Wrangell – St. Elias National Park
Hello, fellow nature lover and adventure seeker. Do you want to embark on a journey that will blow your mind and leave you with stories to tell for a lifetime? Explore at least once to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska. It is such a true wonderland for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape to nature. Wrangell-St. Elias is not just any park; it is the largest park in the United States with 13.2 million acres. Yep, you heard right. Additionally, this park is home to the world’s largest glaciers. Here, you can have a wide variety of activity options. For instance, take a flight-seeing tour for jaw-dropping views from above. It’s like living in a real fantasy! It has not ended; there are so many hidden gems.
So, if you are looking for an adventure that combines stunning landscapes, rich history, and amazing wildlife, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is your ultimate destination. Pack your bags, lace your shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable tour. Let’s embark on the hidden beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
The thing to do in Wrangell – St. Elias National Park
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park is a beautiful place where you can enjoy lots of fun activities. No matter what you enjoy, this park has something for everyone to explore and experience.
Flight tour
Flight Tour Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers a breathtaking and unique flight tour experience. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park from the top. Furthermore, you will get a bird’s-eye view while flying over high mountains, extensive glaciers, and vast valleys. From the thorny peaks of the Wrangell mountain range to the serene lakes and rivers, one can see all the charming landscapes one after the other. Overall, these flight tours will give you an unforgettable way to explore the most wonderful areas of the park.
Hiking
There are so many extensive networks of trails in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Here, you will find a wide variety of options for hiking. For instance, easy to difficult trails for hikers of all skill levels. Furthermore, you can go for a beautiful hike through the park’s diverse ecosystem, from lush boreal forests to rugged alpine terrain. In addition, hiking through Nabesna Road will allow you to explore the Nabesna region. You can walk to the stunning Caribou Creek Falls. On the other hand, visit the Kennecott Valley and see the remains of the historic Kennecott Copper Mine. On the way to the trail, you will see many wildlife who are playing on lush boreal grass surrounding blooming flowers. Isn’t it such a breathtaking view? Thus, you can immerse yourself in the rich natural and cultural history of the park.
Photography
There are endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. From the towering peaks of the Wrangell Mountains to serene glacial lakes and rivers, the park has plenty of photographic points. Furthermore, you can explore the Kennecott area, where you can take photos of historic mining buildings and equipment. Otherwise, you can enter the Nabesna area and catch the vibrant wildflowers and wildlife. Whether you are an experienced photographer or a beginner, the park’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife offer endless opportunities.
Driving
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a vast and remote desert. However, there are several scenic driving routes, allowing you to see the stunning natural scenery of the park from the car while driving. For instance, you can go for a drive along Nabesna Road, which runs through the center of the park. As you drive, you will get stunning views of the Wrangell Mountains and wildlife such as bald eagles, moose, caribou, and bears. Alternatively, you can explore McCarthy Road, which will lead to the historic Kennecott Copper Mine and the charming town of McCarthy. Along the way, you will be able to immerse yourself in the park’s rich history and culture with breathtaking views, stops, or a short walk.
Rafting
Ancient rivers and streams offer amazing and adventurous rafting experiences at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Here, you can enjoy thrilling rafting with your friends. Additionally, go on a guided rafting adventure on the Chitina River. You will drive through class III and IV rapids surrounded by the highest peaks of the Wrangell Mountains. Alternatively, explore the calm waters of the Copper River, where you will float past stunning glaciers. Furthermore, you can see wildlife such as moose and bears along the banks of the river. Overall, whether you are an experienced rafter or a first-timer, there are many opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the park’s rivers.
Other activities
- Glacier Trekking
- Ice Climbing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
- Fishing
- Camping
- Mountaineering
When should I visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park depends on the activities you plan to do there. Let’s see
Summer (June to August)
In Wrangell-St. Elias, summer days are entertaining and pleasant. The temperature is usually 60 to 70 Fahrenheit or 15 to 21 Celsius during the summer in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. In the long daylight hours of summer, you can enjoy other activities, including hiking, camping, exploring glaciers, and fishing in clear water rivers. Additionally, active wildlife such as bears, moose, and caribou bring life to the park with the park’s wildflowers. It is an ideal time to see many beautiful birds, including wildlife. Thus, this is the most popular time for tours at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. There is so much fun. So, go backpacking, try rafting, and even trek out to the glaciers. Camping under the midnight sun will be a truly magical experience.
