Discover the best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, an incredibly special park that few get a chance to visit.
At over 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States. It’s about 6 times the size of Yellowstone, has the largest wilderness area in the United States and is home to the second tallest peak in North America. The park has four mountain ranges, over 3,000 glaciers and is home to an active volcano.
The depth and size of the wilderness here is hard to wrap your head around. Despite the size, there are only two public roads that lead into the park. And due to its remoteness, Wrangell-St. Elias is one of the least visited national parks in the United States, receiving 81,635 visitors in 2024.
While only a small part of the park is accessible by roads, there are still a lot of epic things to do when you visit. You can fly over distant glaciers, raft down a massive river, explore a nearby glacier, learn about the mining history of the area, and more. And you may be surprised to learn that along with the adventures, you can also enjoy the nightlife in the town of McCarthy.
While the wilderness adventures are the reason most people visit, I was most surprised by the energy and fun activities in the small town of McCarthy. While the town only has about 35 year round residents, they have an incredible selection of live music and other events throughout the summer. I felt so welcome and at home in this remote community!
This guide includes the best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias, plus the activity costs, where to eat, where to stay, and more. It’s based on my experience spending 4 nights in Wrangell-St. Elias in August 2025.
I was hosted by the McCarthy Lodge, St. Elias Alpine Guides and Wrangell Mountain Air during this trip. As always, all opinions are still my own. Thank you to these partners for their generosity!
Tips and Things To Know About Visiting Katmai National Park
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If you’ll be driving to Wrangell-St. Elias (which I recommend), you’ll need to drive the (in)famous McCarthy Road. It’s a 60-mile stretch of unpaved road with no services and you should allow at least 2 hours each way. Learn more tips about this drive in the ‘getting there’ section below.
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When you reach the end of the McCarthy Road, you won’t be able to take your car into McCarthy itself. You will park your car (parking fees apply) and walk across the footbridge over the river. Then, you can take a shuttle or walk a half mile to reach the town of McCarthy.
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There are two different shuttle companies that can take you between McCarthy, Kennecott and the footbridge. The Copper Town Shuttle runs every 30 minutes or so (take a photo of their schedule when you arrive) and you can purchase a multi-day pass. You can also take the Blackburn Heritage Shuttle, which costs $5 per ride (in cash).
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Cell coverage is spotty in Wrangell-St. Elias. I had pretty good coverage on Verizon, but T Mobile was not as reliable.
How to Get To Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
How to fly to Wrangell-St. Elias
You can either drive or fly to reach Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. If you’d like to fly, you’ll want to book a flight with Wrangell Mountain Air leaving from Chitina. To reach Chitina, it’s a 6 hour drive from Anchorage. These flights typically occur 3 times and a day between May and September. Wrangell Mountain Air also offers chartered flights from Anchorage and other cities around Alaska.
How to drive to Wrangell-St. Elias
To drive to Wrangell-St. Elias, you’ll need to drive the famous McCarthy Road. This is a 60-mile stretch of unpaved road with no services along the way. This road used to be infamous for many popped tires, but it’s improved a lot in recent years. However, you’ll still want to come prepared.
Not all rental car companies allow you to drive on the McCarthy Road, so be sure to check ahead of time. I rented my car in Anchorage with Rent-a-Subaru, and they were great.
It’s suggested to come prepared for the drive with a full-size spare tire, the knowledge of how to change a tire, extra food and water and a full tank of gas. The area is remote and you need to be ready in case you get stuck. However, I did have service on Verizon for most of the drive.
The drive itself is beautiful and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. I spent a day driving from Anchorage, which took about 7 hours total.
When To Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias is open year round, but there are no services available in the winter. The vast majority of visitors come in the summer and typically things are open between mid-May and mid-September.
How many days should you spend in Wrangell-St. Elias?
If you really want to immerse yourself and enjoy multiple adventures in the park, I recommend spending at least 3 days and 4 nights in Wrangell-St. Elias. If you’re short on time, I recommend staying in McCarthy or Kennecott for at least 1 or 2 nights, because driving the McCarthy Road twice in one day would make for a very long day.
