• Winter in the Wrangells

    Wrangell - St Elias

    National Park & Preserve Alaska

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Park to Burn Piles of Debris to Reduce Fire Risk

    Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve wildland fire staff will burn piles of debris consisting of trees and brush beginning April 23 through May 3. More More »

Abandoned Mines

Abandoned Mines are present throughout Wrangell-St. Elias

Since 1900, there has been extensive mineral exploration and development within the Wrangell-St. Elias / Chugach Mountains area. Numerous abandoned and inactive mineral properties are scattered throughout the park and preserve. Hazards exist at these sites. Visitors should use extreme caution and avoid abandoned mineral properties. Explosives, mine openings, unsafe structures and toxic chemicals may be present. Many inactive mineral sites are privately owned. Please check the land status before planning a trip.

  • Explosives: This material may not be marked or identifiable and can be extremely dangerous. Do not touch!
  • Chemicals: A variety of chemicals were used in the processing of ore and related mining activities, many of which are caustic, explosive or toxic. Do not attempt to identify the contents!
  • Mine openings: There are hundreds of exploratory and production mine tunnels and shafts throughout the park and preserve. Many may be overgrown with brush or covered with old wood or rock. These mine openings are old, unmaintained and extremely dangerous, and may be without breathable air. Do not enter or attempt to go underground!

If explosives, chemicals or mine openings are discovered, leave the site immediately and report the location to a park ranger.

Did You Know?

Braided Nabesna River

The Nabesna River was named in 1898 by USGS employees W. J. Peters and A. H. Brooks.  The name is derived from the local native name for the Upper Tanana River.