Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Mountain biking opportunities are limited in Wrangell-St. Elias. Lack of maintained roads and rough, boggy conditions make riding difficult. Both the McCarthy and Nabesna Roads, however, are appropriate for mountain bikes and offer spectacular scenery. Bikers should be prepared for wet, muddy, dusty, uneven, and rocky biking conditions.

These are dry creek beds along the Nabesna Road suitable for mountain biking, including Lost Creek and Trail Creek.

Suggested routes along the McCarthy Road include the Kotsina Road and the Nugget Creek Trail. From McCarthy, one can ride to the ghost town of Kennicott and to the Nizina River.

McCarthy Road

The 60-mile McCarthy road offers Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve visitors a unique opportunity to explore interior Alaska. National and historic wonders await those visitors willing to accept travel and access on Alaskan terms.

Beyond Chitina, the 60-mile gravel road follows the abandoned Copper River and Northwest Railroad bed to the Kennicott River. Drive slowly, as traffic and weather may create ruts and washboard surfaces. In some places, old railroad ties may surface, along with their anchoring spikes, creating unexpected hazards. The road is narrow in places, and slower moving traffic is encouraged to allow passing at road turnouts. Also, be aware that there is private property all along the roadway—please respect the landowners' rights.

Under normal summer conditions, most two-wheel-drive vehicles can make the trip. In wet weather, the road often becomes muddy and slippery. Portions of the road may be subject to washouts after heavy rains. Soft shoulders have led to numerous accidents and vehicle damage. Carry at least one spare tire and an adequate car jack. Allow a minimum of three hours for each leg of the trip.

Most people spend a minimum of two days exploring the McCarthy/Kennicott area. A Park Service kiosk is located one mile before the end of the road (Mile 60). Primitive campsites and parking are available on Park Service land, and there are private campgrounds and parking areas beyond this point. Lodging is available near the end of the road, and in McCarthy or Kennicott—reservations are recommended. Other services available include guided river trips, food and a saloon, shuttle service to Kennicott, flightseeing, and air charters.

The McCarthy Road ends at the Kennicott River. Visitors may park in designated areas, according to posted signs near the footbridge. The land is privately owned, except for the 100-foot state-road right-of-way. There is a fee for parking and camping on the private property at the end of the road.

Pit toilets are provided in the upper parking lot, but water is not available. Visitors are encouraged to remove their own trash. Access is by crossing two footbridges over the Kennicott River. Motorized vehicles are not permitted to cross the footbridges. They are for bicycle and foot access only.

Mileposts

The following highlights are points of interest as indicated on road mileposts. The mileage begins at the east end of the Copper River Bridge and concludes at the Kennicott River.

Mile 0.1: The Alaska Department of Transportation maintains an eight-site, free campground with picnic tables, grills, and pit toilets. High winds and blowing dust are prevalent in the area throughout the summer.

Mile 3.9: A pullout with a view of the Chugach Mountains and the Chitina River is located on the right side of the road.

Mile 8.9: A small pullout on the left side of the road provides access to a hiking trail to Strelna Lake, half a mile away. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks this lake with rainbow trout and silver salmon. Private property adjoins the trail, and users are asked to respect the rights of the owners.

Mile 9.3: The road on the right leads to the Silver Lake Campground. This commercial campground provides camping and limited services including tire repair. Silver Lake is stocked with rainbow trout by the state of Alaska.

Mile 10.9: Sculpin Lake (also known as Nelson Lake); rainbow trout.

Mile 13.5: The access road on the left heads north for 2.5 miles to backcountry trailheads for the Dixie Pass Trail, Kotsina Trail, and Nugget Creek Trail. NOTE: The access road crosses private property homesteads. Please respect the rights of the landowners by staying on the road.

Mile 14: Here the road crosses Strelna Creek. It is possible to fish for grayling during their seasonal migrations.

Mile 17: The Kuskulana Bridge, 525 feet long, spans the Kuskulana River, 238 feet below. The historic railroad bridge was completed in 1910 and upgraded in 1988.

Mile 22.5: This marks the boundary between the national park and the preserve. Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve allows both sport hunting and trapping. Valid Alaska state licenses are required.

Mile 28: The road passes over the Gilahina River. The railroad trestle on the left stands as a remnant of the Copper River and Northwestern Railroad, abandoned in 1938, when copper mining ended in the Kennecott area. Please be aware that bear frequent this area.

Mile 44: Lakina River. Please be aware that bear frequent this area.

Mile 55: Willow Herb Mountain Depot—gift shop, U.S.G.S. maps, and tire repair.

Mile 59: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Kiosk, on the left-hand side of the road. Pamphlets and general information available. Public toilets and primitive campsites are available. As bear frequent the area, please use the bear containers for your food storage.

Mile 60: The road ends at the Kennicott River where privately owned campgrounds and parking lots are located. It is a half-mile walk to McCarthy from the footbridge and four miles to Kennicott.

Nabesna Road

The 42-mile gravel road from Slana to Nabesna traverses the headwaters country of the Copper and Tanana drainages.

The Nabesna Road takes you back to a time where settlements are far apart and the land beckons to be discovered. The road, built in 1934, was originally used to haul gold from the Nabesna Mine. The gold mine is still privately owned.

Begin your journey on this motor trail by stopping at the Slana Ranger Station, Mile .5, to check current road conditions and to pick up a Nabesna Road Guide brochure. Generally the road is passable by most two-wheel-drive vehicles. Occasionally, higher clearance is advised beyond Mile 29, due to stream crossings. The maintained portion of the road ends at a private hunting lodge at Mile 42.

The road offers access to lowland tundra, habitat for moose, caribou, wolves, and bear. The clear creeks and lakes are teaming with waterfowl and fish. The abrupt highlands of the Mentasta and Wrangell Mountains offer opportunities to spot Dall sheep. Activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, flightseeing, and hunting are available.

Backcountry access by off-road vehicles on established trails is allowed with a permit obtained from the Slana Ranger Station. Hikers may venture out on the trails, but need to keep in mind that trails can be very muddy. Better hiking is available on the trails and routes that lead into the Mentasta Mountains north of the road or past Mile 36. Another option for backpackers is to contract a short flight into the high country with an air taxi. Ask for more information at park headquarters or at the Slana Ranger Station. Or contact tour operators in the area.

Visitor services are very limited. Check with the Slana Ranger Station for current lodging available along the road. No gas or vehicle repair service is available. Please respect the private property located in many areas along the road.