Things to Do in McCarthy, Kennicott and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska

16 Things to Do in McCarthy, Alaska and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

We’re going to break down this little adventure into two parts, because although they very much go together, some people don’t understand how Alaska is laid out and how Wrangell-St Elias National Park (WSENP) is accessed. Some people may want to visit the town of Kennicott because they saw it in a cruise pamphlet once, while other people have heard that WSENP has some of the most intense hiking trails that they just have to do. These are two very different sorts of visitors, but we’re all going to the same general area and enjoying much of the same sights and journeys. You can visit everything as a part of a unique Alaska road trip if you want!

IMPORTENT NOTE: For this National Park trip, you need to rent a car from one of the local Alaska rental agencies because a standard car rental will not allow you to drive the Edgerton Highway, McCarthy Road or Nabesna Road in their cars. We recommend GoNorth Alaska. GoNorth Alaska Rentals have 4WD vehicles, SUVs and midsized SUVs with full size spare tires, and they also rent campers (if that’s what you’d like to do). If you stick with our unique Alaska road trip plan then you’ll begin and end in Anchorage, but if you want to spice it up a bit, GoNorth Alaska also has a rental depot up in Fairbanks… or you can arrange to drive it all the way back down via the AlCan or Cassiar Highways through the Yukon and British Columbia, returning to the depot in Seattle. There are lots of options, but at the end of the day, this is the best option for renting a car that you can take on the rough and gravel roads.

Check out GoNorth Alaska Rentals. Use discount code GON2TD for a free mileage package with your vehicle rental. Be sure to use the code to get the mileage deal!

So here we go! We’ll start with Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve and then we’ll dig into the towns of McCarty and Kennicott. You’ll soon understand how to visit and all the fun and beauty in store.

Where Is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve is located east of Anchorage and south of Fairbanks. It’s where the Wrangell Mountains, St Elias Range, Chugach Mountains and the Alaska Range all meet or line up. The closest towns to the park entrances are Copper Center, Glennallen, Chitina and Tok, with Valdez being not too far away either. McCarthy and Kennicott are actually within the park boundaries, as it’s quite the mix of park/preserve areas all along the edges of WSENP. The park actually goes to the border with Canada where it transitions to the Yukon’s Kluane National Park and Preserve.

Where to Stay for Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve

There are two areas that you’ll want to stay when you come to Wrangell-St Elias National Park and McCarthy. For the McCarthy/Kennicott part of your trip you’ll want to stay directly in McCarthy. This isn’t like Juneau or Anchorage with lots of hotels, but only a few options. The McCarthy Lodge Resort includes the Ma Johnson Hotel (mining days roadhouse), the Rose House Hotel (the old bordello), the Lancaster Backpacker (a hostel) and the Bluebell House (a whole house for rent). There are some small cabin collections as well, and then the Kennicott Glacier Lodge in the nearby town of Kennicott

For exploring the Copper River Valley, the primary visitor center and Nabesna Road, you’ll want to be based in Copper Center or Glennallen. There aren’t a ton of options for where to stay, but there are some good ones. We loved the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge (book it here!), which is usually for cruise guests. We also have enjoyed a cabin on Tonsina Creek. There are quite a few cabins/VRBOs in the Copper Valley.

How Big Is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park covers approximately 13.2 million acres, making it the largest National Park in the United States. This is WAY larger than Yellowstone National Park. In fact it’s bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined. You’ll be surprised how the distances between major attractions are much longer than most visitors expect. The Copper and Chitna Rivers and their tributaries weave their way along most parts of your drive, wherever you’re heading.

While you can drive to three different areas, most of WSENP is accessible only by bush plane or multi-day backcountry expeditions. The McCarthy / Kennicott area, which is central WSENP, is accessed by a 60 mile gravel road and Nabesna is along a 42 mile gravel road. The Copper Center visitor center is the only part of the park that has pavement, which I actually this is amazing and shows off just how rugged this National Park is.

Is Wrangell-St. Elias Worth Visiting

I think the first people considering visiting Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve are the National Park geeks (like me!). It’s the biggest park but it’s not the most well known. Once you get here you’ll realize just how cool it is though, and if you allow yourself to lean into the fascinating geology of the four mountain ranges and the 3000+ glaciers, you’ll think it’s amazing. It’s a beautiful park for scenic drives on the McCarthy Road or Nabesna Road, it’s fun for rafting and kayaking, and if you like wildlife you’ll enjoy it too.

