William and Hui Cha Stanek have meticulously crafted these national park guides, each showcasing the most stunning landscapes across the USA. But beyond the breathtaking scenery, these guides delve into the stories, experiences, and connections that make each park visit truly memorable.

National Parks Index | US Itineraries Index | American Roadtrips Index

Local Attractions and Surrounding Areas

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is surrounded by numerous attractions that enhance the visitor experience. Here are some must-see local attractions:

1. Kennicott and McCarthy: Historic mining towns located in the heart of the park. Kennicott offers guided tours of the abandoned copper mill, while McCarthy provides a charming base for exploring the area.
2. Root Glacier: Accessible from Kennicott, this glacier offers opportunities for guided glacier hikes and ice climbing.
3. Wrangell Mountain Air: Provides flightseeing tours, offering breathtaking aerial views of the park's glaciers and mountains.
4. Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center: Located near Copper Center, this visitor center provides exhibits, park information, and stunning views of the Wrangell Mountains.
5. Nabesna Road: Offers access to the northern part of the park, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic sites.
6. Yakutat: A coastal community offering access to the park's remote western regions, known for its fishing, surfing, and glacier tours.

Nearby Towns and Cities

Visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park can find additional amenities and activities in nearby towns and cities:

1. Copper Center, Alaska: The closest town to the park's main visitor center, offering accommodations, dining options, and attractions such as the Copper Center Museum.
2. Glennallen, Alaska: Located at the junction of the Glenn and Richardson Highways, Glennallen offers accommodations, dining, and services for travelers.
3. Valdez, Alaska: A coastal town offering extensive amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions such as the Valdez Museum and the Columbia Glacier.
4. Anchorage, Alaska: About 250 miles west of the park, Anchorage offers a wide range of amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum.
5. Fairbanks, Alaska: Located about 300 miles north of the park, Fairbanks offers extensive amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shopping, and attractions such as the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Fairbanks Ice Museum.

Scenic Drives

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers several scenic drives that provide beautiful views of the park's landscapes. These drives are perfect for capturing the essence of the park through photography.

1. McCarthy Road:

   • Details: This 60-mile gravel road runs from Chitina to the historic town of McCarthy, offering stunning views of the Chitina River, mountain ranges, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
   • Key Stops: Highlights include the Kuskulana River Bridge, Gilahina Trestle, and views of the Wrangell Mountains.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek suggests stopping at the various pull-offs to capture the panoramic views of the mountains and river. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography.

2. Nabesna Road:

   • Details: This 42-mile gravel road offers access to the park's northern regions, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic sites.
   • Key Stops: Highlights include the Nabesna Gold Mine, Jack Creek, and views of the Wrangell Mountains.
   • Photography Tips: Hui Cha Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views of the mountains and a telephoto lens for wildlife. The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

3. Richardson Highway (Glennallen to Valdez):

   • Details: This scenic highway runs south from Glennallen to Valdez, offering stunning views of the Chugach Mountains, Worthington Glacier, and Thompson Pass.
   • Key Stops: Highlights include the Worthington Glacier, Thompson Pass, and the Keystone Canyon waterfalls.
   • Photography Tips: The Staneks suggest using a wide-angle lens to capture the dramatic landscapes and a polarizing filter to enhance colors. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

4. Glenn Highway (Anchorage to Glennallen):

   • Details: This scenic highway runs east from Anchorage to Glennallen, offering beautiful views of the Matanuska Valley, Matanuska Glacier, and the Chugach Mountains.
   • Key Stops: Highlights include the Matanuska Glacier, Sheep Mountain, and views of the Wrangell Mountains from the Glenn Highway.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive mountain views and a polarizing filter to enhance colors. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

Other Scenic Drives:

• Edgerton Highway: This 33-mile scenic drive takes visitors from the town of Chitina to the Richardson Highway, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and rivers. The road provides access to several recreational areas and viewpoints. Key stops along the drive include the Copper River, the Liberty Falls, and the views of the Wrangell Mountains. Hui Cha highlights this drive for its serene beauty and the chance to explore the park's diverse landscapes.

