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Glennallen

Close-up of caribou warning sign with snow and trees in background.
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Glennallen sits at the junction of two of Alaska’s most important highways and serves as a jumping-off point to the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

About Glennallen

Although the indigenous Ahtna people have lived in the region for countless years, the town of Glennallen was established in the mid-1940s as a highway construction camp for the Glenn Highway, which stretches west toward Anchorage. The town sits along the Glenn Highway near where it intersects with the Richardson Highway, and provides traveler services to motorists as well as those preparing for adventures in the nearby national park.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve boasts nine out of the highest 16 peaks in the United States. The park is situated at the crossroads of three great mountain ranges: the Wrangell Mountains to the north, the Chugach Mountains to the south and the St. Elias Mountains arching up from the Gulf of Alaska. Many of these peaks are visible from Glennallen and lend the town an imposing backdrop.
Things to do

As the gateway into Wrangell-St. Elias, Glennallen is the base for a variety of guides, outfitters and tour companies, offering adventures that range from world-class fishing, rafting and wildlife viewing to flightseeing through the peaks, off-road vehicle trips on old mining trails and snowmobile tours in the winter. Glennallen is also near the famed Copper River, where anglers happily pluck what some believe to be the tastiest of all Alaska salmon – the famous Copper River red salmon.

Glennallen comes alive in January when it serves as the starting point for the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race (www.cb300.com). Often referred to as the toughest 300 miles in Alaska, the race follows a loop that heads north to Summit Lake and then east before returning Glennallen and finishing at Tolsona Lake Resort to the east. In winter, Glennallen is also a great vantage point for viewing the northern lights.

Glennallen

Glennallen is accessible by road via the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway. Scheduled bus service stops in Glennallen from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Glennallen can also be reached by charter air service from a variety of communities.

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Kenicott McCarthy Chistochina Gakona Lake Louise Glennallen Copper Center Kenny Lake Chitina

Glennallen

Nearby Parks


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Lake Louise State Recreation Area Denali State Park Matanuska Glacier Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Summit Lake State Recreation Site Portage Glacier and Area Attractions Kenai River Special Management Area Alaska State Marine Parks Caines Head State Recreation Area Chugach National Forest Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge Chugach State Park Independence Mine State Historical Park Ninilchik State Recreation Area Deep Creek State Recreation Area Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park Kenai Fjords National Park Nancy Lake State Recreation Area Anchor River State Recreation Area Clam Gulch State Recreation Area Kasilof Area State Parks Captain Cook State Recreation Area Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Attractions

  • Charter Fishing +

    Charter fishing guides based in the Glennallen area offer outings that focus on king salmon fishing in the Copper River and its tributaries. July is the peak month for king salmon fishing in the Copper while the Klutina River supports spawning runs in July and August.

  • Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled +

    Glennallen comes alive in January when it serves as the starting point for the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race. Often referred to as the toughest 300 miles in Alaska, the race follows a loop that heads north to Summit Lake and then east before returning Glennallen and finishing at Lake Louise.

  • Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center +

    The Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is at the junction of the Glenn and Richardson Highways and is loaded with brochures and suggestions on what to do and see in the Glennallen area.

  • Dry Creek State Recreation Site +

    Dry Creek State Recreational Site provides Camping, fishing and trails and is located 4 miles north of Glennallen on the Richardson Highway.

  • Rafting +

    Both the Gulkana and Klutina Rivers are excellent float trips and outfitters are available in the Glennallen area that can provide the equipment and guides for such an adventure. Many trips are one-day outings that include the opportunity to fish for king and sockeye salmon, dolly varden, and grayling depending on the season.

  • Wildlife Viewing +

    Jet boats are used throughout the Copper River Basin for tours that include wildlife viewing and photography.


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