Wrangell - St. Elias National Park

Maps: Nabesna 1:250 Nabesna 1:63 A5, A6, B4, B5

Access: Mile 44, Nabesna Road Flight to Jaeger Mesa

Route: It is a short flight from Devils Mountain Lodge to the landing area on Jaeger Mesa at 6500', approximately 3 miles south of Gold Hill. Hike south along the crest of the mesa, aiming for P6628', located at the southern end of the mesa. The view from the mesa is spectacular. Mt. Sanford, Mt. Wrangell, Mt. Jarvis, Mt. Blackburn, Mt. Gordon, and the Nutzotin Mountains are all visible. The hiking varies from solid shale to spongy tundra. Descend from the mesa around the east side of P6628'. Clear water and camping are available near the lake south of P6628' at 5135'.

Mt. Gordon lies to the south. It can be climbed via its southern slopes to avoid the glaciers and is mostly a rock scramble.

From the lake, hike west along the creek drainage for 2 to 3 miles before going southwest into the upper Mesa Creek drainage. From Mesa Lake, shown as 4720' on a topo map, several pleasant day trips are easily accessible. Alternately, follow a game trail at the south end of the lake and descend into the Jacksina Creek drainage. Jacksina Creek is a swift, powerful stream and if the decision is made to cross it, extreme caution should be used.

It is possible to hike along the south side of the glacier and cross the glacier on the lower rocky moraine. Once across the glacier, a short hike downstream brings you to the creek bed, which can provide access to the mesa north of the Jacksina Glacier. It is roughly a 1,000-foot climb to the top of the mesa.

Descend from the mesa off P5695', which is south of Tumble Creek and at the northeast end of the mesa. Tumble Creek is swift and must be crossed early in the morning.

Once across Tumble Creek several options are available. Grizzly and Sheep Lakes are both excellent fishing spots and both lakes could be spots for a float plane pickup.

You could continue hiking to Tanada Lake, either to camp and fish, or use Tanada Lake as a float plane pickup as well. The area around Tanada Lake is very wet. Hiking is very difficult due to deep mud bogs and tussocks.

If you want to hike to the Nabesna Road, two possibilities exist. Follow the ATV trail along the lake and intersect the Nabesna Road at Mile 24.3. Alternately, cross the mesa east of Tanada Lake. Descend the creek drainage that flows into Jack Creek along the road directly across from Boyden Creek. From the Jack Creek bridge it is a 5.5-mile walk along the road to Devil's Mountain Lodge.