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3-Day Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve in 3 days
If you only have 3 days to spend in Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Currant Ridge, Tailor Made Pizza 2 & Espresso, and McCarthy River Tours, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Tailor Made Pizza 2 & Espresso so you can get the best taste of Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
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Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
- Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve in 3 days
- Most popular attractions
- Off the beaten path
- Southeast side of town
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 7 hours of your day.
1
Brandon D — Google reviewEric V — Google reviewAaron W — Google reviewKaya P — Google reviewTyler N — Google reviewGlen H — Google reviewAli A — Google review
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
4.7
(926)
National park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a vast, mountainous park with impressive glaciers and diverse wildlife. It features the 14,163ft Mount Wrangell, an active volcano, and offers opportunities for mountaineering, backpacking, day hiking on trails like Skookum Volcano Trail and Caribou Creek Trail. Visitors can also enjoy float trips, off-roading, hunting and fishing in this expansive wilderness. The park is the largest in the U.S.
Beautiful and remote. I backpacked here with a group of friends in the summer on the less-visited north side. The mountains are incredible, and there is an abundance of wildlife. There are tons of signs of moose, bear, and mountain goats. We ran into a couple of bear kills that weren't that old, so if you're not experienced with remote backcountry hiking or backpacking, this isn't the place for you. If you are, this is a fun and beautiful place to explore and experience solitude.
Bill Z — Google review
Not my favorite national park but had to check it off the list while in Alaska! We visited the Kennicot mines and took a tour as our park experience. Very interesting history, restoration, and the guided tour was great. We took two shuttles because everyone warned us against the road into the park (4hrs each way). Once there we spent 4hrs walking the old miner town. 8 hours of commuting for 4 hours in the park wasn’t ideal. There is a diner and hotel there which we had a nice lunch. Spend the night if you can make it work with your itinerary.
What an absolutely beautiful National park. I don't think you could go wrong at all by taking a little bit of time on your schedule to visit Wrangler St Elias. Just a few short steps and you can be deep into the Wilderness to enjoy the views surrounding you. Hiking trails are well marked. The visitors center clean and helpful. Honestly do yourself a favor and visit you won't regret it.
The road to McCarthy wasn’t bad, a few sections of washboard. The worst area was just before McCarthy. The park is always magnificent. Well worth the drive. The “end of the road” base camp is a fine place to camp, but they don’t provide ANY amenities (no picnic tables) crude fire rings and sparse outhouses, but nice views
Amazing place, highly recommend doing a flight seeing tour or backcountry camping if you can swing it!
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park can be challenging to adequately review. On one hand, it's one of the most stunning landscapes in the world; it's home to some of the largest mountains in North America, the world's largest vertical icefall, and over 1900 square miles of the seemingly infinite Bagley Icefield. The list of impressive geological features goes on and on. On the other hand, it is nearly impossible to experience most of our largest National Park. You could see most of it by air, but that's impersonal and abstract (although strongly recommended). Most visitors see it from McCarthy or Nabesna. Even fewer backpack into the remote wilderness. There are no towns, no roads, and no trails for almost all 13.2 million acres of this preserve
All that being said, Wrangell-St. Elias has risen to the top of my favorite National Parks. It is challenging to get to and ammendities are nonexistent in most of the park, but few places can compete with the natural beauty of this diverse glacial and mountainous landscape. It is a land almost untouched by human development and I believe the inability to fully explore most of this land adds to its grandness. I'll let these pictures speak for themselves
Quite a drive to get there with the distance and long delays due to road construction. Only two rougher roads going into the park, so you need to allow more time than we had to get out to the end of McCarthy road. We only went as far as the old high bridge. We did not see many animals in the park, just a beaver lodge in a pond. It was a cloudy day so the mountain views were washed out. A clear day would be spectacular. Chitina is the entry town for McCarthy road, and there was a lot of Salmon fishing, including fish wheels. The Visitor's Center on the Richards road was small but interesting with friendly staff.
Decent park overall, but Root Glacier made it a great visit!
35 min · 9.1 mi
2•J. G — Google reviewLindsey — Google reviewBridger T — Google reviewSarah S — Google reviewAsela P — Google reviewShere K — Google reviewBrent C — Google review
The New Golden Saloon
4.4
(58)
4.4
(153)
Pub
Nestled in the heart of McCarthy, Alaska, The Golden Saloon stands as a vibrant hub for locals and travelers alike. This lively establishment has deep historical roots dating back to the early 20th century when it served miners from the nearby Kennecott copper mines. Today, it continues to be a popular gathering spot where visitors can enjoy delicious American cuisine made with local ingredients. Just across the street is Ma Johnson's, a historic hotel that adds to the area's charm.
We ordered the nachos with the brisket…holy cow! They were the best nachos we’ve ever had anywhere hands down. Chips were light and crispy, brisket was incredible, the cheese mix and all the fixings were top notch. Absolutely recommended for sure. You won’t be disappointed.
B B — Google review
Amazing food! Great staff. BUT, be careful buying drinks/shots for others... they looked at my 'tab' at one point, and put me on "slowdown." I was still allowed to be there, and drink, but no longer allowed to buy shots for my new friends. That was a big bummer.
Overall our experience was good. Drinks were relatively cheap, they had a 90s cover band that was a riot, indoor/outdoor seating, and flushing toilets.
Three stars because we did witness the bartender be quite rude to multiple sets of foreign tourists. He outwardly yelled at multiple for being in the way and was just overall not nice to them. Felt wrong.
In a town full of loose and roaming dogs they don’t allow leashed dogs on their giant patio nor inside, although they do provide a water bowl, which weird nice. They don’t allow any dogs and don’t provide a space for them in a town off gird and a no place to leave a dog since no cars are allowed.
Hopefully one day they change this
Food was pretty good but thought the portions were a bit small for the price. Service was a tad slow also. We were starving after a long day so it was good enough.
They have a 2 for the price of 1, burghers on Friday. The food was good and the beer cold. Enjoyed it and the price after a long day. Good atmosphere, service + the 2 friendly dogs were sweet too.
Staff, locals and guests of all the nearby lodges come together at the end of the day to relax, visit or listen to great music. There is a feeling of community here that I've never experienced anywhere before. Even the town dogs get along!
Really neat place, good beer, and only $10 for a souvenir glass. Saw Neil Darish there and he was generous enough to let us take a picture with him. Thanks!
C3MH+VP, Chitina, AK 99566, USA•
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2
Travelers
2
< 1 min · 100 ft
3•Stacy K — Google reviewNadine B — Google reviewMatthew B — Google reviewTim M — Google reviewAdam S — Google reviewAdam S — Google reviewAdv D — Google review
Salmon & Bear Restaurant @ McCarthy Lodge
4.2
(82)
4.6
(120)
Fine dining restaurant
American restaurant
Salmon & Bear Restaurant @ McCarthy Lodge is a renowned dining spot located in a remote town with only 50 year-round residents. The restaurant offers a five-star culinary experience, featuring creatively assembled dishes using locally sourced ingredients such as yak, red angus, Kenny Lake pork, and Copper River salmon.
