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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & PreserveAlong the road to McCarthy
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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
The McCarthy Road
 
Alaskan Adventure!
The 61-mile McCarthy road offers Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve visitors a unique opportunity to explore interior Alaska. Natural and historic wonders await those visitors willing to accept travel and access on Alaskan terms.
 
McCarthy Road Map
McCarthy Road Map
Detailed map of the route
PDF format
 

Driving this road is an Alaskan adventure! Although regularly maintained by the State of Alaska, the gravel surface makes for slow travel-it usually takes three hours each way. Other hazards can make it even longer: heavy rain can make the road muddy and slippery; sharp rocks can cause flat tires; narrow and one-lane bridges make maneuvering large vehicles difficult. In fact, large vehicles are not recommended. Under normal summer conditions, most two-wheel drive vehicles can make the trip without difficulty, but be sure to carry at least one spare tire and an adequate jack.

At the end of the road, you will find parking areas and two foot bridges that cross the Kennicott River and lead to McCarthy and Kennecott. Access to McCarthy is by foot, bike, or shuttle.

The McCarthy road provides access to interesting geology, great hiking, fishing, and camping, as well as the wonderful historic communities of McCarthy and Kennecott.

 
McCarthy Road Guide
McCarthy Road Guide
Map and travel info
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Current Park Road Conditions
How Are The Park Roads?
Current Status of the McCarthy & Nabesna Roads
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View of the Chitina River
Geologic Guide to the McCarthy Road
Learn as you drive
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Kennecott Mines
Kennecott Mines
National Historic Landmark
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boreal forest  

Did You Know?
The boreal forest is the coldest and largest land ecosystem on the planet…even colder than the Arctic tundra.

Last Updated: September 25, 2007 at 16:17 EST