Wrangell-St Elias NP is very much worth visiting, and you’ll love it even if you can’t visit each of the areas. This is a slower sort of place to visit, with the activities being either really hardcore or very mellow, not too much in between. At the end of each day’s activities, the only thing to do is relax, which can actually be nice when you’ve been on vacation.

What To Do In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Alright, time to choose the activities you’ll enjoy in Wrangell-St Elias National Park. We aren’t digging into the backpacking options here, as those are a whole different sort of travel experience that most people aren’t considering. We’re keeping our things to do as day trips and activities that are accessible to most travelers who are planning a multi day visit to the area.

Note on wheelchair accessibility: the primary visitor center and the Ahtna Cultural Center in Copper Center are fully wheelchair accessible and they have good accessibility features. Visiting from McCarthy and heading into Kennicott, things become less accessible. The Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark area is mostly wheelchair accessible (including the visitor center) but the Kennecott Mill tour is not. Nabesna Road is a scenic drive, but there are no accessible activities on the 42 mile stretch of gravel highway in this northern part of Wrangell-St Elias NP.

Hike on the Root Glacier

I have to start here because this is our family’s favorite thing to do in Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Leaving from the town of Kennicott, the Root Glacier trail starts off pretty easy. You’ll hike along the edge of the valley until you come to the Root Glacier. You may have noticed the the valley looks like it is full of a big rock-flow, but that’s actually the Kennicott Glacier, just covered in rocks from thousands of years of crumbling along its edges. It meets the Root Glacier which is NOT covered in rocks and is actually a beautiful winding stretch of blue and white ice. THIS is where you want to hike and it’s so much fun. You’ll need to go with a guide for safety, and you’ll be outfitted with crampons so you can actually walk on the ice.

You can book a guided hike on the Root Glacier either through Kennicott Wilderness Guides or McCarthy River Tours. Both are great companies with really cool people. And if you’re interested in ice climbing, that’s another way you can experience the Root Glacier too!

• DISCOUNTS for guided adventures:
  • Use code MyAKtrip10 for a 10% discount on adventures with McCarthy River Tours
  • Use code 2traveldads for a 5% discount on your booking (except fly-outs) with Kennicott Wilderness Guides.

Rafting on the Kennicott River

I mentioned how the Kennicott Glacier is pretty unusual in that it’s completely covered in rocks and dirt. And even though you can’t see the ice, it’s continually melting and even calving off like happens at tidewater glaciers. Its glacial lake is calm and parts of it are a bit of a maze. McCarthy River Tours takes guests out onto the glacial lake then then transitions to a fun whitewater rafting trip down the Kennicott River. You wear dry suits, so don’t worry about the fact that it’s a freezing cold glacier river. It’s a fun trip and it’s great for all ages. This part of the Kennicott River in Wrangell-St Elias NP is just Class II and III rapids, so it’s an easy trip.

• Use code MyAKtrip10 for a 10% discount on adventures with McCarthy River Tours

Visit Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark 

Probably one of the most recognizable sights in Alaska, the Kennecott Mill at the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark is really interesting to visit. You can check it out on your own from the town of Kennicott (yes, the town and the mine are spelled differently) and you’ll absolutely learn some fascinating things, both about mining and about life in the early 20th century in Alaska. Even our teens were interested!

Tip: there are two places to get in lunch in Kennicott. You can do a delicious food truck lunch from the Meatza Wagon or a sit down lunch at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge dining room. Both are great choices with a wonderful view.

Kayak on the Kennicott Glacial Lake

If you didn’t choose to do the rafting on the Kennicott Glacial Lake and River, then maybe you’ll be up for doing some kayaking at the glacier. Pack-rafting is a type of kayaking in inflatable boats and it’s a great option on a calm lake like this. Since you’re in Wrangell-St Elias National Park, every activity offered is going to be a low-impact thing to do, and this sort of gentle kayaking fits right with that. It’s easy and really cool, and it’s a great addition to your time in the park. (McCarthy River Tours and St Elias Alpine Guides both offer this activity). Use code MyAKtrip10 for a 10% discount on adventures with McCarthy River Tours if you book with them directly.

