Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a vast and stunningly beautiful park located in the southern part of Alaska. It is the largest national park in the United States, covering over 13 million acres, and is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. Here are some of the best things to do in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park:
- Explore the Glaciers
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is home to some of the largest glaciers in the world. There are over 60 glaciers within the park, including the Malaspina Glacier, which is the largest piedmont glacier in North America. Visitors can take a glacier tour, which typically includes a scenic flight over the glaciers and a landing on the ice for a short hike.
- Go Hiking
The park offers over 13 million acres of wilderness to explore, and there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from. One of the most popular hikes is the Root Glacier Trail, which takes visitors on a 3-mile hike to the edge of the glacier. Another popular hike is the Donoho Lakes Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
- Visit the Kennecott Mines
The Kennecott Mines are a fascinating piece of Alaskan history. The mines were active from 1911 to 1938 and produced over $200 million worth of copper. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mines and see the old buildings, mining equipment, and other artifacts from the early 1900s.
- Take a Wildlife Tour
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and eagles. Visitors can take a guided wildlife tour to see these animals in their natural habitats. Some of the most popular tours include bear viewing tours, birding tours, and wildlife photography tours.
- Go Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, with over 4,000 miles of streams and rivers to choose from. Visitors can fish for salmon, trout, and other freshwater fish. Some of the best fishing spots in the park include the Copper River and the Chitina River.
- Visit the McCarthy Road
The McCarthy Road is a historic road that leads to the town of McCarthy, which was once a bustling copper-mining town. Today, the road is a popular tourist attraction, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Visitors can take a guided tour of the road, which includes a stop at the Kennecott Mines and other historic sites along the way.
- Take a Flightseeing Tour
One of the best ways to see the park is from the air. Visitors can take a flightseeing tour, which typically includes a scenic flight over the mountains and glaciers, as well as a landing on a remote airstrip for a short hike. Some of the most popular flightseeing tours include the Wrangell Mountains Tour and the Glacier Bay Tour.
- Go Rafting
The park is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the world, with several rivers and streams offering class III to class V rapids. Visitors can take a guided rafting tour, which typically includes all necessary equipment, safety instruction, and a knowledgeable guide to lead the way. Some of the most popular rafting trips include the Kennicott River and the Copper River.
- Attend a Ranger-led Program
The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, wildlife talks, and educational programs for kids. These programs are a great way to learn more about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
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Wrangell--St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a U.S. national park and reserve located in south-eastern Alaska. The park is managed by the National Park Service within south central Alaska. The preserve and park were created by the Alaska Nationa...
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a vast wilderness area located in south-central Alaska. It is the largest national park in the United States, covering over 13.2 million acres of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and forests. The park is home...