Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States, covering an impressive area of 13.2 million acres. This stunning park is situated southeast of Anchorage and northwest of Juneau, encompassing parts of the Wrangell and Chugach mountain ranges.
Steeped in historical significance, the park's name reflects the amalgamation of two major mountain ranges. "Wrangell" refers to Mount Wrangell, one of the park's prominent volcanoes, while "St. Elias" pays tribute to Mount St. Elias, the second highest peak in both the United States and Canada.
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is home to ancient human settlements and significant archaeological sites, where remnants of the Athabascan culture can still be found. The park also features historical mining sites from the Klondike gold rush era, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's intriguing past.
Visitors to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park are spoiled for choice with a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts can explore numerous trails, marveling at the breathtaking beauty of the park's rugged mountain peaks, sprawling glaciers, and vast tundra landscapes. The park's diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and Dall sheep, provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
For adventure seekers, Wrangell–St. Elias National Park offers thrilling experiences such as mountaineering, river rafting, and backcountry skiing. The park's scenic rivers, like the Copper River and the Chitina River, are ideal for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Nearby attractions including the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark are also worth exploring. The Kennecott Mines, once among North America's richest copper mines, now offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's mining history with well-preserved buildings and informative exhibits.
In summary, Wrangell–St. Elias National Park in Alaska is a vast expanse of natural wonders and historical significance. Offering a multitude of outdoor activities and nearby attractions, it is a destination that truly showcases the majestic beauty and cultural heritage of this remote region.
Located in the southeastern region of Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park sprawls across the immense expanse of the Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges, earning the title of America's largest national park. This majestic park encompasses a staggering 13.2 million acres of untouched wilderness, symbolizing the untamed beauty that encapsulates the last frontier. Nestled between the Gulf of Alaska to the south and the expansive Canadian wilderness to the east, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike, offering awe-inspiring landscapes, towering glaciers, teeming rivers, and unrivaled opportunities for exploration and discovery in this remote and rugged corner of the world.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & PreserveMile 106.8 Richardson HighwayCopper Center, AK 99573Driving DirectionsPhone: 9078225234Web: Link
The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park for pleasant weather and outdoor activities is from June to August. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 66°F to 69°F, while the average minimum temperature ranges from 41°F to 47°F. The average monthly precipitation is highest in July at 3.2 inches, followed by June at 2.5 inches and August at 2.1 inches. These months offer the warmest temperatures and relatively lower precipitation, providing ideal conditions for exploring and enjoying the park's outdoor activities.
Some of the activities you can do in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Canyoneering Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Backcountry Hiking Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Snowmobiling Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Snowshoeing Self-Guided Tours - Auto Mountain Biking Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing ATV Off-Roading Auto Off-Roading Mountain Climbing Saltwater Fishing Flying Fixed Wing Flying Gathering and Foraging
Learn about these topics at Wrangell–St. Elias National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Arts Industry Native American Heritage Cats (wild) Fish Fire Fossils and Paleontology Trails Wilderness Explorers and Expeditions Mining Wolves Arctic Tundra Aurora Borealis Watersheds Photography Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Lakes Mountains Bison Coniferous Forests Volcanoes Aviation Coasts, Islands and Atolls Dinosaur Mineral Deposits
Yakutat is located in the southern portion of the park along the coastline in Yakutat Bay at the base of the St. Elias Mountains. Accessible only by plane or boat, this area encompasses the park's coastal region, with 155 miles of little-known coastline, where giant mountains, enormous glaciers, and temperate rainforest meet the ocean. For information, please call Park Headquarters in Copper Center at (907) 822-5234.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Yakutat.
Located on the Nabesna Road, this free camping area is the only National Park Service campground in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It has 10 designated campsites, each with a picnic table and a fire ring. There are two vault toilets. Each site can accommodate a small to medium RV or other vehicles. It is free and open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, but is not plowed during the winter so campsites may not be accessible. Reservations are not taken and are not required.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 10
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-05-04 | Subsistence Fishing Permits Available for Upper Copper River Residents Federal subsistence fishing in the Upper Copper River District will open on May 15. This fishing permit allows eligible rural residents to fish for salmon and other fish to feed themselves and their families under federal subsistence regulations. It is not a sport fishing permit or commercial fishing permit. More |
| 2026-04-24 | Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Announces 2026 Summer Visitor Center Hours National Park Service officials at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve have announced visitor center operating hours for the summer 2026 season. More |
| 2026-04-20 | Wrangell-St. Elias Hosts Middle School Students for “Chosen Frozen” Event Copper River School District Students, National Park Service staff, and partners at Copper Center. Image Credit: NPS More |
| 2026-03-31 | National Park Service Plans Spring Pile Burning Operations The National Park Service will initiate small, prescribed fires (burning piles of cut material), beginning on Saturday, April 4 for about a week at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve as weather and site conditions allow. More |
| 2026-03-16 | Limited Commercial Use Authorization Opportunity Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is accepting Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) applications to provide event services for the Kennecott Recreation Hall in the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. More |
| 2026-02-02 | Wrangell-St. Elias Subsistence Resource Commission Announces February 27-28 Meeting in Copper Center The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 in Copper Center at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Visitor Center. Commissioners will consider a range of issues related to subsistence, including proposals related to federal subsistence fishing regulations. More |