Do a Guided Tour of the Kennecott Mill Town 

Yes, you can visit Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark on your own and check out a lot of the exhibits, but the big mill building, the absolute icon of mining history in Alaska, that’s off limits to the public and only accessible via a guided tour. The building looks like it is absolutely hanging on by a thread, but since it’s in Wrangell-St Elias National Park the Park Service has kept up on its maintenance and structural integrity and it’s safe to go through. There are some ladders and narrow stairs as you descend through the mill, but it’s worth the trouble if you have the ability.

Hike to an Abandoned Mine 

I know, another mine activity, but so many of the things to do in Wrangell-St Elias National Park are related to its mining history. From the Kennicott area, there are several mines you can hike to, and the hikes are INTENSE: 

• Jumbo Mine
• Bonanza Mine
• Erie Mine
• Glacier Mine
• and Mother Lode

From Nabesna Road on the north side of the park, there are two more mines you can hike to:

• Rambler Mine
• Nabesna Mine

When I say that these hikes are intense, I mean that they are steep and at times precarious. When you think about the things to do in the park, have an honest talk to yourself about whether or not you have the skill, energy and time for these difficult hikes. There are lots of other things to do, but if you really want to do one of these, the views and the hiking cred are worth it.

Check out the Visitor Center and Ahtna Cultural Center (Copper Center)

Perhaps the most visited part of Wrangell-St Elias National Park, the primary visitor center at Copper Center is worth a stop once you’re outside of the McCarthy/Kennicott area. Here you’ll find the National Park entrance sign that everyone gets a photo with, the visitor center exhibit buildings, a great picnic area, some nature trails, and the Ahtna Cultural Center. The park and surrounding areas are the ancestral lands of the Ahtna Athabascan peoples who still live here today. When you visit the Ahtna Cultural Center, you’ll be able to read quite a few exhibits, see artifacts, and even have the chance to create a piece of art in the Ahtna style. I think this is one of the best things to do at Wrangell-St Elias National Park.

Have a Copper River Salmon Fishing Day

Okay, I know that much of the Copper River is outside of the National Park boundary, but also a good portion of the Copper River Valley falls into the “and Preserve” part of Wrangell-St Elias National Park AND PRESERVE. So while you’re here between park sections, take half a day to enjoy being on the Copper River and its tributaries. Copper River salmon are famous and getting to fish for them is a real privilege. Copper River Guides does an awesome rafting/fishing trip on the Klutina River and it’s a great experience with whitewater, salmon fishing and lots of wildlife.

Drive the Nabesna Road for Hiking and Views

I keep mentioning this random road, the Nabesna Road, which is the northern part of Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. If you have time, I recommend dedicating a day to this beautiful scenic drive and doing a hike or two along the way. Yes, it’s a 42 mile gravel road, but if you’ve already visited McCarthy and the central WSENP area, then you’ve done worse with that other 60 mile gravel road. Here you’ll enjoy the views, lots of wildlife and utter quiet as this is the least visited part of the park.

Where Is McCarthy, Alaska Located

Now it’s time to talk more about McCarthy, Alaska, which is going to be your homebase for exploring the McCarthy and Kennicott areas in central Wrangell-St Elias National Park. To get here, you have to drive on the Edgerton Highway, which is beautiful, until you get to the tiny town of Chitina. Here you’ll have to get gas before starting on the 60 mile gravel McCarthy Road. When you get to the end of the McCarthy Road you’ll have to park your car (don’t forget to pay for parking!) and then cross a footbridge over the Kennicott River before then getting a shuttle to town. Yes, that’s right: once you’re here you must either walk everywhere or use a shuttle. It keeps it quiet and preserves this special place. If you’ve been on a two week Alaska road trip and need a break, this is the chance to relax in a small, quiet town.

Stops on the Edgerton Highway

The drive is a big part of the attraction of visiting McCarthy and Kennicott, and as you go along the Edgerton Highway, there are fun stops to make. The Kenny Lake Mercantile is a go-to for snacks and drinks before you’re too far along, and then soon after you’ll come to some breathtaking viewpoints that you have to stop at. Pop into Liberty Falls State Recreation Site for a beautiful picnic area and waterfall. And then just before Chitina there is a series of small lakes you just might see moose in… Get gas in Chitina and a meal if you like, and then you’re at the start of the McCarthy Road.

