U></B><B><U>Copper River Valley</U></B></div> <bR> <div> If you are doing a self-drive tour of Alaska and you only have one or two days to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, you may want to spend the night in the Copper River Valley. The Copper River is the eastern boundary to Wrangell-St Elias, and is surrounded by mountains in each direction. Several of the major volcanic peaks in the Wrangell range are visible on a clear day. Most of the townsites are situated near the sites of traditional Native fishing villages, at the mouths of tributaries entering the Copper River.</div> <bR> <div> This area has a lot to offer the Alaska traveler. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It is convenient for day trips to Wrangell-St. Elias including Slana, Nabesna, McCarthy, and Kennicott. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Valdez, Paxson, and the Matanuska Valley are all within a day's drive.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">13 major tributaries off the Copper River offer some of the best salmon fishing in Alaska. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There is river rafting, and dog sledding. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">An Athabaskan Native Cultural Center is located at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Headquarters in Copper Center. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The National Park Visitor Center also has films, speakers, and exhibits about the animals and geology of the area.  </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There is a museum in Copper Center with artifacts from the Valdez Gold Rush.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Guests can take a one day tour to McCarthy and Kennicott.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The scenery is beautiful, with some of the highest peaks in Alaska. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A flightseeing tour of the Wrangell mountain range is as spectacular as Denali but without the high cost and crowds. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There are more groomed hiking trails now.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Guest cabins, bed & breakfasts, hotels, and motel accommodations are all located within tiny wilderness communities. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">You will enjoy meeting the locals and learning about their unique way of life!</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="#wrangell_st__elias_national_park_visit" TITLE="More Information"><U><B>Back To Top</B></U></A></div> <div>      </div> <div>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 </div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>