Where To Stay in Wrangell-St. Elias
The McCarthy Lodge is the perfect base for a few days of exploring in Wrangell-St. Elias! The historic lodging options really celebrate the history of McCarthy through details like old photographs, historic artifacts and more. Plus, there is an amazing energy around town with welcoming staff, free roaming pups and a ton of events.
Whether you’re chatting with other guests while charging your phone at Ma Johnson’s Hotel, or enjoying live music in the New Golden Saloon, it’s easy to feel at home in this cozy town.
The historic lodge has a 3 different types of lodging options:
- Ma Johnson’s Hotel: A cozy lodge full of historic artifacts that tell the story of McCarthy. The restored boarding house has shared bathrooms and outlets are only available in the lobby, keeping the historic feel.
- Lancaster Backpacker’s Hotel: A budget-friendly accommodation with more basic offerings than Ma Johnson’s Hotel.
- The Kate Kennedy House: Stay in your own little house right on Main Street! This is a restored Sears Catalog Home with a king size bed, a cozy fireplace, a record player, a screened-in patio and more. If you’re willing to splurge, the Kate Kennedy House makes for an incredible stay.
Each type of room at the McCarthy Lodge includes breakfast, which is a buffet that includes french toast, hashbrowns, fresh fruit and more.
The McCarthy Lodge also has two restaurants for lunch and dinner - the Golden Saloon and Salmon & Bear. The Golden Saloon has elevated bar food, including wings, bbq, burgers and more, while Salmon & Bear offers fine dining (and has a highly awarded wine list!).
A stay at the McCarthy Lodge is sure to make your trip to Wrangell-St. Elias memorable, as it will give you a chance to meet fellow travelers and immerse yourself in the history of this unique town.
12 of the Best Things To Do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
From flightseeing to nightlife, learn about all of the best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park!
1. See Wrangell-St. Elias from Above
Flightseeing is one of the best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias! Since the park is massive with very few roads, it's very much worth it to see more of the park from the air.
Wrangell Mountain Air offers a variety of flightseeing tours where you can see glaciers, mountains, mines, wildlife and more from above. The pilots also will tell you about the geology of the landscape, and answer questions along the way.
I took the Thirteen Glacier Tour, which was 70 minutes. We flew next to waterfalls, saw a group of mountain goats, admired braided rivers and saw several glaciers. It was especially interesting to see the ruins of the Nizina Bridge, which was built in the 1920’s and used by gold miners, but washed away multiple times from floods.
Another highlight was seeing the ruins of the Erie Mine perched high up on a cliff. And the best part was seeing the Stairway Icefall up close, which is one of the largest icefalls in the world. The icefall marks the beginning of the Root Glacier and the birds eye view allows you get a sense of how massive this glacier really is.
No matter which tour you choose, I think that flightseeing is a fantastic way to see a bit more of the largest US national park.
2. Hike to the Root Glacier
The Root Glacier is pretty easily accessible from the Kennecott Mill. You’ll be able to enjoy views of the glacier from the mill, but hiking out to the glacier is worth it to get a closer look. And you can walk on the glacier if you’re prepared!
You can do this hike on your own, but if you’d like to explore on top of the glacier, it’s best to go with a guide. The guides will provide the necessary gear and take you safely around the glacier to see the most interesting areas.
The hike to reach the base of Root Glacier is about 4.6 miles round trip. You’ll be partially hiking through a forest, but the views overlooking the glacier open up at the end. As you approach the tip of the glacier, you’ll descend down a rocky trail. If you’re hiking to Root Glacier on your own, make sure to bring microspikes and put them on before walking on the ice.
St. Elias Alpine Guides offers both a half day and a full day hike on the glacier. If it’s your first time hiking on a glacier, it’s an amazing experience. Listen for the crunch of the ice beneath your feet as you admire ever-changing ice formations, streams of brilliant blue water and see the giant Stairway Icefall in the distance.
