Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Backcountry Adventure

Settle into your lodge in McCarthy and take in the stunning mountain views. If arriving before 2 p.m., explore the town’s rich mining history with a guided tour. Walk through the well-preserved remnants of Kennicott, an abandoned copper mining town frozen in time since 1938. Discover historic buildings, original equipment, and personal artifacts left behind when the mine abruptly closed. 

*Arrival time to McCarthy will vary depending on your inbound travel method.  Please discuss with your trip planner the best options for your travel to McCarthy.

Please note, that this adventure blends lodge comforts with true backcountry camping in a remote, undeveloped landscape accessible only by bush planes. While in the backcountry, campsites are primitive, requiring Leave No Trace practices, including natural toileting with waste packed out. Campfires are extremely rare and only possible in select areas with ample wood supply near glacial rivers or lakes. Travelers should expect no campfires during the trip.

This morning, your guide will meet you and set out for your day trip adventure. Options for exploration include the following: 

Glacier or Hiking Day Trips:
*Please note that these hiking trips may include terrain challenges such as uneven trail surfaces, loose rocks, short and steep gain/loss of elevation, and walking in crampons on uneven glacial surfaces. Please talk to your Trip Planner about the most suitable options for you. 

Glacier's Edge hike (Good for those who are physically unable to do a longer trip on the glacier) (4-5 hours)
Duration: Easy
This hike offers stunning views of the Kennicott Glacier Lake and Stairway Icefall. Walk through forests and wildflowers to the glacier's terminus, witnessing the dynamic landscape as icebergs drift and plants regenerate. Explore diverse ecosystems while learning about geology and glaciology in a peaceful, less crowded environment.

Half-Day Glacier Hike (5-6 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike the Root Glacier and explore stunning features like waterfalls, crevasses, moulins, and blue pools. Begin with a walk through the historic Kennicott Millsite, followed by a moderate two-mile hike to the glacier with views of Mount Blackburn and the Stairway Icefall. Once on the ice, use crampons to navigate and discover the glacier’s unique formations with your guide

Full-day glacier hike (7-8 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate
Explore the Root Glacier on a full-day hike, discovering blue ice features, slot canyons, and hidden landscapes. Enjoy views of Mt. Blackburn and the Stairway Icefall, while learning about the area's history with a tour of the Kennicott Millsite.

Donoho Lakes hike (8-10 hours)
Difficulty: Challenging
Hike across the Root Glacier, starting from historic Kennicott to a hidden lake with stunning views. Navigate creeks, icy ridges, and see blue pools, waterfalls, and moulins. Take in breathtaking views of the Stairway Icefall, Donoho Peak, and Mt. Blackburn. The hike ends at a serene lake, where glaciated peaks reflect in the water. On the return, explore different routes to see more of the glacier. 
*It is advised to be an active and fit traveler for this hike. 

Ice Explorer Hike and Climb (mix of climbing and hiking, 7-8 hours)
Difficulty: Challenging
Offers the perfect mix of glacier hiking, ice climbing, and rope-access exploration. Starting with a history walk through Kennicott, the trip includes a four-mile hike to the Root Glacier, where you'll experience the thrill of climbing, hiking, and exploring blue ice features. This private, customizable tour lets you decide your adventure with the guidance of your expert. Discover stunning views of Mt. Blackburn and the Stairway Icefall while learning about the area's geology, flora, and fauna.

Full Day Ice Climb (7-8 hours)
Difficulty: Challenging
Ice climbing on Root Glacier offers a unique, Alaskan adventure. After gear fitting, hike to the glacier where your guide will teach the basics of climbing. Explore various climbing sites, including moulin ice formations, and enjoy views of Mt. Blackburn and the Stairway Icefall. This is the perfect experience for both beginners and seasoned climbers.

Packraft Day Trips:
*Please note that these packraft day trips may include terrain challenges such as unstable and rocky hiking surfaces to the lake. Travelers need to actively paddle their own packraft with a kayak paddle. Cold, glacial-fed water. Please talk to your Trip Planner about the most suitable options for you. 

Glacier Lake Packraft (5 - 6 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate
Experience a half-day adventure on the stunning Kennicott Glacier Lake, paddling your inflatable boat through pristine waters surrounded by icebergs and the glacier’s edge. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views as you explore a remote landscape that's otherwise inaccessible. The ultralight packrafts offer a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation

Hike and Packraft (7 - 8 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate
Experience a full day of hiking and packrafting through forests, ridges, and along the glacier to Upper Kennicott Lake, where the glacier meets the water. Access this unique area by packraft and paddle through glacial canals and ice formations. Learn basic paddling skills and enjoy stunning views of this remote, otherwise inaccessible landscape.

Nizina Lake Fly-in Packraft trip (6 - 8 hours)
Difficulty: You can choose your preferred level of difficulty.
Fly over rugged cliffs to a remote iceberg-filled lake in the Wrangells. Paddle among icebergs, hike scenic lakeside trails, and return by bush plane, combining adventure and stunning wilderness views.
*Note: Nizina Lake Fly-in is available for an additional cost.

Fly into the remote wilderness and begin your backcountry adventure in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. With your private guide, explore the rugged landscape, enjoy stunning views, diverse terrain, and the freedom to immerse yourself in the backcountry of Alaska. 

Spend the next few days hiking through some of the most spectacular terrain in Alaska. With good hiking surfaces and diverse landscapes, explore the wilderness on a backcountry adventure. Choose the hiking style that best suits your adventure:

Basecamp Hiking  (3 - 4 Days): Hike with a full pack for an hour or less after getting dropped off at the airfield and set up basecamp for the duration of your backcountry trip. Spend each day hiking with a smaller day pack, returning to the same base camp.  This option is good for travelers who want to go camping, but do not want to carry a full pack for full days, and would rather enjoy your time hiking with light packs.

Loop Hiking (4–7 Days): Start and end at the same location, typically overlapping with basecamp areas. Hike deep into the wilderness on the first day with a full pack before setting up camp. Depending on group preference, camp may stay in one spot or move every few days, offering more solitude and varied scenery.

Point-to-Point Backpacking (5–8 Days): Get dropped off at one location and picked up at another, moving camp most days. A layover day may be built in, but the goal is to complete the route. Best for strong, adventurous hikers looking for a challenge.

Note: Loop hike and point-to-point options may require additional days and therefore additional cost. 

Enjoy the final hours of the backcountry, pack up camp, and fly back to town in the late afternoon. Once back in McCarthy, settle into the lodge before heading to dinner for a final hosted meal together with your guide.

Depart today for your next destination or return to Anchorage. Departure time will vary depending on your outbound travel method. Please discuss with your Trip Planner the best options for your departure.