Reservations and Timed Entry Information

Best Hikes

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. Each trail provides unique opportunities for exploration and photography. Here are some of the best hikes in the park for prepared hikers:

1. Root Glacier Trail:

   • Details: This 4-mile round-trip trail offers a moderately easy hike from Kennicott to the Root Glacier, with options for guided glacier hikes.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of the Root Glacier, the surrounding mountains, and the historic mining structures in Kennicott.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens to capture the glacier and mountain views and a macro lens for close-ups of the ice formations. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

2. Bonanza Mine Trail:

   • Details: This 9-mile round-trip trail offers a challenging hike from Kennicott to the Bonanza Mine, with steep climbs and stunning views.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include the views of the Kennicott Glacier, the historic Bonanza Mine, and the surrounding mountains.
   • Photography Tips: Hui Cha Stanek suggests using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views from the mine and a telephoto lens for distant landscapes. The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

3. McCarthy-Kennicott Road:

   • Details: This 5-mile one-way trail follows the old road between McCarthy and Kennicott, offering a moderately easy hike with historical and scenic interest.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include the views of the Kennicott River, the historic railroad structures, and the surrounding mountains.
   • Photography Tips: The Staneks recommend using a wide-angle lens for capturing the historic structures and landscape views and a macro lens for details of the flora along the trail. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

4. Caribou Creek Trail:

   • Details: This 7-mile round-trip trail offers a moderately strenuous hike through forested terrain to a high viewpoint overlooking the valley.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of Caribou Creek, the Chitina Valley, and the surrounding mountains.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek suggests using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views of the valley and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

5. Skolai Pass Trail:

   • Details: This 7-mile one-way trail offers a challenging hike through remote wilderness, leading to Skolai Pass with stunning views of glaciers and mountains.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of the Skolai Valley, the surrounding glaciers, and the Wrangell Mountains.
   • Photography Tips: Hui Cha Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens for capturing the expansive mountain views and a polarizing filter to enhance colors. The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

6. Tebay Lakes Trail:

   • Details: This 8-mile one-way trail offers a strenuous hike to the remote Tebay Lakes, with opportunities for fishing and backcountry camping.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of the Tebay Lakes, the surrounding mountains, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
   • Photography Tips: The Staneks suggest using a wide-angle lens to capture the views of the lakes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

7. Nabesna Road Trails:

   • Details: There are several trails accessible from Nabesna Road, including the Skookum Volcano Trail and the Rambler Mine Trail, offering diverse hiking opportunities.
   • Key Viewpoints: Highlights include views of the Nabesna Glacier, historic mine sites, and the surrounding wilderness.
   • Photography Tips: William Stanek recommends using a wide-angle lens for capturing the diverse landscapes and a macro lens for details of the historic sites. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography.

Other Hikes:

• Erie Mine Trail: This 8-mile round trip hike is moderately difficult and takes hikers to the historic Erie Mine, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and old mining structures. The trail features steep climbs, rugged terrain, and stunning vistas. Key points of interest along the trail include the Erie Mine, the Root Glacier, and the views of the Wrangell Mountains. William highlights this hike for its historical significance and the opportunity to explore the park's rich mining heritage.

• Stairway Icefall Trail: This challenging 12-mile round trip hike takes hikers to the stunning Stairway Icefall, offering breathtaking views of the icefall, the surrounding peaks, and the lush meadows. The trail features steep climbs, rugged terrain, and beautiful vistas. Key points of interest along the trail include the Jumbo Creek, the Stairway Icefall, and the views of the Root Glacier. Hui Cha recommends this hike for experienced hikers looking for a challenging adventure and stunning views.