Fun Fact: Our guide showed us “glacier mice,” which are balls of moss that mysteriously move around the glacier on their own!
3. Explore the Kennecott Mill
Exploring the Kennecott Mill is one of the best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias. This copper mill was a pivotal factor in bringing people into this area in the 1900’s. The mill ran from 1911 to 1938 and processed 600,000 pounds of copper ore. The miners working in Kennecott were also the catalyst for McCarthy developing - it became a place for the workers to “blow off steam” and partake in activities like gambling, brothels and drinking.
The Kennecott Mill is 11 stories and one of the largest wooden structures in the world. When mining became no longer profitable, the mill was abruptly abandoned in 1938. Dishes were left set on the table as people rushed to get the last train out. The mill was left to the elements for years, but was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, and became a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
The national park service spent years and invested millions into restoring the mill. They stabilized several of the levels, replaced timber, repaired damaged areas after floods, and more. The mill is now said to be the best remaining example of early 20th century copper mining.
Fun Fact: The Root Glacier was 300 feet taller when the mine and mill were in operation in the 1900’s.
There are several exhibits that you can see on your own, such as the General Store and Post Office, the General Manager’s Office and the Train Depot. However, you only go inside of the mill itself on a guided tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides.
During the tour, you’ll strap on your hard hat and explore several floors of the mill. You’ll get to learn about the entire production process, and enjoy some great views from the large building. The tour was a bit adventurous, with some narrow steps that you’ll treat more like a ladder. It was so interesting to step back in time and imagine what it was like to work inside the mill.
I highly recommend this tour for anyone who enjoys history or wants to learn more about the history of mining in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
4. Challenge Yourself with Ice Climbing
If you’ve never tried ice climbing, the Root Glacier is the perfect place to try it out! It was my first time doing any type of climbing, and it was challenging, but also very doable for beginners.
I did the full day ice climbing adventure with St. Elias Alpine Guides. We began by hiking out to Root Glacier the same way you would if you’re just doing a glacier hike. When we reached the glacier, we strapped on some sturdy climbing boots and crampons, and started exploring on the ice.
This adventure included two separate climbs. Our first climb was going up a wall that was maybe 20 or 30 feet tall. Our guide, Pat, was a great teacher and so encouraging as we gave it a try.
Ice climbing involves a similar motion as climbing a ladder. One of the most difficult parts was getting your feet to properly stick into the ice. But when you’re able to securely place your feet and hands, you simply climb up like you would climb a ladder.
The second climb was a bit more intense. We descended down into a glacier moulin, which is a deep hole that descends 100’s of feets deep to the base of the glacier. There was a waterfall flowing down into the abyss, and the ice here was more dense, making it difficult to place your feet and hands.
The great thing about this climb was that we could descend as deep as we wanted. If you were feeling confident, you might descend 40 or more feet deep. Or if you’re a little nervous but still want to give it a go, you might descend 10 feet or less. I didn’t descend very far, but it was still such a great experience to get a glimpse of the depths of the glacier and try something new!
If you’re looking to try something new, ice climbing on the Root Glacier is an amazing way to see the beautiful glacier and get a bit out of your comfort zone.
Pro Tip: Combine two or three days of tours in a package with St. Elias Alpine Guides - this a great way to save some money. I did their 3-day package which included rafting, ice climbing and the mill tour.
5. Go Rafting and Return on a Bush Plane
If you’re craving a chance to get a little deeper into the wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias, a rafting adventure is the perfect way to do it. St. Elias Alpine Guides offers a trip where you’ll float down a massive river and return on an Alaskan bush plane.
This experience was much different than the white water rafting I’ve done in the lower 48. The river has Class III rapids and some areas with technical turns. Due to the cold water temperature, the murky color and other factors, our guides described the river as a “Class III river with Class V consequences.” This meant that the guides did all of the paddling for us, and we just got to sit back and relax.
