Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve In Alaska

History and Location

Visiting a place conquered by snow and ice could be anybody’s desire. What is more beautiful than a white-dressed area in south-central Alaska? There are many tourist attractions in Alaska, and one of the most beautiful ones is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This lovely American national park was founded by The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 41 years ago. A section of Kluane/ Wrangell St. Elias/ Glacier Bay/ Tatshenshini- Alsek UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. It covers 13175799 acres of Alaska and consists of the highest peaks in America. The park is the Kluane National Park’s neighbor to the east of Canada and Glacier Bay to the south. This glorious park is situated in Alaska and next to Copper Centre, and 83231495 acres are devoted to the park, and the preserve section is about 485265214 acres.

Every year more than 70000 visitors come here to see this incredible part of America. Due to the particular geographical location of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the winters are exceedingly cold, and summers are short. The glaciation and volcanic activity gave birth to the creation of the park. Malaspina Glacier and Mount Wrangell are two main features of the park that played a role in the delivery of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

The American national Woods was founded to preserve the natural beauty of landscapes, wildlife populations, geological and glacial features. This park is made of several lofty mountains such as the Chugach Mountains, Nutzotin Mountains, Robinson Mountain, and different rivers such as Nebesna River, Chitina River, and Copper River. Ice fields and glaciers are other parts of the park that add to its beauty. The area shares borders with Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Tongass National Forest, Chugach National Forest, and Mentasta Mountains. Stay with us to discover the birthplace of volcanoes, ice lands, valleys, lofty mountains, and rivers.

Activities, Services, Parking, and Things to Do

Accessible from the Nabesna Road and McCarthy Road, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. These roads offer a chance for hiking and backcountry camping. Some people prefer to take advantage of air taxis to explore the park. The site is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the available facilities from May through September; however, the visitors center is open every day during winter days. The visitor center is near the Copper Centre, and you can acquire the necessary information in this place. If you want to see Kennecott, a deserted mining town, McCarthy Road navigates you to your destination. Camping is a pleasant activity in the park, and campers can benefit from camping in the park managed campground, Kendesnii campground. The public cabins and private lodging accommodation and campgrounds are available too and accessible by air taxi services. You do not need permission for backcountry camping.

If you enjoy biking in the mountains, do not lose the chance but remember to stay on the roads because the park will be boggy in most parts during summer days. Some visitors prefer to explore American parks while floating on the rivers of Chitina, Niziba, or Copper. The float trip in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and seeing its breathtaking attractions is an exciting experience that should not be missed, especially if you look for new things to do in Anchorage. As mentioned above, the park is the house of high mountains, and mountain climbers are welcomed to discover North America’s highest peaks. You must be highly skilled at accessing the remote and dangerous parts of the park. Air taxi services provide opportunities to take part in kayak tours and sightseeing.

The preserved lands are excellent spots for trapping and hunting. Bear in mind that you must leave your vehicle in those designated places. Extensive than Switzerland, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve stretch from the Gulf of Alaska to the interior sites of Alaska. House of many living creatures, the park, ranging from beautiful plant communities to colorful birds and animals, live in 5 parts, including wetland, lowlands and uplands, alpine and subalpine sections. You may see wildlife like Dall sheep, black bears, red fox, river otter, mountain goat, and timber wolf in the mountainous places. The freshwaters are the home of 21 kinds of fish like pink salmon, lake trout, and rainbow trout.

Ninety-three species of admirable birds have been documented in the park and preserve, while 69 species leave Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve during winter. Some common birds such as American robins, great horned owl, and boreal owl may be seen during the warm days of the year. Watching wildlife and recording unique pictures make your trip memorable. You can take advantage of winter sports such as snow shoring, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing during freezing winter days. As trapping is expected in the park, it is highly suggested to stay on the trail to avoid trap lines. Fishing, rafting, hiking, and driving in the scenery roads are among the popular activities in Camping.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Lodging

Do you want to know where Wrangell-St? Elias National Park and Preserve visitors stay? There are some lodging accommodations for voyagers to remain. The first one is a modern place, Current Ridge, that offers spectacular views of the lofty mountains. The guest house includes a private bathroom, bedroom, inside and outside dining areas. If you look for a green place to stay, do not miss Current Ridge. An authentic and memorable experience is offered by McCarthy Lodge & Ma Johnson Hotel. This place is located between fantastic glaciers and high mountains and suggested by many travelers, McCarthy Lodge & Ma Johnson Hotel, a historical gem on the coast of Alaska. Michelin’s guide highly suggests the lodging combined with history and natural beauty and its unique restaurant. After exploring genuine Alaska, you may rest here and refresh for the next exciting day. A copy of the Copper Mining structures, The Kennicott Glacier Lodge. This luxury property is situated in the beating heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. By staying in this place, you can enjoy the authentic taste of homemade meals and reading favorite books beside a heartwarming fireplace.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Camping

There are no camping spots in the park; however, private campgrounds welcome visitors with open arms. A developed campground, Kendesnii Campground, includes ten sites. Restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables are among the amenities of this spot. It’s an excellent place for wildlife watching and seeing impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Rock Lake Rest Area & Camping is 21.8 miles away from Nabesna Road. The rest area provides fabulous images of the Wrangell Mountains and the nearby lake. Travelers who desire to stay in a peaceful place select Rock Lake Rest Area & Camping. The campsite is equipped with a vault toilet and picnic tables. Dead Dog Hill Rest Area is a wonderful site to rest and see wildlife.

