Planning your Alaska travel adventure to Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve can be a daunting task. We have a saying here in McCarthy that “the hardest part is getting here, the rest is easy!” That is why at McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters we are committed to making your planning as painless as possible. From helping determine your best travel option to what activities best fit into your schedule and budget, we are here to guide you thru the process. Below we have listed some options for you to consider, we are happy to help you plan your trip itinerary. Call us anytime at 907-554-1077 with any questions you may have.
What to Bring
Check out our Recommended Packing List to help plan the necessities you will need for your Alaska Rafting Expedition. We have perfected our essentials packing list through year of first hand testing in the field.
Shuttles
From Anchorage:
- Wrangell St Elias Tours offers van shuttles daily during the summer months from Anchorage.
- Reeve Air & Copper Valley Air team up to offer a twice weekly flight (Mondays & Thursdays) from Anchorage to McCarthy on the mail plane.
From the Copper Basin:
- The Kennicott Shuttle offers a daily shuttle from Glennallen to McCarthy with stops in Copper Center, Kenny Lake & Chitina along the way.
- Wrangell Mountain Air has a daily flight schedule between Chitina & McCarthy.
Rental Cars
Many rental car companies have restrictions on traveling the McCarthy Road, for an updated list of companies that allow travel please contact us.
Personal Car Storage
We offer free car storage to all Multi Day guided trips, if you are interested in storing your car while on your trip with us let us know.
Places to Stay
Kennicott River Lodge & Hostel
Offer both shared hostel rooms and private cabins and rooms in the main lodge. A full kitchen in the main lodge, a sauna, horseshoe pits, and a fire pit, it is a great place for anyone visiting the Kennicott Valley.
Currant Ridge Cabins
Fully equipped cabins with Kitchen, Bedroom, Bath and View. These cabins are a great choice for families, groups and anyone looking for the comforts of home while on vacation.
Aspen Meadows Bed & Breakfast
Offering cabins and a shower house with a light breakfast in the morning. A great place for people looking for a relaxing setting here in McCarthy.
McCarthy Lodge, Ma Johnson Hotel & Lancaster Backpacker Hotel
A great place to stay in downtown McCarthy. Beautiful restored rooms in Ma Johnson Hotel and dining in the old Lodge building.
Blackburn Cabins
Conveniently located on the wagon road between McCarthy and Kennicott, your home away from home in the Wrangell Mountains!
Kennicott Glacier Lodge
Located in the historic town of Kennicott. Offers great views of the Kennicott and Root Glaciers. Quiet and comfortable setting for a relaxing stay
We offer onsite, affordable & private camping at our daily Take-Out for our guests a few miles outside of town, there are also a few public campgrounds close to the end of the road if you are interested in a more rustic experience! Feel free to call us for more information.
