Contact Information
Mile 105.5 Old Richardson Highway
P.O. Box 439
Copper Center, AK 99573
907-822-5234
Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is at the top of more than one list of superlatives. It is the largest U.S. national park, which, when combined with other nearby parks (Kluane National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and Canada's Tatshenshini-Alsek Park) is the biggest part of the largest internationally protected area in the world (24 million acres) and has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States, and some of the largest mountains (by volume) in the world, are located here. The largest concentration of Dall sheep in North America live here. Enough copper and gold were found here early in the 20th century to make it one of the area's richest deposits.The list goes on and on. And so does the land. Everything is vast. There are mountain peaks, glaciers, braided streams, and rivers. Though there is limited flora, a representative sampling of Alaskan land, marine, and airborne wildlife abounds. There is even a good taste of American mining history, preserved in the form of the Kennecott mines, now on the National Register of Historic Places. The prime time of year for visiting Wrangell-St. Elias is from June 20 to August 20, but don't think that there won't be any backcountry hardship. Wrangell-St. Elias is a mountain wilderness unlike any other. It is almost entirely roadless, there are no maintained trails in the park, and access is only by unpaved road, boat, or plane. Backcountry adventurers run the risks of hypothermia, bear encounters, dangerous river crossings, abandoned mine hazards, and more. In the event of an emergency, the chances of rescue and/or evacuation are very limited. Proper preparation is essential and all safety precautions - including filling out and registering your backcountry trip itinerary with local authorities - should be taken.
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