Driving the McCarthy Road

By now you know how long this gravel road to McCarthy is… 60 miles. The speed limit for most of the road is 35 mph, which makes sense given the need to keep the dust low and the amount of wildlife along the road. There are quite a few waysides you can stop at to read exhibits about the railroad and McCarthy and Kennicott’s boom time, and then there are also several restrooms (vault toilets) along the drive. Stop at the old train trestle and the really high bridge and this will break up your two hour drive nicely. As you near the end of the road, don’t follow any map directions, but just drive to the actual end of the road to park your car. Map programs try to make you cross a private bridge with a locked gate, so don’t do that.

Note: if you’re just planning a one week Alaska road trip, doing the McCarthy Road and really exploring Wrangell-St Elias NP won’t fit with that. You’ll need more time.

What To Do In McCarthy Alaska

Most of the things to do in McCarthy and Kennicott are related to Wrangell-St Elias National Park, but not all things. You can enjoy your time in the towns as well, just taking in the vibes and enjoying the completely yesteryear pace of being in an historic Alaska town. McCarthy is a multi-day visit for most people, so little activities are great to fill the downtime.

Explore McCarthy on Foot

Yes, McCarthy is a tiny town. Tiny. But it’s quaint and there actually is more to it than you initially might see. There are only four restaurants (one of which is the mercantile cafe) and then mostly private dwellings, but it’s nice to walk around. From Ma Johnsons Hotel you can stroll the small network of gravel streets, and even do the longer walk along the bigger gravel road towards Kennicott or the footbridge. This is actually a good opportunity to see wildlife, and then you’ll also see a few small businesses along the way, including a new curio shop (opened 2026).

Copper Town Shuttle

The Copper Town Shuttle is the main transportation around McCarthy and Kennicott. This is run by the McCarthy Lodge Resort, which is the primary lodging in town. You can either buy a shuttle pass if you’re not staying at the McCarthy Lodge or get a day pass if you’ve just driven in and plan on leaving the same day. The Shuttle goes between the footbridge over the Kennicott River and the town of McCarthy, and then also the towns of Kennicott and McCarthy. It’s nice to have a little change of scenery if you’ve just been hanging about relaxing. I think taking the shuttle back over to the river is a great idea and then you can walk back if you like.

McCarthy Creek for Wildlife Watching

At the end of town lies McCarthy Creek. This braided creek is basically a small version of the Kennicott River. It’s wonderful for throwing rocks (can you tell we have kids?) and watching for wildlife. Moose and bear use the creek beds as easy walkways, so keep your eyes peeled and remember SAFETY FIRST.

Flightseeing from McCarthy

Wrangell Mountain Air is the local flightseeing company. If you recall, Wrangell-St Elias National Park is made up of four mountain ranges with over 3000 glaciers, so doing some flightseeing is a great idea. This is the most premium activity in town, but if it’s in your budget, the views are amazing.

McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum

This small but mighty museum is open most days, but it is staffed by volunteers, so depending on what’s happening, the hours can vary. Here at the McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum you’ll be able to look through old photographs from the mining days, learn about the drama of the mine towns, and you’ll understand a bit more why McCarthy and Kennicott are such special places to be preserved. It’s a short visit, but it’s a fun place to check out.

Hike to the Toe of Kennicott Glacier

The trail may be a bit muddy depending on the weather, but if you’re looking for an easy hike that you can do from McCarthy, walk the traditional wagon road to the trail for the toe of the Kennicott Glacier. This is a great option if you’re not doing kayaking or rafting in Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Heads up though, if it’s mosquito season, they’ll be here!

Enjoy the Town Dogs

I am not a dog person but after a few days in McCarthy I finally understand why people like dogs. Here they run the town and they’re all buddies. Whether you’re sitting on a bench reading a book or hanging out at the saloon having a drink, there’s a town dog nearby. They do all have humans, but McCarthy is such a small, tight-knit town that the dogs tend to roam quite a bit. I loved having a temporary pet and the pups 100% added an element of joy to our time in McCarthy. 

Well now you should feel ready to enjoy a trip to Wrangell-St Elias National Park and McCarthy. It’s a fun destination and really is unlike any other National Park in Alaska. If you have any questions about our recommendations or need some more suggestions, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a fun trip exploring Alaska!