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 |
|---|---|
| 2026-08-03 | Access Restored to Root Glacier via New Trail Reroute Visitors can once again safely access Root Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve using a newly established trail reroute. More |
| 2026-07-31 | Alternate Route for Access to Root Glacier The old route to access Root Glacier is no longer safe due to unstable ground. An alternative, new route exists past the Amazon Creek. Seek information at the visitor center or news release webpage. More |
| 2026-07-21 | Closed Area on Root Glacier Access Trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve In order to reduce hazards on a popular hiking route, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has closed an area beneath an unstable hill on the Root Glacier access trail north of Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. More |
| 2026-07-20 | 2026 Federal Subsistence Hunt of Chisana Caribou Herd The 2026 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd was announced by acting Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent Joshua Scott, the designated federal manager for the hunt. Consistent with the cooperative management plan for the herd, the harvest quota is six bull caribou which has been the same since 2023. The hunt will open on August 10 and close on September 30 or when the quota is reached. More |
| 2026-07-20 | Federal Subsistence Hunting Permits Available July 20 for Wrangell-St. Elias Federal subsistence registration permits for hunts in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will be available starting Monday, July 20, at the park’s Visitor Center in Copper Center and at the Slana Ranger Station. Both are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, September 20. More |
| 2026-07-19 | Use Caution at Streams and Rivers During Annual High-Water Event on the Kennicott River On July 18, local observers noted that the level of Hidden Creek Lake had begun to fall. On July 19, rangers observed new, significant releases of water next to the Kennicott Glacier and into the Kennicott River. Residents and visitors should use caution as the river rises and can get updates about its level from the US Geological Survey. These conditions can be dangerous for anyone on the Kennicott River as well as downstream in areas such as the Chitina and Copper Rivers. More |