Fall (September to October)
As the summer temperature cools down, the park transforms into a stunning viewpoint of fall foliage. The leaves change into a red, orange, and yellow hue. When the animals prepare for winter in this colorful environment, it is a great time to watch and capture this majestic moment. Additionally, the temperature slightly cools down to 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to 4 to 10 degrees Celsius. Importantly, the crowd thins out, which provides a great opportunity for peaceful hiking adventure travelers on backcountry skiing or snowshoeing and amazing photography.
Winter (November to February)
During the winter months, the park is covered with snow. Temperatures drop below freezing, averaging 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or -12 to -6 degrees Celsius. In addition, a beautiful coat of snow covers the park. So, it is suitable for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, cross-country skiing, and even dog sledding. Moreover, if you are lucky, you might see lights dancing across the northern sky. This adds to the winter wonder, which is so mesmerizing.
Spring (March to May)
As the snow begins to melt, spring seems to bring new life to Wrangell-St. Elias. The temperature remains up to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or 2 degrees Celsius, to 50 degrees Fahrenheit; 10 degrees Celsius remains up to. Furthermore, the wild animals come out of their winter burrows at this time. Additionally, wildflowers also begin to bloom. Thus, spring is a great time to see wildlife at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. In addition, the temperature is comfortable, so it is also a lovely time for mountaineering. Moreover, you can explore the park trails, witness the melting of glaciers, and enjoy the live season before the summer rush arrives in fewer crowds.
The must-see attraction in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
There are so many must-see attractions in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to immerse yourself in the stunning, unique Alaskan landscapes. These places will leave you in awe of the raw beauty and wilderness. So grab the opportunity to connect with the natural world profoundly. Let’s see what’s for you.
Kennecott Ghost Town and McCarthy
Kennicott is a historic mining town with many old but well-maintained buildings. Here, you can explore the abandoned Kennecott Copper mines. Furthermore, I suggest you explore at once to learn about the mining traditions of the region. On the other hand, McCarthy is a small but charming town that serves as a gateway to the park’s backcountry. Overall, it is perfect for other outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, scenic flights, etc.
Root Glacier
Root Glacier is a large ice expanse that is suitable for hiking and glacier trekking. If you want to know about its geology, you can take guided tours. Furthermore, you will see the stunning blue ice formation here. In addition, you will see the strength of the glacier’s movement and the raw, icy beauty of Alaska up close. Moreover, you can enjoy glacier hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, crevasses, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding. Trust me, you will be amazed.
Copper Center
For in-depth information about the park, you can visit the Copper Center. It is the main visitor center where you can visit the bookstore, theater, and Ahtna Cultural Center. In addition, Ahtna Cultural Center is a historic village. Furthermore, you go for an easy walk on a short hiking trail. When you are in a half mile away, you will see the Wrangell Mountains. Moreover, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing at the Copper Center of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Overall, this place is all in one place.
Mt. Wrangell
Mt. Wrangell is one of the largest active volcanoes in North America. From the viewpoint of the park, you can witness it. In addition, you can observe mountain vapor vents and glaciers. Furthermore, only experienced mountaineers can go on guided climbing expeditions. Moreover, go for a hike on its trails and enjoy a scenic flightseeing tour. Overall, the panoramic views of this majestic peak are truly awe-inspiring.
Nabesna Road
Nabesna Road is a remote, unpaved road. On the other hand, that is the gateway to the northern part of the park. You can drive a 42-mile route or ride along the road to enjoy stunning landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and tundra. Along the way, you will witness wildlife such as deer, elk, and deer.
McCarthy Road
McCarthy Road, along with the 60-mile route, offers scenic views and wildlife sightings. Additionally, it gives visitors access to the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center. Furthermore, this is a historic route leading to the heart of the park. Moreover, this road provides comprehensive information on the park’s natural wonders and rich history.
