Best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Sunrise at backgrountry camp
Image credit: alessandrarc / 123rf

Wrangell–St. Elias is a national park and preserve in Alaska that is famous for its vast size. It is the largest national park in the United States and the second largest park in North America. The park is also home to Mt. St. Elias, the second tallest mountain in the United States. There are many things to do in the park, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park is also home to many glaciers, including the largest glacier in North America, the Malaspina Glacier.

1. Visit the Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve

When a visitor visits the Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, they may experience awe at the natural beauty around them. They may also feel a sense of peace and tranquility while hiking through the park.

2. Hike to one of the many glaciers in the park

The visitor will experience a unique environment, as they hike to one of the glaciers in the park. The hike will be challenging, but the view of the glaciers will be worth it.

3. Take a scenic drive down the McCarthy Road

If you're lucky enough to find the McCarthy Road open in Wrangell or St. Elias, you'll experience one of the most beautiful drives in all of Alaska. The road winds through towering mountains and lush countryside, with stunning views of the St. Elias and Wrangell glaciers. If the weather is good, you can even spot wild Alaskan caribou grazing in the meadows.

4. Visit the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark

When someone visits the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, they may be awestruck at the scale of the mines and the equipment that was used in the past. They may also be intrigued by the stories of the miners who worked there and the challenges they faced.

5. Take a floatplane or helicopter tour of the park

When someone takes a floatplane or helicopter tour of the park in Wrangell–St. Elias, they will experience a unique view of the park. The aircraft will fly over the glaciers and valleys, giving visitors a glimpse of the amazing landscape.