A day's drive east of Anchorage, this spectacular park encompasses towering mountains, massive glaciers and powerful rivers, a seemingly endless variety of flora and fauna, and abundant wildlife. Covering over 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest park in the U.S. National Park System, and part of the largest protected ecosystem on the planet. It equals six Yellowstones, with four major mountain ranges that include nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. Mount St. Elias, standing at 18,008 feet, is the second highest peak in the U.S., the first being Mt. McKinley in Interior Alaska. Hike its mountains, float its rivers, ski its glaciers, or fly over this landscape and you witness living geology.
Another noteworthy park feature is the now-deserted Kennecott Mine town site, a National Historic Landmark. The first copper discovery was in 1899, though the mines did not go into full production until the railroad line to Kennecott was completed in 1911. The Kennecott Mine town site thrived until 1938, when the high-grade copper veins were depleted. After that, the area became a virtual ghost town, though today a small number of people have made Kennecott and nearby McCarthy their year-round home. With several structures still standing, the area is considered the best remaining example of early 20th century copper mining.
Activities and Attractions
Exploring the old mining town of Kennecott is a must and visitors can get an up-close look at the mines by taking a guided tour from the Kennecott Visitor Center. Other activities include backpacking and hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, sportfishing and hunting, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and kayaking, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, nature walks, flightseeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Public use cabins are available. Guided tours are also available for most activities.
Accessibility
The nearest major airport is located in Anchorage. It is approximately a four-hour drive on the Glenn Highway to park headquarters located between Glennallen and Copper Center. Park headquarters also can be reached from Fairbanks and Valdez via the Richardson Highway. Two unpaved roads provide access to this massive park. The 42-mile Nabesna Road reaches the northern portion of the park and the 60-mile McCarthy Road leads directly into the heart of the park. Local air taxis and flightseeing tours leave from airstrips in Glennallen, McCarthy and Chitina.
Fees and Visitor Count
There are no entrance fees to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and visitors average around 57,200 each year.
Weather and Climate
While the area is know for long, cold winters and relatively warm summers, in any season the weather can change quickly. As a general rule, it's wise to pack clothing that can be layered - ready to peel off or add as conditions dictate. Summer temperatures can reach nearly 80°F, while winter temperatures can range anywhere from 10°F to -50°F.
Facilities
Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center - 907-822-7440 - Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway, between Glennallen and Copper Center (year-round; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday)
Chitina Visitor Center - 907-823-2205 - Mile 33 Edgerton Highway (open Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Slana Ranger Station - 907-822-5238 - Mile 0.2 Nabesna Road (year-round; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in summer, by appointment in winter)
Yakutat Visitor Center - 907-784-3295 - Yakutat (year-round)
Kennecott Visitor Center - Kennecott National Historic Site - Depot Building (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily)
History
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve was proclaimed a national monument in 1978 and a world heritage site in 1979. In 1980, it was established as a national park and preserve.
http://www.nps.gov/wrst