Exploring McCarthy-Kennecott
Sightseeing
The Root Glacier is gorgeous in it’s own right, but what is even more impressive is that it’s fed by the second largest icefall outside of the Himalayas, the Stairway Icefall! We recommend going on a guided hike with St. Elias Alpine Guides as they provide crampons as well as friendly, knowledgeable guides with the skill sets that help you maximize your time on the glacier.
In peak season, the glacier can get a little “busy.” Copper Oar provides guided kayak tours on the lake at the toe of the glacier that helps you escape the “hustle and bustle.” Many times you and your guide are the only ones on the lake!
Root Glacier
The Root Glacier is gorgeous in it’s own right, but what is even more impressive is that it’s fed by the second largest icefall outside of the Himalayas, the Stairway Icefall! We recommend going on a guided hike with St. Elias Alpine Guides as they provide crampons as well as friendly, knowledgeable guides with the skill sets that help you maximize your time on the glacier.
In peak season, the glacier can get a little “busy.” Copper Oar provides guided kayak tours on the lake at the toe of the glacier that helps you escape the “hustle and bustle.” Many times you and your guide are the only ones on the lake!
Kennecott Mining Company was a one-of-a-kind mining operation during the early 20th century. What makes this place so unique is the fact that is was and still is located in the middle of the rural, remote Alaskan wilderness. Enjoy a tour of the town provided by a local guiding company and explore the National Park Service's displays explaining the feats accomplished by these industrious pioneers.
Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark
KennicottKennecott Mining Company was a one-of-a-kind mining operation during the early 20th century. What makes this place so unique is the fact that is was and still is located in the middle of the rural, remote Alaskan wilderness. Enjoy a tour of the town provided by a local guiding company and explore the National Park Service's displays explaining the feats accomplished by these industrious pioneers.
McCarthy-Kennecott is nestled in the heart of the largest national park in the United States. Filled with glaciers, towering mountains, active volcanoes and history, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the national park you've never heard of, but always needed to visit.
6 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve
McCarthy-Kennecott is nestled in the heart of the largest national park in the United States. Filled with glaciers, towering mountains, active volcanoes and history, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the national park you've never heard of, but always needed to visit.
Wrangell Mountain Air offers you the ability to take in the United States' largest national park from the unique perspective of a bush place.
Flights are 50 minutes, 70 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes and take you over a variety of areas and features ranging from the Kennicott Valley to the Bagley Icefields.
Charter flights, backcountry trips and daytrip packages are available.
Wrangell Mountain Air
100 Kennicott AveWrangell Mountain Air offers you the ability to take in the United States' largest national park from the unique perspective of a bush place.
Flights are 50 minutes, 70 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes and take you over a variety of areas and features ranging from the Kennicott Valley to the Bagley Icefields.
Charter flights, backcountry trips and daytrip packages are available.
Food scene
Not actually located in Chitina, The Potato started out as a food truck and has evolved into a full service, dine-in restaurant. The Potatohead Burrito, the Chugach Cheesesteak, and the Pulled Pork Po-Boy are fan favorite entrees. But probably what makes The Potato most memorable are their homemade, spiral cut french fries, served either plain or with rosemary and garlic!
And let's not forget, The Potato features an espresso bar as well as an excellent selection of beer and wine making it perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Potato
Not actually located in Chitina, The Potato started out as a food truck and has evolved into a full service, dine-in restaurant. The Potatohead Burrito, the Chugach Cheesesteak, and the Pulled Pork Po-Boy are fan favorite entrees. But probably what makes The Potato most memorable are their homemade, spiral cut french fries, served either plain or with rosemary and garlic!
And let's not forget, The Potato features an espresso bar as well as an excellent selection of beer and wine making it perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The only full service bar in the valley, The Golden Saloon is a great place to get a draft beer or refreshing cocktail after a long day hiking and exploring. Live music and other events such as Open Mic Nights make the Saloon the hub of McCarthy nightlife.
