Wrangell-St. Elias: America’s wildest national park

Wrangell-St. Elias: Alaska’s Untamed Heart Just Got a Little Closer

The vast wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, already America’s largest, is now more accessible than ever, offering Anchorage residents and Alaskans a thrilling opportunity to explore a truly wild corner of the world. Recent improvements to access roads and air service are opening up this incredible landscape to a wider range of adventurers.

What This Means for Anchorage

This increased accessibility isn’t just about tourism; it’s about bolstering our local economy and connecting Anchorage residents with the profound beauty and cultural significance of our state. More visitors mean more business for local outfitters, restaurants, and lodging in communities like Glennallen and Chitina. For many Anchorage residents, Wrangell-St. Elias represents a deep connection to Alaska’s outdoor heritage – a place to hike the Chulitika Glacier, fish for salmon in the Copper River, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air. Understanding and supporting responsible tourism to this area is crucial for preserving its delicate ecosystem and respecting the traditions of the Native communities who have called this land home for millennia.

Local Context

Wrangell-St. Elias, nestled in the southeastern corner of Alaska, is a landscape sculpted by glaciers, volcanoes, and the relentless power of the Copper River. It’s a place where the Chulitika Glacier, one of the most stunning in the world, spills down into the Talkeetna Mountains, and where the Kennecott Mines – a sprawling ghost town – stands as a testament to Alaska’s rich mining history. The park is home to brown bears, moose, caribou, and a staggering array of birdlife, and it holds immense cultural importance for the Ahtna, Denali, and Koyukon Athabaskan peoples, whose subsistence traditions are deeply intertwined with the land. The military presence at Fort Greely further contributes to the region’s unique character.

What to Know

Planning a trip to Wrangell-St. Elias requires a bit of preparation. Currently, access is primarily via McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road, both unpaved and challenging drives. Wrangell Mountain Air offers daily flights from Chitina to Anchorage, Glennallen, McCarthy, and May Creek (June-September), while Copper Valley Air provides weekly service. Remember to check road conditions before you go – the McCarthy Road, a former railroad track, is known for its blind corners and potholes. Respect the environment and leave no trace – pack out everything you pack in, and be mindful of wildlife. For those interested in learning more about the park’s history and cultural significance, the National Park Service website (nps.gov/wrst) offers valuable resources.

Let’s work together to ensure that future generations of Anchorage residents and Alaskans can continue to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and wild spirit of Wrangell-St. Elias.