Other places
- Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center
- Skolai Pass
- Nizina River
- Chitina
- Bonanza Mine Trail
My recommendation
- Mid-May through mid-September is the ideal time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias.
- To enjoy all the outdoor activities and panoramic views in a less crowded environment, you should visit this park during the spring and fall seasons.
- Visiting during autumn packs warm layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.
- During the summer, sometimes the temperature fluctuates. Additionally, rain and snowfall can be faced in summer.
- Photography lovers should visit this park during the fall season to capture the vivid colors of the mountains and the panoramic view of nature.
- To enjoy winter activities with family, you should visit in the winter.
Getting to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
By private vehicles
To reach Wrangell-St. Elias by car or bike, first you have to take the Richardson Highway from Anchorage to Glennallen. After that, from there, you will have access to the park via the Edgerton Highway to McCarthy Road or the Tok Cut-Off to Nabesna Road. Finally, you can reach park entrances and visitor centers through both routes.
By public transport
During the summer, some public transport may be accessible on McCarthy Road. But this road is quite challenging. Additionally, limited shuttle services are running from Anchorage to Glennallen. From there, you can park at the entrances by using these private shuttles.
Nearest airport
- Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the nearest airport to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This airport is approximately 200 miles away, about a 4 to 5-hour drive.
- Another one is Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). Which is about 250 miles away from the park and takes about a 5 to 6-hour drive.
Driving tips
- McCarthy Road is very challenging and not recommended for every vehicle.
- Check route conditions and updates.
- Check weather conditions due to unpredictable weather changes near Alaska.
- Consult tour operators for information on costs and schedules.
- Check the availability of public transport services before planning your visit.
- Get information about the Alaskan Railroad.
- Book air tickets in advance during peak season.
Bag packing
Pack your bag with necessary things to enjoy without any hustle
Clothing
- Carry warm clothes and the proper layer of clothes.
- Carry a cap, knee cap, helmet, footwear, and raincoat.
- Bring a waterproof jacket, hoody, and sturdy hiking boots.
Gears or Necessary things
- Printed a map of the park, a compass, and an umbrella.
- Keep satellite communication devices, sleeping bags, and trekking poles.
- Anti-mosquito lotion or bug spray, anti-rodent, and safety tools to keep away the wild like bear spray, noise tools, etc
- Carry a flask lighter, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Bring a first aid kit and safety tools.
- Take a Camera, tripod, and a telephoto lens to capture distant wildlife and a wide-angle lens for expansive landscapes.
Food and Water
- Keep plenty of water and high-calorie food.
- Keep a flask of warm water, teabags, cup noodles
- Keep saline, electrolyte drinks, energy drinks, dry fruits, dry foods, etc in your bag.
Fees
There are no entrance fees at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Camping fees
The camping fee depends on the camping site and season, ranging from $15 to $50 per night. But you have to reverse first. Reservations maintain the rule of first come, first served.
Visitor center
- Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center
- Ahtna Cultural Center
Operating Hours
- The park is open year-round, 24/7.
- The park is open year-round, 24/7.
Visitor centers have seasonal hours.
Regulations
- Do not feed or harass any animals.
- For hunting, maintain the rules and regulations.
- Don’t carry marijuana and other related substances.
- Pack out all garbage and use designated waste bins.
- Camp only in designated areas.
Safety Tips
These are my safety tips for you because staying safe is crucial
- Be prepared for extreme cold and sometimes rainy, rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Bring warm clothes and dress in layers due to unpredictable weather in any season.
- Wear appropriate clothes and footwear such as boots.
- Wear a helmet and a kneecap while hiking to dangerous trails.
- Maintain safety rules for mountain rides, ice-climbing and snowmobiling
- Check weather updates regularly and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Check conditions at visitor centers, as trails are not plowed during the winter.
- Carry a first aid kit and necessary safety tools or other emergency supplies.
- Inform someone about your plans and expected return time.
Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Final words
In conclusion, exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you are seeking to spend your time in a peaceful environment or a deep dive into Alaskan culture, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a one-stop place. It’s a journey where every step taken is a story waiting to be told. Get ready. I wish you a happy journey.