Had an amazing experience at Salmon and Bear Restaurant. They were hosting a special “beer” dinner in partnership with Midnight Sun Brewing. Food was very impressive and the servers were all beyond friendly. Special shout out to Steve aka “Sunshine”
Maryam P — Google review
Wonderful little restaurant with creative dishes in the middle of the very small, summertime hamlet of McCcarthy, AK. Our server was knowledgeable and kind, and was training another nice young server. The food was delicious and creative. We had the fix menu, which was well-priced at $50 each and included three courses. My only suggestion is to serve the food a bit hotter. Be prepared that they may not have everything on the menu because this is a wonderfully remote restaurant. We’re so happy we went!
We couldn’t believe finding a restaurant of this quality in this remote area. The dining room is filled with artifacts from mining days and very charming. We were welcomed by a very polite and friendly gentleman who promptly served cool, fresh water from a beautiful copper pitcher and informed us that dinner was a fixed 3 course menu for $44 with choices of soup or salad, then Copper River salmon grilled on a hot stone or a chicken dish, and dessert. The soup was very good and the salad wonderful. We both had the salmon served on a blueberry/wine/brown sugar gastrique; it was a delight. The chocolate/caramel/pistachio tart: scrumptious!
The wine list was extensive and we chose a burgundy Pouilly Fuissé, reliably excellent.
We were so pleased that we came back the next day and had a flank steak cooked to perfection. The service was impeccable too.
The rapport quality/price is outstanding. ; we ate fish & chips for almost the same price in Homer or Kenai.
We highly recommend this restaurant.
Dinner is a bit overrated but the only fine(ish) dining in town. Set menu, reservations only. Food was good and the chef definitely puts a lot into the dishes. Vibe was meh.
Extremely Disappointed. When making reservation, we were strongly encouraged to try the 5 course tasting menu for $150 per person. We have enjoyed many fine dining restaurants around the world and were really looking forward to this experience.
Almost everything served was extremely disappointing. We got the strong feeling that we were served a lot of leftover food. The only bright spot of the evening was the good service and wine list.
The positives: excellent vibe and music. And our server was super nice!!! We came here with two new friends from Israel who we met while glacier hiking and she thought it was really cool that we came in after meeting new people. So all of that was truly memorable. That being said, my ribeye steak was very tough for ordering it medium rare, not a very fatty cut, and the Mac and cheese tasted powdery which was a bit off putting. On top of that, overpriced for what it is but I guess that’s the rule not the exception in AK. I would come and enjoy a drink here but probably wouldn’t recommend a full blown dinner here.
Clean comfortable and quiet hotel, good size rooms. Reasonable breakfast buffet, pool and gym. No room service, and in general service is reactive: eg you tell them there are no eggs - and they will bring more. But they do not check on their own. Bottom line - good, service level gets the lowest grade.
For old rustic charm alone, this hotel would get 5 stars. It's on the main street in McCarthy, the staff is super friendly and the rooms are clean and nicely decorated but very small. There's also no private bathroom in the rooms, there's a single occupant bathroom on the floor and it's well equipped with a toilet, sink and shower. I preferred staying at the Kennicott Lodge which is modern and luxurious.
101 Kennicott Ave, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA•
1 min · 300 ft
4Chad T — Google reviewKamalesh P — Google reviewTyler N — Google reviewSongchun F — Google reviewJacob M — Google reviewLucas M — Google reviewTucker B — Google review
Wrangell Mountain Air
4.9
(74)
Air taxi
Tour operator
Transportation service
Wrangell Mountain Air provides scenic 35-minute flights over the Copper River, Wrangell Mountains, and massive glaciers. The flight includes a captivating sweep over Kennicott and Root Glaciers, with a fly-by of the abandoned Erie Mine. The airline offers three daily 30-minute flights between Chitina and McCarthy from mid-May to mid-September. Additionally, passengers can opt for an affordable mail plane flight with Copper Valley Air.
Our family took the Glacier Adventure Day Trip package with Wrangell Mountain Air, in conjunction with St. Elias Guides on August 2, 2024, so this review will discuss both companies. Even with the always changing Alaskan weather, we had the best time and experience with both companies! Wrangell Mountain Air was very prompt in picking up/dropping off in both Kennicott/McCarthy and Chitina. Communication and instructions prior to our date was very clear and efficient. The pilots and staff were very knowledgeable and kind at WMA! Both pilots we had provided us with a great tour in the air when flying over certain landmarks and areas. You can tell that they LOVE to fly and love Alaska. The WMA office in McCarthy did have a great little space with covered area to wait and also had a super clean outhouse if needed. Our hiking trip out to Root Glacier with St. Elias Guides was also fantastic. Our guide with St. Elias was very friendly and encouraging with everyone in the larger group and was a wealth of knowledge. He made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe throughout the whole hike. Between the two companies, transportation in a sprinter van from the airport to/from the St. Elias Guide office was provided and timely. Having the shuttle service in McCarthy, with included sack lunch, in addition to great staff and customer service, I would highly recommend Wrangell Mountain Air and would recommend this trip!
Wrangell Mountain Air will send you a comprehensive list of what to bring/not bring, so make sure to read over it! Things to make sure and take with you for this Glacier Day trip:
1. Sunglasses (required for glacier hike)
2. Hiking Poles for the hike to/from the glacier-- the hike to the glacier turn off is fairly flat, however, the drop to the glacier/back up is on the steeper/moderate side and the poles helped!
3. Good hiking shoes--beneficial if water resistant/water proof
4. Layers--it was nice to peel a few off for the short flight!
Lindsey — Google review
Great folks running an excellent service. Prices were very reasonable considering what you get and the pilot was considerate and safe. If you have concerns about heights, small spaces, or airplanes, this might be the activity for you BUT if you can overcome those fears it is so worth it!
My wife and I took the 90 minute flight yesterday, Our pilot was very courteous and professional as well as very knowledgeable about the Wrangell St Elias National Park including geological history.
The scenery was amazing and awe inspiring,
All in all , an unforgettable experience!
Undoubtedly the best air tour I've taken. Of course, Wrangell St. Elias just might be one of the most scenic places in the world. We took the 120 minute tour and can not recommend it enough. The tour heads south, crossing into the Bagley Icefield, to Icy Bay, and wraps up at a pass by Mt St Elias with some of the best views anyone could hope for. The pilot taught us a bit of the region's unique glaciology, history of the region, and past mountain climbers. Well worth every dollar and minute!
Responsive and friendly staff and professional pilots. We were able to make some last minute changes to our flights and the staff accommodated us promptly. The planes were small but felt safe. On the flight from Chitina to McCarthy, I got some of the best photo shots of the whole Alaska trip. The pilot pointed out many interesting things to look at and talked about the history of the town. Amazing experience!
Wrangell Mtn Air helped us get into the backcountry for a week on the Tana Glacier and were incredibly hospitable, communicative, and professional throughout. Incredibly grateful for them.
A flightsee Tour with Wrangell Mountain Air is a must-do if you are visiting McCarthy! Both the staff and the pilots are dedicated to making sure that you have a great experience. I had the chance to go on the 70 minute and 90 minute tour, where I saw some the coolest things I'd ever seen. The pilot was down to earth and extremely informative during the flight pointing out specific geological and historical landmarks all while checking in on us to make sure we were doing okay and seeing the things we were interested in seeing. I would highly recommend Wrangell Mountain Air to anyone and everyone! With the variety of services they offer, you'll have the chance to experience some of the grandest parts of the Wrangell-St Elias NP.