The Best Restaurants Near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Roadside Potatohead
Roadside Potatohead is a perfect vegetarian-friendly restaurant that sits beside the park. In this restaurant, you may enjoy the authentic taste of American cuisine and vegan options. If you are suffering from a particular disease and need gluten-free options, the restaurant has delicious options for you. Roadside Potatohead offers delivery and takeout services. The cheesesteak, copper salmon, and burgers of the restaurant are unrepeatable.

McCarthy Lodge Bistro

Eighteen miles from the park is McCarthy Lodge Bistro. This cozy dining area offers American and contemporary cuisine in a friendly and clean environment. The vegetarian-friendly restaurant has gluten-free dishes for people with special diets. The plates of this excellent restaurant meet the standards of global travelers. Do not miss the tasty and tender elk steak offered by McCarthy Lodge Bistro.

The Golden Saloon

The Golden Saloon is a great dining room in the heart of Alaska. The restaurant has mouthwatering American dishes and satisfies various voyagers with exceptional tastes. Everything in The Golden Saloon is amazingly delicious, from hamburgers to seafood dishes. In the restaurant, you are welcomed with tasty dishes and friendly services.

The Meatza Wagon

The vegan options and quick bites presented by The Meatza Wagon are unmatched and worth a try. The vegetarian-friendly restaurant is close to the park, and many visitors come here to have unique dishes. The people who need vegan or gluten-free options are welcomed with open arms. If you have little time to eat, The Meatza Wagon has delicious sandwiches for you. Who imagines finding a superb restaurant in the realm of lofty mountains.

Tailor Made Pizza 2

It is a lovely place to have tasty pizza in the land of volcanoes, glaciers, and deep valleys, Tailor Made Pizza 2. The restaurant offers the best pizza in Alaska, so do not hesitate to join it. If you are hungry and like to enjoy a portion of delicious food from the country of volcanoes, Tailor Made Pizza 2 is for you.

The Best Hotels Near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Three Star Hotel- Wrangell Mountain Lodge

Wrangell Mountain Lodge is a peaceful place to stay after spending an exciting day in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The hotel offers free high-speed internet, free parking, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi in public areas, picnic areas, and outdoor furniture. You may enjoy outdoor activities by selecting the hotel, including cross-country skiing, hiking/biking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The pet-friendly hotel is next to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, McCarthy Road Information Station, and McCarthy Footbridge.

Two Star Hotel- Old Town Copper Center Inn & Restaurant

This cozy two-star hotel is close to some attractions such as Chapel on the Hill, Wrangell‐St. Elias National Park Visitor Center and Dry Creek State Recreation Site. Situated in Copper Center, Old Town Copper Center Inn & Restaurant, and provides an opportunity to see the magical view of the high mountains. Free parking, free high-speed internet, a picnic area, and a gift shop are among the amenities of this riverfront hotel. The rooms feature daily housekeeping, flat screen tv, coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator.

Three Star Hotel- Sawinglogzz Log Cabin

Sawinglogzz Log Cabin is a romantic three-star hotel near the park that offers memorable moments for your family. The close attractions to this mountain view hotel include Wrangell‐St. Elias National Park Visitor Center, Chapel on the Hill, and Dry Creek State Recreation Site. The smoke-free spot features a lovely garden, free Wi-Fi in public areas, a picnic area, soundproof rooms, a hot tub, and private yards. Mountain biking, hunting, rock climbing, whale watching, and mountain climbing are fantastic things to do in the area.

Three Star Hotel- Gakona Lodge

Gakona Lodge is a charming three-star hotel that is a 28 minutes drive to Wrangell‐St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The hotel offers free parking, laundry services, free high-speed internet, business services, and complimentary breakfast. The guests can take pleasure from outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and climbing. The place is an excellent destination for peace lovers.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Weather

It encompasses three Climate Systems: the Continental subarctic- cold, dry summer, subarctic with cool summers and year-round rainfall, and subarctic with cool summer and dry winters. After all, the winter days are hard and long, and the freezing temperatures last about five months. Insects and blooming flowers from June dominate summer through July. Brizzle is expected in late summer. Step-by-step, the temperature goes down in August, and September brings the first snowfall. Keep in mind that the weather is impermanent, so it is wise to be dressed in layers. Storms are highly expected during autumn, winter, and spring. The spectacular autumn comes with fewer mosquitoes and dazzling colors. The pleasant weather and clear skies of the park during spring attracts many people to camp in a romantic atmosphere.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Tours

There are various ways to discover magnificent Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Taking part in a flightseeing tour offers a chance to experience the unique features of the park. The Mile High Cliff Tour lasts 50 minutes, and you are supposed to pay $250 to discover the Wrangell mountains. The pilots explain the extraordinary geology of the area ranging from lofty mountains to volcanoes. Thirteen Glacier Tour invites you to enjoy 70 minutes of discovery in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Your adventure starts with views of the Nizina Bridge Ruins. It continues into the Chitistone Canyon and Sourdough Rock Glacier. be prepared to record picturesque views of Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier and Robin and Regal Glaciers. The tour costs $300 per person. Jewels of the Wrangell Tour is the name of another exciting tour that costs $395 per person. This 120-minutes journey allows guests to fly above their favorite routes. This journey will astound Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve’s visitors. If you like to see an admirable snow-covered volcano, just say the word and have it.