The nation’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is made up of 13 million acres in the eastern portion of Interior Alaska, along the Canadian border. Nearby communities include Glennallen, McCarthy, Copper Center and Chitina.
Accessibility: The park headquarters and visitor center in Copper Center is about a four-hour drive from Anchorage. Two gravel 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 can also provide transportation in the park.
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. The e area was once an important center for copper mining. The e 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 e Kennecott Mine town site thrived until 1938, when the high-grade copper veins were depleted. After that, the area became a ghost town, though people still live in nearby McCarthy year-round. Gold was also discovered in 1899, and Alaska’s last big gold rush was stimulated by finds in the area in 1913.
Unique features: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is often called the “mountain kingdom of North America,” as the Chugach, Wrangell and St. Elias ranges converge here. The park’s Mount St. Elias, standing at 18,008 feet, is the second highest peak in the United States.
Another noteworthy park feature is the now-deserted Kennecott Mine town site, a national historic landmark. With several structures still standing, the area is considered the best remaining example of early 20th century copper mining. Visitors can get an up-close look at the mines by taking a guided tour from the Kennecott Visitor Center, located at
the national historic site.
Temperature: Summer temperatures can reach nearly 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can range anywhere from 10 degrees above zero to 50 below. Activities and attractions: Popular activities in the park include exploring the old mining town of Kennecott, taking a scenic drive along the Nabesna and McCarthy roads, mountain biking, bird and wildlife viewing, rock climbing, ice climbing, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, camping and river rafting. Winter visitors can enjoy cross country skiing, snowmobiling, dog mushing and snow shoeing.
Fees: The re are no entrance fees in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
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