We did the "Fire and Ice" tour with Brighton and it was AMAZING! We did the 90 minute tour and it was the perfect length to see wildlife, the ice field, Kennecott, and the most amazing view of glaciers I have ever seen. This excursion was at the high end of our typical budget, but I would not go to McCarthy/Wrangell-St. Elias and not do it. It is an absolute must-do when in the area.
100 Kennicott Avenue, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA•
13 min · 4 mi
5Chandra F — Google reviewS Y — Google reviewShruti G — Google reviewRachael S — Google reviewMarcus R — Google reviewMatt F — Google reviewAjit V — Google review
Currant Ridge
5.0
(116)
Guest house
Lodge
Nestled near the end of the McCarthy Road, Currant Ridge offers beautiful log guest houses for those seeking privacy and comfort. The Shidner family warmly welcomes guests to McCarthy, providing great recommendations for day activities in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The cozy cabins boast fully equipped kitchens, spacious bathrooms, and outstanding decks with stunning valley views. Guests can enjoy the peaceful and quiet location while being close to McCarthy and all the park's attractions.
We totally recommend Currant Ridge for anyone's stay in McCarthy. The cabins are perfect - very spacious and the views are spectacular. Suggest you take food to cook in the cabin because the kitchens have everything you need including a full-size stove/oven, cooking utensils, dishes and a frig plus an outdoor grill. Note that there is no microwave, toaster or hair dryer; I assume they use too much power. Very comfortable accommodation and we would definitely stay there again if we are ever lucky enough to be in the area.
Rosanne H — Google review
Currant Ridge was an absolutely beautiful place to stay in McCarthy. The cabins were very cozy and so perfect. Never what I would have expected in McCarthy. It had everything you could need. The setting was nothing short of spectacular. Bonus sitting in the warmth of the cabin on the couch and being able to see the Northern lights dancing. Highly recommend. Thank you for your hospitality!
Currant ridge is probably the place with the most amenities for a stay near McCarthy. It has fridge, full kitchen, fast wifi, private bathroom, etc. All these are a luxury at such a remote location. Our lodge has great view of the mountains. It is a real treat to sit in their rocking recliner and watch the mountains outside. The host was friendly and attentive. A great stay!
Our stay at Currant Ridge in McCarthy was fantastic! The cabins are spacious, comfortable, and well thought out, with a kitchen stocked with quality stainless steel pots and pans, a coffee machine, and everything you need to cook a hearty meal. One of our favorite features was the two on-site gardens where guests can pick fresh veggies — we gathered snap peas, broccolini, zucchini, and basil, then made a delicious stir fry. Truly a highlight of our stay.
Power was a bit tricky, as not many things could run at the same time — but in a way, that encouraged us to unplug and enjoy a much-needed e-detox. Another thoughtful touch was the water pipe next to each cabin, which came in very handy for rinsing off our vehicle after the bumpy unpaved road into McCarthy. A peaceful, memorable stay in the middle of Alaskan wilderness — we’d happily return!
Everyone in our party was blown away by our experience at Currant Ridge. Very well located on McCarthy road, easy access to the footbridge and all the activities in Kennecott and McCarthy, beautiful, well-appointed cabins with an amazing view. We loved making meals using fresh veggies from the garden! Thanks so much for a memorable stay!
An unexpected gem in the middle of the National Park. A shower and wifi? Crazy but true. Beautiful space, and friendly helpful hosts.
This is not a five star hotel. But considering where it is located, it is a ten star place to stay!
A superb base camp for your Alaska adventure in Wrangell-St Elias National Park.
We absolutely loved staying here! The cabins are beautiful with everything we needed and it’s just a short drive to the bridge before McCarthy. Everything was extremely clean and the family who owns and runs it are very helpful and kind. We can’t wait to go back!
Stayed a night at the Kennicott cottage and loved it! The beds were super comfy, the full kitchen had everything I needed, and the view from the balcony was just awesome. On top of that, Matthew was incredibly helpful and shared a lot of local info that made my trip even better. Wish I had more time there — such a peaceful and beautiful place!
Mile 56, McCarthy Rd #7, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA•
13 min · 3.9 mi
6•Manasa C — Google reviewRandy J — Google reviewJeremy K — Google reviewDavid C — Google reviewYang Z — Google reviewKaya P — Google reviewCathy C — Google review
The Potato
4.8
(277)
4.7
(262)
Gastropub
Restaurant
When visiting McCarthy or Kennecott in Alaska, make sure to check out The Potato, a casual dining spot known for its delicious burritos and curly fries. In McCarthy, you can also enjoy fine dining at the Salmon & Bear Restaurant or grab a drink and listen to live music at the Golden Saloon. In Kennicott, options include family-style dinners at Kennicott Glacier Lodge and hearty fare from the Meatza Wagon food truck.
Pleasantly surprised to find such a great restaurant in a tiny mountain town! So good we went twice - everything tasted great but my favorite was the salmon special. The salmon was perfectly cooked with crispy skin and tender meat, and the combination of sauces/rice/veg made it an outstanding dish. Only thing I wouldn’t order again are the fries but personally I don’t love shoestring fries. It gets very busy during peak hours but service is quick and great. Must-visit for anyone in the area.
Audra W — Google review
Only place to grab food at McCarthy, food tasted delicious. Cool ambience, good servicing. We tried few dishes all tasted delicious. Highly recommend salad’s falafel coffee burritos. They are consider additional requests for add ons, very accommodating staff
Highly highly recommend eating at this restaurant and trying the specials! Had such amazing dishes. These are the crab cake, duck breast and salmon special. I can’t wait to come back and try more food. Thank for the incredible meals!
It’s the best restaurant ever. Went every night we stayed in McCarthy, and don’t regret it. Great service, fantastic food.
-Burrito
-Mac and cheese
-Cheesesteak
-Chicken Fajita Pita
-Soup
-Miso Salad
and literally anything else on the menu. Order it all and love it all.
While visiting McCarthy for a hiking trip, we had The Potato five times in a row. Never got tired of it. Food and drink here is absolutely amazing. The owners take such care in sourcing and curating a great menu that any big city would be lucky to have. They maintain very reasonable prices, and the whole town congregates here. I'd highly recommend the Potato. Some standout dishes: potato head burrito, king salmon special, miso salad, and any of the desserts.
I still couldn’t fathom how one of the best meal I ever had is at the middle of nowhere, no cellular signal town McCarthy Alaska. How do you get the ingredients and one of the best chefs in the world there? The addition of grapes into the prawn curry is so bold and refreshing. I’m inspired.
Genuinely good food, not just by mountain town standards. Love it!
I highly recommend The Potato. We had the garlic rosemary french fries which were fresh-cut and perfectly cooked. They had an amazing selection of canned beers from all over the West Coast. Our server was prompt, easy-going, and perfectly attentive.
McCarthy, AK 99588, USA•
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Day 2
Off the beaten path
For day 2, if you don’t mind the extra trek, today covers more off the beaten path places like Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center. Not quite as popular as Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, but still highly rated among many travelers. Accounting for getting around and average time spent, today’s activities could take about 9 hours.