Halfway through the adventure, we pulled up on a rocky beach and enjoyed a delicious lunch. We got to build our own sandwiches or wraps with fresh vegetables, cheeses and deli meats. It was a luxurious way to have a meal in the backcountry.
At the end of the trip, you stop near the confluence of 3 rivers and have a chance to explore another island while you wait for your bush plane to arrive. The guides load up all of the gear, including the rafts, into the planes, which is pretty fascinating to see. You’ll then take a short plane ride back and get to fly over the stunning Root Glacier.
This unique adventure was one of my favorite things in Wrangell-St. Elias. It was a great way to go beyond the areas of the park accessible by road and see scenery that I wouldn’t have gotten to see otherwise.
6. Go on a Longer Hike in Wrangell-St. Elias
The Root Glacier trail is easily the most popular trail for visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias, but there are other hiking opportunities as well.
If you’re up for a challenge, you can hike the Bonanza Mine Trail, which leaves from Kennecott. The hike has a substantial amount of elevation gain, so you’ll need to be prepared for a challenge. It leads to epic views gazing down at the Root Glacier and the ruins of the Bonanza Mine.
Another similar option is the Jumbo Mine Trail, which is a bit longer than the Bonanza Mine Trail, and includes a creek crossing.
One more (easier) trail to consider is the West Kennecott Glacier Trail, which is 2.1 miles and leads to great views of the base of the Root Glacier and the glacier lakes at the base of the glacier.
7. Enjoy Drinks and Entertainment at The New Golden Saloon
For such a small town, McCarthy really delivers in offering things to do. There are events all summer long at The Golden Saloon, and an evening here is the perfect way to get a vibe of the town. Whether you stay in McCarthy or not, it’s worth a stop at the saloon for food, drinks or a show.
The Golden Saloon brings in bands from all over Alaska, so it’s pretty likely you’ll get to enjoy live music or another event. They have regular performances of the ‘McCarthy Rose,’ a play that tells the history of McCarthy, along with special events like an annual “prom.”
During one night, I got to enjoy a ‘Keep the Pool Open,’ a band from Haines (a LONG drive from McCarthy). The duo had a folksy feel and I really enjoyed their music. The band was part of the team at Port Chilkoot Distillery, who also did a cocktail pairing dinner at the Salmon & Bear the following night.
On another night in McCarthy, I got to watch the McCarthy Rose. It’s a great performance that tells of the early days in McCarthy, including the topics of murder, brothels and business. It’s a must-see if you’re in town at the right time (the show goes on several times throughout the summer).
After the McCarthy Rose, there was more live music, this time by a band with a genre of Hawaiian music intertwined with psychedelic Americana. You never know what you might find at the saloon!
Along with all of the live music and shows, The New Golden Saloon has a full bar and serves food. I enjoyed the mexicali blues bowl and their beer selection.
8. Visit the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center in Copper Center
The Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center is a great place to stop while driving into the massive park. It’s located in Copper Center and coming from Anchorage, you’ll pass it before making it to the start of the McCarthy Road.
This impressive complex has multiple buildings with a museum, gift shop, video about the park and a short nature trail. It’s a great place to break up your drive, pick up a souvenir or snag a national park stamp.
9. Go on a Backcountry Adventure
If you have the time and are looking for an epic adventure that goes deeper into the backcountry of this giant national park, St. Elias Alpine Guides offers a range of options. You can go on a multi-day backpacking or rafting trip and be truly immersed in the Alaskan wilderness with an experienced guide.
Trips range from 2 days to 15 days. This is a great way to level up your adventures if you have the time, budget and experience to explore deeper.
10. Enjoy the views on the McCarthy Road
Sometimes getting there is just as much of an adventure as the place itself, and Wrangell-St. Elias is one of those times.
I talked about the McCarthy Road in the ‘getting there’ section above, but remember that this is an unpaved road that you’ll need to be prepared for. Bring a full-size spare tire and plenty of food and water to make the journey.
Tip: The national park service has an audio tour that you can download and listen to during your drive on the McCarthy Road.
