Wrangell St.Elias National Park

3 Days     $ 1195.-

THIS 3-DAY MCCARTHY- KENNICOTT TOUR is the highlight of any visit to Alaska!

Experience the best of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park the largest National Park in America.

Imagine 13 million acres of road less wilderness, the highest concentration of mountain peaks most of them unexplored to this day, and uncounted glaciers – with only a handful of visitors.

This is truly the treasure of Alaska.

From flight seeing, history and activities to culinary wonders, this tour is a must for everyone who wants to experience Alaska.This is no ordinary Alaska Tour. We visit with the real Alaskan bush community of McCarthy, filled with a rich ghost town history mixed with stunning activities in one of natures greatest settings.

Transportation

We offer this tour starting and/or ending in Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Free pick up from your accommodation in Anchorage at 8:00 am or
Fairbanks at 7:00 am.

The narrated van tour presents Alaska at its best. Wide valleys, mountains, glaciers and with a little luck you spot some of Alaska’s greatest wildlife.

Our experienced driver/guide will endeavor to make this journey a delight with Alaska-Facts and history. Along the way we stop for breakfast, at viewpoints and rest stops. The air conditioned 12-passenger vans are never packed full. We keep groups to a comfortable size so everybody can enjoy their vacation with us.

After all, it’s our motivation and desire to make your Alaska vacation the experience of your lifetime.

McCarthy

We arrive with our van at our home base for 2 nights at 9:00 pm. Deep inside the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, McCarthy is near the geographic center of the largest protected wilderness on earth. It is surrounded by mountains with beautiful ridges and countless alpine meadows. There aren’t many views in the world like this. But there is so much more to McCarthy, you got to come and check it out.

Meals (not included)

Breakfast and dinner will be at the McCarthy Lodge. Famous for original cuisine created using local delicacies prepared by James Beard featured chef Joshua Slaughter. Experience the unexpected in dining in the middle of extraordinary wilderness. Featuring a 4 course menu that changes each night, the local favorite for anyone interested in experiencing the best in dining in the state of Alaska.

Or if you prefer a more casual menu, the Golden Saloon is waiting for you right next door.

Accommodation

Ma Johnson’s Hotel, known as ‘the living museum’ was selected by the journalists of National Geographic as one of only 129 hotels world-wide that are “Authentic, Memorable, Sustainable”, and exemplify a sense of place. Built in the early 1900’s during the local mining boom the hotel is perfectly restored. Each room is unique and filled with historical artifacts from the town of McCarthy.

Activities (optional)

Flight Seeing     $130.- per person

From Chitina to McCarthy – Expect a breath-taking fight into America’s Mountain Kingdom. Our flight utilizes Wrangell Mountain Air Cessnas or DeHavillands as we are flying into North America’s most spectacular wilderness filled with more glaciers, mountains & wildlife than anywhere else.

Kennecott Copper Mine     9:30am to 12:00pm     $25.- per person

From 1911 until 1938 the mining town of Kennicott boomed. Today the guided tour thru the ghost town will bring to life the discovery and work in this remote wilderness. Listen to tales of lucky fortune, tenacious frontiers men and tragic endings as you view the tallest wooden structure in North America, the Kennicott mill building. See the mining equipment and personal artifacts left behind in the early 1900′s.

Natural History Walk    2 to 6 miles     $65.- per person

We walk leisurely along the old Kennicott River bed where we explore and learn about different ecological processes that are a result of recent glaciation. Located across the valley from the town site of Kennicott, this hike has great views and a different perspective of the valley. This is a great option for those who would like to take it a bit slower, and are interested in learning about some of the natural history processes in the area.

Glacier Hiking    1:00pm to 6:00pm     $65.- per person

Absolutely no experience is necessary. It’s a 2 mile stroll to the white ice of the glacier. There we will strap on our crampons (Metal and spikes for your shoes). What’s happening next will blow you away. Investigate swirling ice canyons, dramatic holes in the ice, cascading waterfalls, iceberg lakes and blue ice pools with narrow crevasses. You will wonder how the hours could pass so quickly.

Ice Climbing     9:30am to 5:30pm     $125.- per person

Our ice climbing is designed for the enthusiastic beginner, the experienced climber and everyone in between. We provide a locally experienced guide and immerse you in a beautiful and vast natural setting. There are mellow walls to practice skills on and fantastic holes in the ice called moulin to lower into and climb out of. A dramatic experience you will never forget.

The reminder of your afternoon you can create yourself. Rent a bike or relax and get ready for a wonderful dinner and the golden saloon.

 We will spend our second night at Ma Johnson’s Hotel.

After a hearty breakfast we will leave McCarthy at 9:00 am and drive on McCarthy Road through the National Park. Beautiful views will greet you once more on our van-tour to our destination.

Arrival Anchorage at 5:00 pm or Fairbanks at 8:00 pm.

Note: Meals and activities are NOT included in the tour price.