1•Susan M — Google reviewEric V — Google reviewSeth H — Google reviewBrian B — Google reviewKyuwon L — Google reviewVanessa B — Google reviewDon D — Google review
Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center
4.7
(359)
4.5
(128)
Visitor center
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center, located in Copper Center on the Richardson Highway, serves as the main hub for park information and activities. Although it's not within the park boundaries, it offers a great opportunity to engage with knowledgeable rangers who can provide insights into wildlife viewing opportunities within the park. The center features informative displays, a theater, and clean facilities.
Great visitors center for introduction to the largest National park in the USA. Had excellent displays, theater, clean restrooms, and grounds. 2 different rangers gave talks one about the park overview and mountain peaks and glaciers. The other a talk about the boreal forest and fungi/mushrooms that can be seen there. Nice flat trails for easy walking to see the local plants and trees. Very quiet and beautiful views if you are lucky. We read every display, watched movie and did the trail. Can spend 3 hours there doing all that. Should bring your own food snacks and water. None for purchase. You can refill your water bottles there. Highly recommend.
Teresa T — Google review
We loved this National Park! There were lots of animal skins and things for the kids to touch and feel as well as for us adults. There was a movie in the theater which was very informative and inspiring. Beautiful views of the mountains with free binoculars at the viewing areas.
We arrived after the park had closed but none of the gates had been locked. As soon as we got out of the truck one of the rangers told me he was going to be locking the gates shortly and if we intended on using the park we needed to park on the outside of the gate so that we didn't get locked in. We did what he directed and then set off on our hike. The park offered ip some beautiful view of the woods as well as the river along the trail. We walked the easy trail first and soon found it dead-end to a cliff where part of the pathway had been washed away. We saw a few different kinds of wildlife.
We were very pleasantly surprised with how good our experience was here. And being Sunday we weren't even sure they would be open. We had some questions about backpacking. The woman we spoke to was very friendly and very helpful, but one question she did not know the answer to. She gave us the number to one of the rangers on staff and we contacted him and got all questions answered plus plenty more helpful information. We also found exactly what we were looking for in the gift shop (bear spray and stickers). We were beyond pleased with our experience here.
Stopped by while exploring the area. Clean facilities, friendly staff, cool displays. Hiked a few of the trails in the area and enjoyed our visit!
Chill, well-maintained visitor station that gives rest and comfort for those who travel to/from Valdez. It has a little store section in it and a gorgeous mountain view on the deck.
Beautiful visitors center with a great little walking trail. I love the posted foliage signs!
Like most NP Visitor Centers this one is staffed with friendly, knowledgeable Park Rangers. There's also an exhibit building nearby, and another building shows a 20-minute informative film about the Park. That said, there's not much to this VC. You can see it all in an hour or two. The available hiking trails are short, with severely obstructed views of the Copper River Valley. I understand that there are other entrances to this NP with roads that go much further into the Park and have far better hiking trails. My advice would be to consider those.
104 Richardson Hwy, Copper Center, AK 99573, USA•
1 hr 57 min · 74.4 mi
2Samantha A — Google reviewDaniel B — Google reviewJesse W — Google reviewPaul B — Google reviewLandon F — Google reviewShanna S — Google reviewFred S — Google review
Kuskulana Bridge
4.9
(56)
Bridge
The Kuskulana Bridge, a remarkable former railroad bridge, stands 238 feet above the Kuskulana River and was constructed in the winter of 1910. This 525-foot-long steel truss railway bridge has been refurbished with wooden decking and guardrails. Visitors are advised to yield to oncoming traffic as it is a single lane bridge and not stop for photos.
Absolutely gorgeous drive!
If you're not able to drive all the way to Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, at least drive to this Bridge to say you've visited the National Park!
There is a catwalk underneath the bridge, but it is a bit questionable in terms of its safety. Catwalk is slightly difficult to get to without hiking or using 4x4.
The views are breathtaking! Make sure to walk across the bridge. There are public restrooms.
Mr. E — Google review
Mind blowingly beautiful! Don’t rush out to Kennicott just for a couple hours, that’s a silly long & washboarded commute. Stop and enjoy this marvel, the gorgeous views, fabulous locals (small businesses are getting rare out there) & the many vistas & hikes. Root Glacier is easy & a dream- bring cleats!
Nice view over the canyon. Under the bridge there is a second level that you could walk.. needs a bit of climbing as I guess you're not supposed to walk over there
Spanning 238 feet above the river, the wayside on the east side of the bridge is a great stop along the McCarthy. There is a NPS managed restroom and interpretive kiosk at the wayside and a catwalk under the bridge for those who want more views of the immense natural surrounding.
There is a place to pull off on the right after crossing the bridge that is well worth the time to read. Take your time on the drive to McCarthy. It has a lot to see and a lot of nature to take in.
Breathtaking views down to the river. The expanse below as you drive across is epic. If you’re headed out to McCarthy, you can’t miss it.
Gorgeous day to drive to McCarthy! Met some cool bungee jumpers along the way.
Bridge was closed! No other way in or out, so you wait. They were actually inspecting it - and that's reassuring. But the delay is a drag.
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
1 hr 41 min · 41.8 mi
3Gabriel F — Google reviewMary H — Google reviewKatura W — Google reviewBeisi X — Google reviewSean K — Google reviewMaria V — Google reviewKioumars A — Google review
Kennicott River Lodge
4.2
(33)
Lodge
Kennicott River Lodge is a perfect getaway in Wrangell St Elias National Park, offering amazing views of the Kennecott & Root Glaciers and the mile-high Stairway Icefall. Located 7-8 hours from Anchorage, it provides an unforgettable experience with access to northern lights viewing right from your cabin porch. The lodge also offers glacier hiking and whitewater rafting experiences.
Lovely little cabins to stay on and watch the sunrise over the glacier. Gina and Nick are so lovely. Gave us great advice on our river trip.
Beds were comfy.
Hope to go back!
Jade M — Google review
Insane location that overlooks an unbelievable glacier. Just a 5min walk to the foot bridge and food/gas nearby. The grounds were immaculate and the staff were very helpful and friendly. Do not be deterred by the McCarthy road drive down there. Just take it slow and enjoy the scenery. 100/10.
Great location at the end of the McCarthy road and the manager - tour organizer Chris was awesome to work with, however the accommodations were a bit bleak and the camp ground and lodge area were messy. There was trash piled up in the kitchen and other guests just piled up all their food items in the shared kitchen- it looked unkept. Be ready to rough it here- bathrooms are not in the cabins and the showers are shared. They worked good but it was kind of a pain. It’s basically camping because you have to bring in everything- nothing is provided. The overall site needs picking up- there are stray equipment here and there and it’s not very appealing for such a remarkable location. I kept thinking how quaint this place could be if they cleaned it up and did some landscaping….
Booked the whole place out for a large group retreat-type event and the experience was unforgettable. The view is insane! The owner and manager took the vision of the retreat and worked with myself and the event planners to curate a gathering that was uniquely Alaskan and so fun and so easy. You can also book glacier hiking and whitewater rafting with them too which we did and I highly recommend. This place is perfect for large or small group events of any type.
best view of the glacier, might be best value too if you didn't need rush. close to footbridge where you could take 5$ ride to McCarthy or Kennicott. a small lake 5 mins to the footbridge also worth some walk if there is no wind. Brad were nice offering towel, fruit and open kitchen with oven. the shared shower and restroom could be trouble at peak season or weekend, although not a huge problem if you plan well.
