Traveling to McCarthy, Alaska and Wrangell St. Elias National Park? We are your local Alaska experts!
Planning your Alaska adventure to Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve can be a daunting task. Here at McCarthy River Tours, we are committed to making your planning as painless as possible. From help with travel logistics 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 907-302-0688 with any questions you may have.
We teamed up with our Partners at Alaska.org and Channel Films to make this informative video about traveling by road to McCarthy. To us, it highlights the journey being just as great as the destination!
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 years of first hand testing in the field.
Shuttles
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.
- Soaring Eagle Transit offers shuttle service between Anchorage, Glennallen & Valdez on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
- Interior Alaska Bus Line offers shuttle service between Anchorage & Glennallen on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
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.
- Copper Valley Air Offers flights from Gulkana.
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 is the home base of our operations. It is where we meet for Pre-Trip Multi Day Meetings and where our Ice Cream shack and Day Guiding Office are all located here. Drive directly to your room, just a short walk to the Footbridge and shuttle service to McCarthy and Kennicott. Booking a room in the lodge makes your adventure in McCarthy easy! Private Cabins, a Yurt with a view and a Lodge Suite with private deck that boasts the best view in the Kennicott Valley!
Riverside Campground
We offer onsite, affordable & private camping at our daily Take-Out for our guests. Our campsites are nestled on a side channel of the Kennicott River, just about 4 miles from the footbridge. Feel free to call us for more information.
Other Lodging Options
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.
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