Key Takeaways:
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the U.S., offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in rugged Alaskan wilderness.
- Visitors can explore stunning glaciers, hike through remote landscapes, and discover wildlife like bears, moose, and caribou in one of the most remote national parks.
- Whether you enjoy hiking, mountaineering, or simply soaking in the untouched beauty, Wrangell-St. Elias offers something for every adventurer.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, located in southeastern Alaska, is a vast and awe-inspiring wilderness that encompasses over 13 million acres of stunning landscapes. Known as the largest national park in the United States, it offers a true wilderness experience, with jagged mountains, massive glaciers, deep valleys, and abundant wildlife. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, fishing, wildlife watching, and even flightseeing over its towering peaks and glaciers. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by boat, or by air, Wrangell-St. Elias offers unparalleled adventure in one of the last frontiers of the world.
50 Things to Do at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park:
#1 Hike the Root Glacier:
Trek through the ice and explore the stunning Root Glacier, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
#2 Go Flightseeing Over the Park:
Take a flightseeing tour to get a bird’s-eye view of Wrangell-St. Elias’ rugged landscapes, glaciers, and valleys.
#3 Explore the Kennecott Mill Town:
Visit the historic Kennecott Mill Town, an old copper mining settlement now a national historic landmark.
#4 Take the McCarthy Road:
Drive or bike the scenic McCarthy Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s wild landscape.
#5 Hike the Chitina River Trail:
Follow this moderate trail along the Chitina River for spectacular views of the Wrangell Mountains.
#6 Go Fishing in the Copper River:
Fish for salmon in the Copper River, one of Alaska’s most famous rivers for sport fishing.
#7 Hike the Bonanza Trail:
Trek the Bonanza Trail to reach incredible views of the glaciers and Kennecott Mine.
#8 Go Backpacking in the Wrangell Mountains:
Explore the Wrangell Mountains on a backpacking trip for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the wilderness.
#9 Visit the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center:
Start your visit at the visitor center to gather maps, exhibits, and learn about the park’s geology and wildlife.
#10 Go Wildlife Watching:
Spot wildlife such as bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep while hiking or driving through the park.
#11 Hike the Ridgetop Trail:
Take this strenuous trail to the ridgetop for panoramic views of glaciers and the surrounding mountains.
#12 Go Cross-Country Skiing in Winter:
During the winter months, try cross-country skiing through the park’s vast snowy landscape.
#13 Explore the Nabesna Road:
Drive or bike the Nabesna Road to explore the park’s lesser-visited northern regions with stunning mountain views.
#14 Take a Scenic Boat Trip on the Copper River:
Float down the Copper River, offering breathtaking views of the river, mountains, and wildlife along the way.
#15 Climb the Wrangell Mountains:
For experienced climbers, tackle some of the peaks in the Wrangell Mountains, offering challenging ascents and spectacular vistas.
#16 Visit the Kennecott Glacier:
Explore the Kennecott Glacier by foot, offering a close-up view of the massive ice field.
#17 Go Snowshoeing in the Park:
In winter, snowshoe through the park’s quiet, snow-covered landscape for a peaceful wilderness experience.
#18 Go on a River Rafting Adventure:
Experience the beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias from the water by rafting down one of its wild rivers.
#19 Take the McCarthy Airstrip Tour:
Fly into McCarthy on a scenic tour to see the park from above and enjoy its rugged beauty.
#20 Explore the Nugget Creek Trail:
Hike the Nugget Creek Trail for an easy walk through forests and open meadows with views of the surrounding mountains.
#21 Go Mountaineering on Mount Wrangell:
Take on the challenge of climbing Mount Wrangell, an active volcano and one of the park’s tallest peaks.
#22 Hike the Kennecott Glacier Trail:
Follow the Kennecott Glacier Trail for stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding valleys.
#23 Go Dog Sledding in the Winter:
Experience the park’s winter landscape by dog sledding through the frozen wilderness for an authentic Alaskan adventure.
#24 Visit the Chisana River:
Visit the Chisana River for an incredible fishing experience or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote area.
#25 Explore the Delta River:
Hike or raft along the Delta River for a thrilling adventure in a beautiful, less-traveled area of the park.
#26 Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Park:
For a true thrill, take a helicopter tour over the park’s vast glaciers and peaks for an unforgettable aerial view.
#27 Visit the Old Copper Mine:
Explore the remnants of an old copper mine, learning about the history of mining in the region.
#28 Take a Boat Tour to Spirit Mountain:
Take a boat tour to Spirit Mountain for awe-inspiring views and a closer look at the park’s stunning landscapes.
#29 Go Ice Climbing on the Root Glacier:
For the adventurous, try ice climbing on the Root Glacier, with options for all skill levels.
#30 Explore the Slana River Area:
Explore the Slana River area for a secluded and serene outdoor experience.
#31 Go Backcountry Camping:
Camp in the park’s backcountry for a true wilderness experience, away from the crowds.
#32 Learn About the Park’s Geology:
Join a ranger-led program to learn about the fascinating geology and formation of the park’s mountains and glaciers.
#33 Hike the Lost Creek Trail:
Trek the Lost Creek Trail, a moderately challenging trail with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
#34 Try Ski Mountaineering:
Combine skiing and mountaineering for a thrilling adventure across the park’s rugged terrain.
#35 Go on a Guided Hike:
Join a local guide for a hike through Wrangell-St. Elias, learning about the park’s natural and cultural history.
#36 Enjoy a Scenic Picnic at Gulkana River:
Have a relaxing picnic near the Gulkana River, surrounded by breathtaking views of the park’s wild landscape.
#37 Visit the McCarthy Historic District:
Explore the historic McCarthy district to learn about the area’s rich history and heritage.
#38 Go Ice Fishing on the Glaciers:
Try ice fishing on one of the park’s frozen glaciers for a unique winter experience.
#39 Take a Fly-Fishing Tour:
Go fly-fishing in the park’s pristine rivers and streams, where fish are abundant in its clear waters.
#40 Go on a Wilderness Backpacking Trip:
Pack your gear and embark on a multi-day wilderness backpacking adventure through the park’s vast, untamed terrain.
#41 Take the Old Valdez Trail:
Hike along the historic Old Valdez Trail for an interesting exploration of the area’s history.
#42 Go Horseback Riding in the Park:
Explore the park’s scenic trails on horseback for a truly immersive way to experience the wilderness.
#43 Visit the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Historic Sites:
Tour the park’s historic sites to learn about the cultural and historical significance of the region.
#44 See the Wrangell-St. Elias Glacier System:
Marvel at the park’s expansive glacier system, one of the most impressive in North America.
#45 Take a Guided Mountaineering Expedition:
For experienced climbers, embark on a guided mountaineering expedition in the park’s stunning peaks.
#46 Go for a Scenic Drive along Richardson Highway:
Drive the Richardson Highway for sweeping views of the Wrangell Mountains and surrounding wilderness.
#47 Enjoy a Scenic Boat Ride on Wrangell-St. Elias Waters:
Take a boat ride along the serene waters of Wrangell-St. Elias, exploring the park from a different perspective.
#48 Join a Cultural Program:
Participate in a cultural program to learn about the indigenous tribes and their connection to the land.
#49 Take the Paxson Lake Trail:
Hike the Paxson Lake Trail, where you can enjoy incredible views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
#50 Explore the Nabesna Glacier:
Visit the Nabesna Glacier for an incredible hiking experience, offering a true wilderness adventure.
For the best way to plan your Wrangell-St. Elias adventure, use PlanMyWeekend.ai to customize and make the most of your trip!
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