Don't come to Alaska and not come to McCarthy. The lodge has an amazing view of the Glacier
We enjoyed staying here last summer! The owner is very nice, and truly enjoys living in this place and showing to others. Common kitchen has a very relaxed atmosphere. The view from the suite is spectacular!
Also, these cabins are the closest to the bridge, just about a 2 minute walk away
Rooms full of wasps, no maintenance, no staff on site.
We could not sleep for 2 nights because rooms were infested with tens of wasps entering through gaps between the logs in the wall. When reporting the issue to the office of the parent company, they only thanked us for letting them know. When writing and complaining, the simply ignored us. I would not go there, and I would advice travelers to avoid this lodge. There are much better options in McCarthy and Kennicott.
59 McCarthy Rd, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA•
< 1 min · 0 ft
4•Julie M — Google reviewDavid R — Google reviewKelly V — Google reviewLee — Google reviewMike M — Google reviewAlaina P — Google reviewGoldie A — Google review
McCarthy River Tours
4.7
(63)
5.0
(166)
Raft trip outfitter
Outdoor Activities
Adventure sports center
Boat rental service
McCarthy River Tours offers a variety of outdoor adventures in the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Whether it's hiking on the Root Glacier with knowledgeable guides, embarking on a multi-day river trip, or enjoying a family-friendly rafting excursion, there's something for everyone. The experienced and skilled guides ensure an unforgettable experience, providing insights into the local area while ensuring safety and enjoyment for all participants.
Five star experience with Five star guides. The 12 day Source to Sea: Nizina & Copper River Expedition was incredible on many levels. The wilderness experience, breathtaking scenery, ice everywhere, historic significance, cool rock formations, amazing cuisine, and perfect weather all made for an exceptional trip. Jake and Anna were expert in their focus on safety, both on and off the river. They were also quite knowledgeable and fun!. I wholeheartedly recommend this expedition, this company, and this dynamic duo.
RaeRae — Google review
My son and I had a great time on the 2 night/3 day Rivers to Riches trip in late July 2023. We traveled 65 miles on 4 rivers in 3 days! Our guides Ron, Mia and Kevin were awesome! We had never done an overnight rafting trip before and truly enjoyed our river trip into the wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
The food was delicious and it was pretty fascinating watching Ron and crew set-up for meals so efficiently. Ron shared a lot of interesting history and geology information that was so unique to the area. Our stay at Kennicott Glacier Lodge the night before launch was comfortable and we enjoyed the walk into the small town for dinner. Any time I had a trip logistics question, Chris was always quick with an email reply. I would definitely do another river trip with McCarthy River Tours.
We had a great time on the guided Root glacier hike. Nye was really informative and always had our safety as his top priority. He didn’t make us feel rushed and was happy to go at our pace. Would definitely recommend them!
I just wanted to share our experience with McCarthy River Tours, It was amazing and all the people we dealt with were very kind and helpful. Starting with Chris, he was there to greet and help us with any questions. On the river rafting Macy was great at making sure everything was safe going down the river and afterwards helps with our equipment and answers all our questions. Veronica was our guide for both the river rafting and the glacier hike, she was very personable and made us fill like family, it was just like she was another member having fun with us. She was very kind and knowledge about everything.
I would highly recommend McCarthy River Tours to any one that goes to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park!! Thank you all for sharing in an awesome outing!!
Our 5 day Copper River trip was so much fun! We had a large group with some special requests and McCarthy River Tours and Outfitters planned everything for us perfectly - we did not need to worry about a thing! All gear was provided including dry suits so we could feel comfortable and safe on the cold glacial water (thank-you!!). Macy and Leo are amazing guides - their knowledge of the area, attentiveness to safety, and 5 star cooking was much appreciated!
We had a group of 20 (10 adults and 10 kids) take the Root glacier tour. We split the group into two groups of 10. Specifically we had Kevin (Kevbo) and Anna. They were absolutely amazing with the kids and blended into our group seamlessly. They gave us the history of the towns on the walk to the glacier.
The glacier hike was breathtaking and absolutely worth the drive down McCarthy road.
Highlight of the trip and would recommend the hike to anyone.
fantastic company for all your adventuring!!! they were super communicative, accommodating, kind, knowledgeable, and fun. would recommend to anyone headed to McCarthy!
I had the experience of a lifetime with Macey and Wrangell Air Service (Austin and Jared) out at Nizina Lake. The flights were smooth and provided some gorgeous views. Macey is the best guide I have ever hung out with. She is very knowledgeable about the area, made sure we were safe the entire trip, was very helpful, and was just an awesome person to hang out with. Chris at the office coordinated all the details of my trip and communicated those very well. This day trip was my absolute best adventure experience in the past 6 years of me living in AK. I go on two to three excursions a year. McCarthy River Tours will become an annual excursion. I am excited to adventure more with this company and their incredible crew.
Mile 59 McCarthy Rd, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA•
26 min · 6.9 mi
5Tyler N — Google reviewKaya P — Google reviewVikram B — Google reviewGiovanni N — Google reviewJoe H — Google reviewDaniel B — Google reviewLandon F — Google review
Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark
4.8
(163)
Scenic spot
The Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark is a significant site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing early 20th-century copper mining. The historic buildings at Kennecott are in need of substantial repairs to ensure visitor and staff safety, with additional funds required for signage and interpretive media. Visitors can access the landmark via a shuttle van from McCarthy, where most of the mine buildings have been restored by the National Park Service.
Amazing tour. The NPS is doing a great job restoring this old mine. Tour was great and very informative. Definitely would recommend to others.
Mike M — Google review
The National Park Service has done an outstanding job preserving and restoring this historical mining town. There are a handful of buildings you can enter that each offers an abundance of information on the town's history, mining logistics, and eventual revival as a tourist destination
There's quite a few original documents and equipment from the 20s/30s which really immerses you in the idea that you're standing in a century-old mining town. Expect to spent about 3-4 hours exploring, more than enough to see and read it all with some space for lunch. There's a couple shuttle services that run from the footbridge in McCarthy to Kennecott (5 miles). Recommend buying a day pass, or multi-day, from the general store for $15/$20
Super well done historic exhibits, all trails are awesome (Bonanza pictured here), beautiful place! Worth noting that you have to take a shuttle up to the mill town, it’s on the other side of a pedestrian footbridge.
It was very interesting to see this mine 💣 town in the middle of nowhere. The red 🧱 colors on the buildings were really unique. The area is nice but there isn't that much to do. Note: you can't bring your car 🚗 here because of the foot bridge 🌉 In the summer 🌞 months, they have shuttle 🚐 services, but this is not the case in other seasons, so be prepared to walk from the parking lot to the mines (~4.5 miles each way on a flat road)
Kennecott is an abandoned mining camp in the Copper River Census Area that was the center of activity for several copper mines from 1907 since mid ‘20. It is located beside the Kennicott Glacier, northeast of Valdez
If I could suggest go visit the Kennecott Mines in Wrangell -St Elias National Park .
Keep your motorhome in a campground here in Chitina and drive your car .. do your research ( from what I’m told the road is better😳)McCarthy road is mostly unpaved and rough is an understatement, ITS ROUGH ! 60 miles one way .. 2 hours doing 40 mph!!
