Wrangell - St. Elias National Park

Maps: Gulkana A-1 1:63,360

Access: Light aircraft from Gulkana to Chelle Lake strip (NPS). Approximately 20 minutes flying time.

Highlights: Being so close to Mt. Drum offers spectacular views of the mountain and its descending glaciers, as well as being low alpine tundra terrain. This not only offers good, comfortable footing, but also spectacular colors during the fall season.

Hazards: Due to its proximity to Mt. Drum, and its relative unprotected exposure from wind, this terrain experiences very high winds, which may occur with little notice. Strong down drafts from the mountain are to be taken seriously when choosing a campsite. During hot days it is likely that, close to the mountain, large cumulonimbus clouds will dissipate in the form of strong rain or hale.

Description: The land section on which Chelle Lake is located is primarily owned by Ahtna Corp.; however, the lake, 40 acres of land surrounding the immediate vicinity of the lake, and all the cabins, are National Park Service property. An easement runs northeast/southwest from the section corner, marked "17b." Please do not disturb historic sites or objects encountered. Please note that it may be difficult to distinguish the above mentioned easement. The best reference point is the creek to the southwest of the airstrip, between the two sections.

Although topographical maps indicate one lake, dry land exists between what are presently two lakes. In the vicinity of the lakes ground moisture makes for spongy, wet hiking, however at higher elevations, (approximately 4,500 feet) the ground becomes hard, with low alpine tundra. Hiking is easy and the small peaks surrounding Mt. Drum may easily be reached during a day hike. Glacier crossings in this area shouldbe undertaken with great care as crevassed ice exists at the higher elevations.