The New Golden Saloon
The only full service bar in the valley, The Golden Saloon is a great place to get a draft beer or refreshing cocktail after a long day hiking and exploring. Live music and other events such as Open Mic Nights make the Saloon the hub of McCarthy nightlife.
The McCarthy Lodge Bistro is fine dining in the remote Alaskan wilderness. But don't worry! You don't need to bring your fancy dress clothes, you need only make a reservation online or by calling Ma Johnson's Hotel at (907) 554 4402.
McCarthy Lodge
101 Kennicott AveThe McCarthy Lodge Bistro is fine dining in the remote Alaskan wilderness. But don't worry! You don't need to bring your fancy dress clothes, you need only make a reservation online or by calling Ma Johnson's Hotel at (907) 554 4402.
Stop by the Kennicott Glacier Lodge for their breakfast buffet, lunch, happy hour or dinner. Reservations are required for dinner and can be made by calling (907) 258-2350.
If arranging for dinner, please be advised you will need to make additional travel arrangements as the local shuttles generally stop at 7pm when the Lodge begins their dinner service.
Kennicott Glacier Lodge
15 Kennicott MillsiteStop by the Kennicott Glacier Lodge for their breakfast buffet, lunch, happy hour or dinner. Reservations are required for dinner and can be made by calling (907) 258-2350.
If arranging for dinner, please be advised you will need to make additional travel arrangements as the local shuttles generally stop at 7pm when the Lodge begins their dinner service.
Located in Kennecott, The Meatza Wagon is the perfect place for a bite to eat before or after your Mill Town Tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides. Located next to the old schoolhouse, the Meatza Wagon food truck overlooks the Kennicott Glacier and Fireweed Mountain.
Meatza Wagon
Located in Kennecott, The Meatza Wagon is the perfect place for a bite to eat before or after your Mill Town Tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides. Located next to the old schoolhouse, the Meatza Wagon food truck overlooks the Kennicott Glacier and Fireweed Mountain.
Pariri dwar il-belt
Qabel ma titlaq
St. Elias Alpine Guide Mill Town Tours
In the height of the season, usually end of June through the end of August, mill town tours book up quickly. While walk-ins are generally available and accepted, to make your trip a breeze, we highly recommend booking ahead of time!
Kif tista' tmur minn post għall-ieħor
Accessing the Kennicott Valley
Accessing the Kennicott Valley is a little different than most places. If driving in, the McCarthy Road actually ends at the Kennicott River. From there you need to take the pedestrian bridge across to catch a shuttle or to walk into town.
If staying with Shushanna Guesthouse, your transportation from the footbridge to the guesthouse will be provided.
Kif tista' tmur minn post għall-ieħor
The Shuttle System
Typically Wrangell Mountain Transport (WMT) offers shuttle services running on a schedule. Due to COVID-19, WMT is not running and some locals have taken advantage of the situation to offer a shuttle service of their own. We like to note that they run on McCarthy time and even though a schedule is posted, it is not always followed. Be prepared to possibly wait.
It is an option to walk, but keep in mind that from McCarthy to Kennecott it is a 4.5 mile walk.
X'għandek tippakkja
Be prepared for a dynamic landscapre
Weather forecasts for the Kennicott Valley are coming from outside the valley and for this reason are not always accurate. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions ranging from warm sunshine to cold, pouring rain.
X'għandek tippakkja
Glacier Hike?
For those who book guided glacier hikes, we strongly recommend that you bring a variety of warm layers, rain gear, a backpack to carry your lunch and water and gloves to protect your hands from the cheese grater like texture of the ice.
Qabel ma titlaq
Exploring the Glacier
At Glacier View Guesthouse, we strongly recommend that guests explore the glacier with a guide as the Root Glacier holds many potentially dangerous features such as moulins, high walls, and difficult terrain.
Guide services, such as St. Elias Alpine Guides, not only provide crampons but the knowledge and experience to mitigate risk and a personalized and memorable experience!