Can I suggest if you have a mouth guard? Wear it , it’ll help your jaw from clenching and help you not yell out unpleasant words to your driver !! A good time for those kegel exercises since your butt will be tight the whole way !
Once you park .. $6 and you cross the foot bridge a shuttle will drive you into town $5 each way ( another 6 mile bumpy ride)
The 2 hour mine tour is $34 a person and the hike to the Glacier is 4 miles. Even if you choose neither , it’s like walking back in time , beautiful, great history and good food !! Enjoy your day and know it’s the same ride home !! OMG 😳😳🤣 — at Wrangell-St Elias National Park.
Absolutely worth a trip! Can be reached either by walking from MC carthy (allow 1.5-2 hrs, slightly uphill) or by shuttle bus. It's a jump back in time.
The site is in good shape and being further restored. In a few buildings there are interesting exhibits, displays and movies.
Definitely worth the trim.
Can be combined with a trip to the glacier, worth a visit as well.
A few options for food are available as well in Kennecott.
Incredible mining ruins that have been somewhat preserved with some exhibits. There are tours you can take of the 14-story mill, but we didn’t do that this time with the kids in tow. The history here is awesome to learn about, and the NPS is actively restoring and supporting things to last a long time. You can follow the road further up to the glacier hiking trails as well.
The shuttle goes from Kennicott back down to McCarthy every hour, at the top of the hour. The latest one leaves at 7:00 PM, as of July 2024. You have to take the shuttle from McCarthy up to Kennicott. The shuttle company people were all 10/10 friendly and helpful.
Kennicott, Chitina, AK 99566, USA•
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Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 4-minute walk away from Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
Tailor Made Pizza 2 & Espresso
5.0
(2)
Permanently Closed
Restaurant
Tailor Made Pizza 2 & Espresso is a charming eatery located in the midst of Alaska's stunning natural landscapes. Renowned for serving delectable pizza, including gluten-free and vegan options, this unique pizza bus is a must-visit for food enthusiasts exploring the land of volcanoes and glaciers. Whether you're craving a taste of authentic Alaskan cuisine or simply seeking a satisfying meal, Tailor Made Pizza 2 & Espresso promises an unforgettable dining experience amidst breathtaking surroundings.
Hi Kids Just wanted to thank you for having gas at McCarthy! My customers here at the Golden Spruce will be so happy that you are there. Are you going to have diesel also. Please let me know. Again thanks for being there and tell your family hello for us! Patty & John
Patty R — Google review
Awesome and quirky pizza bus with homemade gluten-free and vegan options.
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Day 3
Southeast side of town
For day 3, we recommend exploring the southeast side side of town. Start the day off with St. Elias Alpine Guides, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Ma Johnson’s Historical Hotel. All together, your day would be filled with about 7 hours of non-stop fun.
1Patrick M — Google reviewShauna B — Google reviewShruti G — Google reviewCortney O — Google reviewKate B — Google reviewMichael F — Google reviewDrew G — Google review
St. Elias Alpine Guides
4.9
(277)
Tour operator
St. Elias Alpine Guides is located in McCarthy, at the Motherlode Powerhouse. This compound serves as more than just an office, offering amenities like climbing walls and a well-stocked pantry for wilderness dining. The company organizes multi-day backpacking trips into Wrangell St. Elias National Park, with excursions lasting from 2 to 7 days and including activities such as camping, hiking, and even kayaking in some cases.
We did the mill tour and the full day glacier hike with em. It's a must do if you are visiting Kennicott. The knowledge of the guides is amazing and while you can do the glacier hike on your own, it's must more fun and extensive with the guides. Big thumbs up for Logan and Cat for the glacier hikes and Charlie for the mill tour!!!
Charlie A — Google review
The 4-Day Basecamp hiking trip with SEAG was the best part of our travels in Alaska. The entire staff is extremely welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable, and made our trip planning a breeze! Our guide Charlie was super knowledgeable about the terrain and history of the Wrangells and taught us many backcountry skills throughout our trip. He was always making sure we were comfortable and having fun. After our return from the backcountry, Charlie showed us around town and had great recommendations for activities to continue our adventure during our free days in McCarthy. Booking with SEAG is must if you are visiting McCarthy, AK wether you are looking for a short 1 day activity or a multi day expedition you will be in good hands! Thanks a ton to Anya, Charlie, and all of the staff at SEAG for making our trip and unforgettable experience!!
We thoroughly enjoyed our mill tour with Carson. For it being only his second tour, he was very knowledgeable and didn’t miss a beat! On the mill tour, you get a quick walk and talk about a few buildings, then you go uphill and actually start the mill tour at the top of this 14 story building. Wonderful views out of the windows and a lot of the inside still intact with machinery and all. Well worth the money!
Did the ice cave exploration tour on Aug 6.
This was an absolutely stunning experience — we’d never seen anything like this before or even imagined it could exist outside of movies (think Frozen come to life!). The scenery was breathtaking, and exploring three incredible ice caves felt surreal.
Our guide picked us up at 8:30 AM from the McCarthy side of the Kennicott River Footbridge, kept us safe with the safety helmets, constant safety tips, and captured plenty of great photos for us along the way. Her care, flexibility, and willingness to adapt made the day all the more memorable.
The tour was advertised as a 5.5–6 hour adventure (9:00 AM to about 2:30/3:00 PM), but we were initially on track to finish by 12:30 PM. I mentioned this to our guide and expressed my disappointment — and she immediately went above and beyond to make sure we left happy. She took us on an extra hike to the Root Glacier viewpoint, extending our trip to about 1:30 PM before driving us back to the starting point by 1:45.
Overall, a fun and beautiful Alaskan adventure!
We signed up for the St. Elias Alpine Guides tour of the Kennecott Mill so that we could go inside the restricted buildings, and it was well worth it. Our guide was both knowledgeable and funny, and being able to go inside the mill added a lot to our experience of the historic site. The tour through the mill does include a fairly steep hike to the top first, and lots of stairs and ladders inside for coming back down through the building.
We just finished the Bergs to Beaches 7-day trip with SEAG and it was a fabulous experience. The terrain was very challenging but the views were so rewarding. Our guide Stella was amazing. She confidently guided us through many challenges and attended to all of our needs. She prepared amazing meals from the SEAG cookbook and they did not disappoint. This trip is not for the faint of heart but if you’re up for a challenge then I highly recommend. 10/10 would do again!
Caroline was our guide and she made the Mill tour exceptional. We hiked to the top of the mill and worked our way down inside it. Caroline took the time to explain how the copper ore was processed and her knowledge was impressive.
Absolutely unbelievable experience. Best guides I've ever worked with, incredible terrain, and great course curriculum. I took the Intro to Mountaineering Course, and Landon and Josh taught me more in five days than I would have thought possible. Thanks to them, I feel pretty confident on glaciated terrain moving forward.
During our trip, we had the opportunity to set up high camp on a glacier, summit a nearby peak, practice crevasse safety and rescue, go through basic avalanche rescue and snow science, and practice roped travel through glaciated terrain. Throughout the whole course, Landon and Josh were able to answer any questions I could think of. I come from a rock climbing background, and have some experience with rope systems, but Landon and Josh showed me systems I've never seen before that may well save my or a partner's life in the years to come.
