Front country Hiking Trails

Skookum Volcano Trailhead

NPS

Hiking in Wrangell-St. Elias can be spectacular and we encourage you to go, but be prepared! Most of the front country hiking trails are maintained for the first few miles and then become routes into the backcountry, where route finding and navigational skills are highly recommended.

• Copper Center Area- Most of the trails in this area are outside of the park, but are still scenic with endless views of the Wrangell Mountains.

• McCarthy Road and Kennecott- While the McCarthy Road has very few day hikes, Kennecott has several trails, including the best ones in the park for glacier viewing.

• Nabesna Road Area- Numerous day hikes are available. Follow creeks, head into the mountains, and explore the alpine meadows in this area.

• Yakutat and Coastal Area- There are no park trails in this area, but the Tongass National Forest has several trails near Yakutat that take you into the temperate rainforest. This area is not on the road system connected to the Copper River Basin, so flying in with an air taxi or commercial flight is required.

• Leave No Trace- Wrangell-St. Elias is recognized as being one of the few places remaining in the world where nature is still in charge. We need your help to keep it this way.

• Backcountry Safety- At Wrangell-St. Elias you do not have to stay on maintained trails. If you go off trail, please take precautions for staying safe in this remote park.

• Backpacking- for multi-day backpacking opportunities in the park, visit the Backcountry Hiking Trails in Things To Do.

Details

Duration

2-4 Hours

Self-guided hiking varies in duration, depending on distance and athletic capabilities of the hiker.

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

Hiking in Wrangell-St. Elias can be spectacular and we encourage you to go, but be prepared! Most of the front country hiking trails are maintained for the first few miles and then become routes into the backcountry, where route finding and navigational skills are highly recommended. There are hiking trails in the Copper Center area, on Nabesna Road and on McCarthy Road.

Age(s)

All ages

Pets Allowed

Yes

Dogs are allowed on hiking trails on leash and they must be properly controlled at all times. Please note that dogs must be on a leash while in the Kennecott Historic Landmark area and on the immediate grounds around the contact stations, including the Headquarters Visitor Center at Copper Center and the Boreal Forest Trail, the Chitina Ranger Station and the Slana Ranger Station. Only certified service dogs may accompany a visitor inside the contact stations (visitor centers and ranger stations).

Pet Owners: Know that trapping is popular and legal in Alaska from Fall through Spring (seasons vary by location and species). Unleashed pets can get caught in traps or snares. Maintaining physical control of your pet is advised since it is your responsibility to prevent harm to your pet.

Activity Fee

No

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a fee-free national park. Park only in designated areas at or near trailheads. Please respect private property within the national park. There are some parking areas that are private paid parking with signage and a self-pay station, such as native corporation lands.

Location

Front country hiking trails

• Copper Center Area- Most of the trails in this area are outside of the park, but are still scenic with endless views of the Wrangell Mountains.

• McCarthy Road and Kennecott- While the McCarthy Road has very few day hikes, Kennecott has several trails, including the best ones in the park for glacier viewing.

• Nabesna Road Area- Numerous day hikes are available. Follow creeks, head into the mountains, and explore the alpine meadows in this area.

• Yakutat and Coastal Area- There are no park trails in this area, but the Tongass National Forest has several trails near Yakutat that take you into the temperate rainforest.

Reservations

No

No reservations are required for hiking in the front country, but it is recommended to submit a travel itinerary plan to park rangers at the visitor center, before backpacking overnight in the backcountry.

Season

Year Round

Hiking is year-round in the park, but be prepared for extreme temperatures, especially in winter when it can be as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero. In spring, summer and fall, be prepared for heavy rains and possible flooding. River crossing can be very dangerous, so when it doubt, turn around and return safely.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

Most hiking trails in the park are earthen ground, gravel, mud and sand so wheelchairs are not recommended without asistance. However, there is the paved Bluff Overlook trail at the visitor center in Copper Center which is wheelchair accessible. It is located about 100 yards (100 meters) from the visitor center and parking area and there are interpretive waysides and views of the Wrangell Mountains (weather permitting).