PO Box 439, Copper Center, AK 99573
Phone: 907-822-5234
Fax: 907-822-7216
Open All Year

Overview. Imagine thousand-year-old glaciers spread like frosting on some of America's highest mountains, rock-strewn rivers that meander through lowland forest, and segments of tidewater glaciers crashing into the ocean, and you're halfway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in south central Alaska.





This 13.2-million-acre park is the largest in the U.S., six times the size of Yellowstone. Four mountain ranges intersect the park, including the Wrangells, Chugach, Saint Elias, and the Nutzotin/Mentasta mountains. Rising steam from the mouth of Mount Wrangell shows it to be the only active volcano in the range, although it hasn't erupted in 100 years.

An abundance of icefields and glaciers also dominate the landscape here. On the coast, the Bagley Icefield is the largest in North America, and is the source of several major glaciers. Many of the glaciers produce rivers and streams, such as the Copper River, that traverse the park.

Wildlife thrives here even though conditions are harsh and vegetation is scarce. Caribou survive on lichen and other plants near the Wrangell range, while moose inhabit the lowland forests. Grizzlies roam the tundra in the summer. Several mountain peaks are home to mountain goats and Dall sheep, and trumpeter swans nest in areas near the Copper River drainage.

A number of historic sites exist throughout the park, indications of human exploration and exploitation. Copper mining was in its heyday between 1900 and 1940. The Kennecott Mining Co., which shut its doors in 1938, was the largest operation in the area. A handful of mines continue to exist today on private lands.

What to see and do. Only the most rugged of outdoors enthusiasts will find enjoyment here. With few facilities and limited travel services, this park is mainly for wilderness activities. People come here to backpack, hike, fish, kayak, cross-country ski, and camp; some even brave the harsh conditions at higher elevations to mountaineer or explore glaciers. Mount Drum and Blackburn, Sanford, and St. Elias mountains tend to be favorites among mountaineers for exploration.

Two unpaved roads enter the park, both of which lead to historic mining towns. It is possible to tour the Kennecott mill, the ghost town of McCarthy, or take one of many nearby trailheads. Most of the hiking is considered backcountry without the benefit of marked or maintained trails. Hikers and backpackers should be self-sufficient and well-prepared for changing weather conditions.

The other two methods of access are charter planes (into the backcountry), and river rafting.

You can take a charter plane up to Yakutat, one of the main gateways to the park. There is a ranger station there, and autumn hunting is permitted along the forest lands that perimeter Yakutat Bay.

There are river rafting and kayaking opportunities for all levels of experience; trip durations range from three hours to two weeks. One trip in particular is a 14-day expedition along the lower reaches of the Copper River, where you can see icebergs and active glaciers. The calving of glaciers is a beautiful sight but also potentially dangerous for people in small craft. Park management itself does not organize formal activities, but you can contact one of several local guide and outfitting services. Call park headquarters for details.

If you've come here to camp, you can set up a tent just about anywhere in the park. There are no formal campsites, and campers are urged to be respectful of native camps and other private property.





The park is open year-round, but the ideal time to visit is between May and September. Mosquitoes are especially abundant in June and July, so be sure to bring plenty of repellent.

Activities and Services

Bird Watching
Climbing
Cross-country Skiing
Fishing
Food Service
Geological Sites
Gift Shop
Guided Tours
Hiking/Nature Trails
Historic Sites
Horse Trails
Motor Boating
Museum/Exhibits
Non-motor Boating
Picnic Sites
Programs/Talks
Self-guided Tours
Snowmobiling
Visitor Center
Whitewater Sports
Wildflower Viewing
Wildlife Viewing