One last truly exceptional aspect of the trip: the food. I don't really understand how SEAG does what they do with meals, but despite being a plane ride and a two day hike from the nearest town it felt like we were barely in the backcountry. Everything tasted great, and there was plenty of it. It was a real contrast from my normal backcountry dining experience, which mostly consists of choking down freeze dried meals for days at a time and dreaming of real food.
12 Kennicott Millsite, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA•
< 1 min · 100 ft
2Ali A — Google reviewRochelle D — Google reviewBrandon D — Google reviewZeke C — Google reviewBruce B — Google reviewLila K — Google reviewJohn S — Google review
Kennecott Visitor Center
4.7
(40)
Visitor center
The Kennecott Visitor Center, located in the historic Blackburn School, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. This small yet informative center offers exhibits, a park film available upon request, seasonal ranger programs, a bookstore, and assistance with backcountry trip planning. During the summer season, daily town tours and programs are conducted by park rangers and local guides.
Although small, the Kennecott Visitor center is chock full of information. They have a map of the mine and associated buildings as well as the Root Glacier. The ranger was also very helpful as it was possible that the aurora or Northern Lights would be visible and she gave us the information. Unfortunately did not come to fruition. Also books pertinent to the mill and area. Very informative.
Millie K — Google review
Cool little visitor center, good selection of items in the park store, and the ranger running the information desk/front counter (since they don't have ample staff anymore) was very friendly and knowledgeable. Area around the visitor center was amazing as well!
The visitor center was okay. People were friendly and the ranger was helpful, but the talk I attended was poorly and immaturely presented for an audience of older adults. The science was off and lacked a level of vocabulary I'd expect from a college intern majoring in the field being discussed.
The St Elias guided tour of the old mines was great. The visitor center is next store. Some souvenirs were priced fair. They close for lunch from 12:30-1:30p.
Very nice little visitors center. It was small, but had all the souvenirs you could want. The staff was super informative, they had answers to every question we asked about the park. A fantastic place to visit that many don’t make it to. The mines are very interesting, definitely worth the ride up to explore!
The entire town is walkable to see the old buildings. A 5-mile round-trip hike goes to the Kennicott Glacier. The visitor center is small but complete.
This place is so beautiful and amazing. Well kept and there is so much hiking to Root glacier and walk on it. Would definitely recommend
Interesting to see the old photos of the area and see the copper ore and such. Very small, nothing much.
McCarthy Rd, Chitina, AK 99566, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
2 min · 0.12 mi
3•Mini R — Google reviewJohn B — Google reviewSierra S — Google reviewBennie G — Google reviewAniket J — Google reviewBridget Y — Google reviewG R — Google review
Meatza Wagon
4.9
(49)
4.7
(78)
Restaurant
Nestled in the Kennicott area of Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Meatza Wagon is a locally-owned restaurant renowned for its delectable slow-cooked meat specialties and exceptional customer service. The chef's rustic, old-fashioned cooking techniques result in mouthwatering meals made entirely from scratch. While the focus is on meat, the menu also features impressive vegan and vegetarian options that cater to various dietary preferences.
I have been to six continents and would have never thought I would stumble upon the best sandwich ever here in Kennicott. The Three Little Pigs sandwich is legit the best sandwich I’ve ever had. It was full of flavor, tender, and the bread was perfectly soft but also crunchy. The freshly baked cookies were divine too. My friends and I cannot stop talking about how amazing the sandwiches were. My friends said they would make the difficult trek all the way back to Kennicott just to have this sandwich again.
Anna D — Google review
In the middle of basically no where, a wonderful option for good food made well. There is seating in front of the wagon, overlooking the glacier flows and the river.
We ordered the Salmon BLT, Flat Bread Sandwich, and The Meatball Sub. They were all freshly made with good ingredients, and yummy. They also have all kinds of drinks available.
The service is a bit slow, perhaps as there is only one cook.
Can you have a delicious sandwich and eat outdoors in the middle of an almost-wilderness? Yes you can at Meatza food truck at the Kennecott mine site in Wrangell-St. Elias.
I had the Carnitas Tacos and my wife had the Meatball sandwich, both excellent. It's all outdoor seating, with a roofed shelter available.
Update: we went back next day, I had the same carnitas tacos, wife had the Chicken burrito special, and we got the fresh-baked and still warm chocolate chip cookies. Delish!
Just walk up, order, and eat -- other places nearby need reservations or not available unless you are a lodge guest.
Reasonable prices, and great views of the glaciers and mountains surrounding this historic mining area in the middle of a very remote National Park.
Cannot emphasize TRY THIS PLACE enough!!!!! Wonderful food, we got three portions for two people because it was SO good! Who knew that the best food was all the way out here?!?! The owner helped us out when he saw us walking halfway to kennicott getting eaten up by mosquitos. After some small talk and hearing that he owned a food truck, we wanted to stop by to pay forward a favor. This was the perfect meal after our hike to the glacier! The food was incredible. I reccomend the salmon BLT (the world's best salmon is caught HERE). Nice fridge with cold drinks too.
Great place for a quick bite in Kennecott. Nice pavilion to sit at. Self serve soft drinks. We had the Three Little Pigs and Rockfish tacos, both excellent.
Food was amazing, they had vegetarian options. Staff was very friendly too. There is a very nice covered sitting area to enjoy dine-in.
The three pigs sandwich was to die for and exactly what I needed after a grueling 9 mile hike! The pasta salad was delicious: there was many cold drink options and a nice view. We even went back and got ice cream cups after our second hike . Fast, friendly service and delicious food. This place is not to be missed if you are in the area.
Stupidly great food and excellent variety. Awesome views too. What else could you want?
Chitina, AK 99566, USA•
12 min · 0.64 mi
4Ali A — Google reviewBlake G — Google reviewManasa C — Google reviewMarta S — Google reviewDave M — Google reviewDaniel B — Google reviewGabriel F — Google review
Root Glacier Trail
4.9
(36)
Hiking area
The Root Glacier Trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that offers stunning mountain views and the chance to explore mining artifacts. The trail crosses creeks and winds through forested mountains before descending to the glacier's toe. It's one of the most accessible valley glaciers in Alaska, providing a unique opportunity to walk on a glacier with proper gear like crampons.
Super well maintained trail leading to a beautiful glacier! Easy trail. Pit toilet available at trailhead. Can't take ATVs on the trail. Bring bug spray and crampons!!!! Mosquitos die down once you get to the glacier. We didn't do a guided tour because my husband is from Alaska and we're both pretty experienced hikers. It was just as wonderful without a tour, however support the local tour guides if you're not familiar with glacier safety, bear country safety, or have small children with you.
Sierra S — Google review
Beyond amazing experience! Moderate to strenuous hike, depending on your skill level and hiking experience, but well worth it regardless! My 72 year old mother hiked it with me and she loved it...took longer, but she said it was worth all the pain! Highly recommend!
Such a fun hike. Clean and well kept trail. Recommend wearing hiking boots. If you want to get all the way to the glacier the trail gets a bit rougher with larger rocks.
