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Wrangell-St Elias NP, McCarthy, Glenallen & Copper Centre

Wrangell-St Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a remarkable and vast wilderness area in southeastern Alaska, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities. It is the largest national park in the United States, covering approximately 13.2 million acres. It’s about six times the size of Yellowstone National Park.

The park encompasses parts of the Wrangell, St. Elias, and Chugach mountain ranges. These ranges include some of the highest peaks in North America, such as Mount St. Elias (18,008 feet) and Mount Wrangell, one of the largest active volcanoes in North America. It is home to some of the largest glaciers in North America. The Malaspina Glacier, for example, is the largest piedmont glacier in the world. Several major rivers flow through the park, including the Copper, Chitina, and Nizina Rivers, offering opportunities for fishing, rafting, and kayaking.

The park’s varied habitats support a wide range of wildlife. Visitors might encounter Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou, moose, brown and black bears, wolves, and numerous bird species, with opportunities to see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and numerous migratory birds.

The area has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Ahtna and Eyak people have a deep connection to the land, and visitors can learn about their culture and history. The park contains historical mining sites, including the Kennecott Mines, a National Historic Landmark. The abandoned Kennecott mill town offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century copper mining boom.

McCarthy

McCarthy located at the foot of the Wrangell Mountains is the gateway to the Wrangell Elias National Park and Preserve. The old mine buildings, artifacts, and colorful history attract visitors during the summer months.

In McCarthy you will find lodging, restaurants, basic services, the interesting McCarthy-Kennecott Historical Museum and outfitters that will take you on a range of activities, from glacier trekking and whitewater rafting to flightseeing trips into the alpine heart of the national park. A shuttle van transports visitors the five miles up the road to the historic mining ruins at Kennicott.

Glenallen

Located along the Glenn Highway, 189 miles northeast of Anchorage, Glenallen serves as a starting point to the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

As the gateway into Wrangell-St. Elias, Glennallen is the base for a variety of guides, outfitters and tour companies, offering adventures that range from world-class fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing to flightseeing through the peaks, off-road vehicle trips on old mining trails and snowmobile tours in the winter. Glennallen is also near the famed Copper River, where anglers happily pluck what some believe to be the tastiest of all Alaska salmon – the famous Copper River red salmon.

Glennallen comes alive in January when it serves as the starting point for the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race and is also a great vantage point for viewing the northern lights.

Copper Centre

Copper Center is an excellent base for exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States. The park offers stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, and glacier trekking.

Copper Center has a rich historical background, particularly related to the Alaskan Gold Rush and the development of the region’s copper mining industry. The town itself was established during the gold rush era and offers historical sites and museums, such as the Copper Center Visitor Center, which provides insights into the area’s past. The area is home to the Ahtna Athabascan people, and visitors can learn about their culture and traditions. The Ahtna Cultural Center is a great place to start, offering exhibits and information about the indigenous history and lifestyle.

The nearby Copper and Klutina Rivers are famous for their salmon fishing, attracting anglers from all over the world. In addition to fishing, the area offers opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures. Copper Center and its surroundings boast stunning natural beauty, including panoramic views of the Wrangell and Chugach mountain ranges. The area’s pristine wilderness and scenic vistas are perfect for photography and nature appreciation. The region is rich in geological features, including ancient volcanic formations and mineral deposits. The Copper River itself is a significant geological landmark, renowned for its copper deposits and powerful rapids. The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, eagles, and more. Wildlife enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitats. During the winter months, Copper Center is a good location for viewing the Northern Lights, offering a mesmerizing natural light display.

Hotels In The Wrangell-St Elias National Park Area

Experience & Explore

Experience and Explore

McCarthy & Kennicott Adventure with Glacier Hike

Wrangell-St Elias NP, McCarthy, Glenallen & Copper Centre
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Wrangell-St Elias NP, McCarthy, Glenallen & Copper Centre

Wrangell-St Elias National Park

McCarthy

Glenallen

Copper Centre

Hotels In The Wrangell-St Elias National Park Area

Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, Copper Centre

The Caribou Hotel, Glenallen

Ma Johnson Hotel at McCarthy Lodge, McCarthy

Experience & Explore

McCarthy & Kennicott Adventure with Glacier Hike

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Wrangell-St Elias NP, McCarthy, Glenallen & Copper Centre

Wrangell-St Elias National Park

McCarthy

Glenallen

Copper Centre

Hotels In The Wrangell-St Elias National Park Area

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Suggested Itineraries

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