Here are some places I recommend stopping during your drive on the McCarthy Road:
- Right when you begin the road, you’ll be driving through a Railroad Cut, which is essentially a narrow and rocky tunnel. It’s a neat part of the drive!
- Within the first mile, there are some pull offs to admire the confluence of the Copper and Chitina Rivers. Plus, you can admire the massive Mount Drum on a clear day.
- The Kuskalana Bridge (mile 17.2) is a single lane bridge that towers 238 feet above the Kuskalana River. The bridge was built in 1910.
- The Gilahina Trestle bridge (mile 29) was formerly used for the railroad. It was originally 890 feet long and 90 feet high. It’s fallen a bit to ruins, but it’s still very interesting to see.
- The Crystalline Hills (mile 34.8) are a great place to look for dall sheep!
11. Visit the McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum
The McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum is a great little spot to learn more about the history of the area. It’s a non-profit and volunteer run, and has some interesting artifacts related to mining. I didn’t get a chance to visit, but would love to check it out next time.
12. Eat Great Food in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Here is a quick guide if you’re wondering where to eat in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park! McCarthy and Kennecott have a surprising amount of great restaurant options.
The Potato
The Potato is the perfect spot in McCarthy to get a hearty meal. As the name suggests, they have great potato dishes, such as the garlic rosemary curly fries. After two visits, my favorite menu item was easily the burrito (with fries in it). It was giant and delicious, making it perfect to share or to savor after a day of hiking!
Salmon & Bear
If you’d like to enjoy a more upscale meal during your time in Wrangell-St. Elias, Salmon & Bear is the place to go. They offer fine dining and a rotating menu that celebrates local ingredients.
The restaurant is also well-known for its wine list, and excels in offering the perfect wine pairings to your dishes.
I was lucky enough to visit while the restaurant was doing a collaboration with Port Chilkoot Distillery, whose team drove all the way from Haines. They created special cocktail pairings to go with each dish - an appetizer, salad, protein and dessert.
Highlights from the special dinner included a French 75 with elderflower liquor that balanced out the saltiness of the crostini with brie, a cocktail with fireweed collected locally, and an espresso martini made with rum paired with pistachio ice cream. It was a great night that really highlighted the feeling of community, collaboration and passion that makes McCarthy so special.
Despite it being fine dining, there is no expectation to dress up. You can come as you are after a day of adventure, which I loved!
The Golden Saloon
The Golden Saloon is THE spot in McCarthy to enjoy a drink, live music and even a play, and they also serve a sizable food menu. I appreciated that they have multiple vegetarian entrees, and enjoyed the Mexicali Blues Bowl with corn fritters, black beans and more. This is a great casual spot to relax and enjoy a hearty meal.
Meatza Wagon
This little food stand is located in Kennecott, making the perfect place to grab lunch after touring the Kennecott Mine or hiking to Root Glacier. Their menu rotates daily, but you can expect options like bahn mis, reuben sandwiches and more. I enjoyed a flatbread with a variety of veggies and pesto.
McCarthy Center Store
The McCarthy Center Store is a convenient spot to buy a quick sandwich on the go. They have paninis that can be heated up, a small selection of grocery items, coffee and ice cream. Plus, they sell merchandise, including artwork, sweatshirts and more. This is also where you can buy Copper Town Shuttle tickets to get between McCarthy and Kennecott.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan an epic trip to Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest US national park! While it’s a long drive to reach this remote park, it’s so worth the journey. Wrangell-St. Elias quickly became one of my favorite US national parks (and I’ve been to almost all of them!). Whether you only have a couple days or spend several days exploring, I hope this list of the best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias inspires you to venture deep into Alaska and explore this unique and adventurous place.
For more Alaska travel guides, check out my other blog posts:
- How to Take a Day Trip to Katmai National Park
- An Epic 7 Day Alaska Road Trip
- The Best Things To Do in Seward, Alaska
- A Guide to Visiting Matanuska Glacier
- A Guide to Visiting Denali National Park
- A Guide to the Denali Transit Bus
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