Less than 3 miles from Kennicott you will start seeing the roots glacier up close. Trail is a little steep, recommend good traction shoes and hiking poles. One of the best walkable glaciers, you can walk up a few feet with crampons. Require guides to walk further up. Also there are couple of options for food at kennicott
A must! The Root Glacier Trail in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is about 4 miles round trip( but you can go further on the glacier ) with minimal elevation gain, making the hike to the glacier itself easy and approachable. The path is mostly flat, with gorgeous scenery along the way. We brought our own crampons and, as experienced glacier hikers, found it safe and exciting to explore. Walking sticks and proper crampons are a must—spikes or microspikes won’t work here. The farther you venture onto the ice, the fewer people you’ll encounter, and the sweeping glacier and mountain views are absolutely breathtaking.
The trail was great. We took our own crampons and guided ourselves around. It was a beautiful experience. The trail to the glacier is a bit more than 2 miles. It has some rough areas to be careful on at the end. Worth every cautious step.
Very nice trail to the glacier. Not very long, the last part with the descent to the glacier is a bit steeper.
The glacier offers easy access, not very steep and no deep crevasses. Crampons are highly recommended
Absolutely awesome trail. Just about any fitness level can complete this hike and allow themselves the unique opportunity to walk on a glacier. Also, you can see an amazing mine at the beginning. 100/10.
Chitina, AK 99566, USA•
< 1 min · 0 ft
5Giovanni N — Google reviewNick G — Google reviewAshish A — Google reviewStefan E — Google review
Root Glacier
5.0
(10)
Ice
Root Glacier, located near the historic mining community of Kennicott, is a stunning natural wonder that offers visitors the opportunity to explore its icy terrain. The glacier's toe appears as piles of dirt in the valley, concealing ice hundreds of feet thick. Guided hikes are recommended for a safe and sustainable experience, allowing hikers to trek on the impressive glacier and even visit the enchanting ice caves.
We spent several days hiking on and around the Root Glacier, we had so much fun. The glacier hiking was unique, with crampons on the ice (harder than it seems!) looking for the blue pools of water, the waterfalls, and 30 foot high walls of ice. With global warming who knows how long we all will have the pleasure.
On day two we went to the ice caves that are down half way down the trail. They were spectacular - though all your clothes are going to get dirty and scratched as you wiggle through the very narrow gaps between the ice and the ground!
Mini R — Google review
when in McCarthy book for a Root Glacier hike, 4 miles round-trip from Kennecott to the glacier or 8 miles round-trip to the Erie Mine tram cables. Easy to moderate difficulty, do not forget crampons
Incredible. Truly one of the coolest experiences Alaska has to offer. Hike to glacier is flat until the final descent to the ice. After that it can get a bit hairy but keep going and have steady feet and you’ll make it. Definitely need spikes at the least for walking on the glacier. Anything more than the flat parts and incline up to the white ice and you’ll probably want good crampons.
Hike is not too difficult and its around 5-5.5 mile round trip from the Kennicott Historical Landmark. First 1-1.5 mile you dont see anything interesting and what you see beyond that point is breathtaking.
If you are little careful, you can hike it on your own without a guided tour. Just dont forget to carry crampons
(Translated by Google) A must-see...
(Original)
Muss man gesehen haben...
18 min · 4.6 mi
6Kathy D — Google reviewB. F — Google reviewAmelia W — Google reviewLuke F — Google reviewDM — Google reviewNikita M — Google reviewLaura C — Google review
Ma Johnson’s Historical Hotel
4.7
(33)
Lodge
Ma Johnson’s Historical Hotel, located in McCarthy, Alaska, is a former brothel that has been transformed into a historic hotel. It stands as it did in the early 20th century when it provided services to miners from the Kennecott copper mines. The hotel offers rooms for rent with shared bathroom facilities, making it a unique experience for visitors.
Had a lovely experience at Ma Johnson's located in downtown McCarthy! The staff went beyond our expectations including Neil, the owner, who went out of his way to give me a call prior to my trip and suggest some changes to our itinerary to spend more time in McCarthy. The rooms are on the smaller side but charming and clean. There is free breakfast provided at the Salmon and Bear Restaurant across the street and it is truly one of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever had. Everyone in the town is SO nice. Highly recommend spending at least two nights here and also doing a glacier hike with St Alpine which will pick you up right in front of the hotel. Hope to visit again one day!
Maryam P — Google review
We stayed in room 1. Don’t. I wouldn’t even stay upstairs if you could . I don’t know where the rooms are that are shown on the web site but they sure weren’t like our room. The room has a full size bed and was so small that 2 people couldn’t even pass each other. No room for luggage except in the walk way to get into the bed. One of the upstairs bathrooms was behind the head of the bed. Could hear people peeing all night. The window faced the street. Heard people all night, leaving the bar, sitting on the porch whispering at 3 am.
Bathrooms down the halls 3-4 of them. Downstairs bedrooms had sinks in room with showers/toilets down the halls
I would stay in a room with the twin beds. More room, not cramped
No electricity in any of the bedrooms. They have some charging ports in the lobby. Bring a portable battery.
Staff is outstanding, food across the street is great. Location is outstanding. There is a walk from the parking lot to town as you can’t drive there. We were Lucky that the shuttle bus was there when we walked our luggage across. The people that came in the next day had no idea what to do (they were told nothing ) no shuttle bus waiting so they hauled their bags up the road.
This is your best bet in town. Very quaint, step back into history. If you are a party of two, make sure you book one of the 2-bed rooms. The single-bed rooms that we saw were tiny. Barely enough room for 1 person to move around. I think only 1 room that we saw had an outlet. However - everyone gets by - charging their devices in the lobby or in the common area in the adjacent building. Very nice people - very accommodating. Lots of grace for everything in this wonderful little town.
Ma J's, as it's called by the locals, was a great place to stay during our trip to Wrangell-St. Elias. We loved the breakfast and historic decorations in the rooms and lobby. Our room was small but sufficient and we had a sink in the room, which was nice since bathrooms were shared amongst rooms.
Amazing hotel that is an absolute time capsule taking you back to the early 1900's. Not only in the feel of the hotel itself with period furniture, but also the staff and friendliness you receive. Step back in time with your stay in this hotel that is centrally located within a stones throw of everything you need in McCarthy. We had the most amazing time here!
Loved this quaint historical hotel and the hospitality. Sherry at the reception desk was super friendly and helpful. The lobby with it's bookshelves and all kind of local historical artifacts and photos from days gone by was really charming. Even though shared bathrooms they were super clean and easy to use and had that vintage vibe reminiscent of old NPS lodges. Right in middy of McCarthy. Also enjoyed our food at the cafes next door and general store. All in all everyone was super friendly. One thing would be really extra nice is to add keys to the doors. Not a big deal
Rooms are alright, although they don't have locks on the doors. Our sink didn't work properly either, as the water wasn't leaving unless you manually lifted the stopper. The bathrooms and showers were normal. The breakfast wasn't too good, but nothing to complain about. There is a free shuttle (van) going to and from the bridge (where you have to leave your car) twice an hour, and to the glacier once an hour, which is really convenient.
Neil Garish really went out of his way to make our stay wonderful! We thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Kate Kennedy house and dining at the Salmon and Bear restaurant! Excellent food and accommodations in McCarthy Alaska!
McCARTHY, 100 Kennicott Ave DOWNTOWN, McCarthy, AK 99588, USA•
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Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve throughout the year
- Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve in January
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- Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve in October
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