• Skolai Pass Trail: This 14-mile round trip hike is moderately difficult and takes hikers to the scenic Skolai Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys. The trail features diverse vegetation, lush meadows, and stunning vistas. Key points of interest along the trail include the Skolai Pass, the Russell Glacier, and the views of the Wrangell Mountains. William suggests this hike for its scenic beauty and the opportunity to explore the park's diverse landscapes.

• Donaho Lakes Trail: This 6-mile round trip hike is moderately easy and takes hikers to the picturesque Donaho Lakes, offering beautiful views of the lakes, the surrounding forest, and the mountains. The trail features diverse vegetation, lush meadows, and stunning vistas. Key points of interest along the trail include the Donaho Lakes and the views of the Wrangell Mountains. William recommends this hike for its serene beauty and the opportunity to see the park's pristine alpine lakes.

In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, most of the backcountry is unmarked, and the few established trails are limited to visitor centers and more accessible areas. Here's what you need to know:

Trail Marking and Navigation

• Marked Trails: There are a few marked and maintained trails, primarily near visitor centers and more accessible areas. Examples include the Root Glacier Trail near Kennecott and the Skookum Volcano Trail off Nabesna Road.
• Backcountry: The vast majority of the park is trail-less wilderness. Hikers must navigate using natural landmarks, maps, compasses, and GPS devices.

Backcountry Hiking: Navigating in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers extensive opportunities for backcountry hiking and exploration. Given the park's remote nature, many areas do not have established trails. Hikers must rely on navigation tools such as maps, compasses, and GPS devices to find and follow their intended routes. Here's how to navigate and explore the park safely:

Pre-Trip Planning

• Research and Maps: Thoroughly research your route before heading out. Obtain detailed topographic maps and GPS coordinates from the National Park Service (NPS) or other reputable sources.
• Weather and Conditions: Check the weather forecast and understand the seasonal conditions. Weather in Alaska can change rapidly, impacting travel and visibility.
• Permits and Regulations: Ensure that all necessary permits are obtained and familiarize yourself with park regulations and safety guidelines.

Navigation Tools

• Map and Compass: Carry a topographic map and a reliable compass. Be proficient in orienteering skills to navigate the vast, trail-less wilderness.
• GPS Device: While a GPS device is helpful, do not rely on it solely. Batteries can die, and signals can be lost, so always have backup navigation methods.
• Satellite Phone or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): Due to the park's remoteness, carrying a satellite phone or PLB for emergency communication is advisable.

Landmarks and Natural Features

• Landmarks: Use natural landmarks such as glaciers, mountains, and rivers to navigate. Notable landmarks include Mount St. Elias, Malaspina Glacier, and the Wrangell Mountains.
• Geographical Features: Pay attention to geographical features and use them for navigation, especially in areas with fewer distinct landmarks.

Safety and Preparation

• Travel in Groups: It is safer to hike in groups. Companions can provide help if something goes wrong.
• First Aid and Survival Gear: Carry a comprehensive first aid kit, survival gear, and enough food and water for the duration of the trip plus extra for emergencies.
• Bear Safety: Wrangell-St. Elias is home to a large population of bears. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and follow all bear safety guidelines provided by the NPS.
• Leave a Trip Plan: Inform someone about your trip plan, including your intended route and expected return time. This is crucial for your safety in case of an emergency.

William and Hui Cha Stanek's extensive body of work at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park showcases their deep appreciation for its vast wilderness, towering mountains, and stunning glaciers. William's technical expertise with photographic equipment and Hui Cha's creative vision result in compelling images that highlight the park's unique features and diverse ecosystems. Their dedication often involves waiting for hours to capture the perfect light and conditions, revealing the park's essence in each shot.

Conservation is a core theme in their photography. Through their stunning visual storytelling, they aim to foster a greater awareness of the need to protect natural landscapes like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Their support for organizations such as the National Park Foundation and the Sierra Club underscores their commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.

Conclusion

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, with its towering mountains, vast glaciers, and diverse wildlife, offers endless opportunities for exploration and photography. The park's local attractions, scenic drives, and hiking trails provide a comprehensive experience for visitors. Through the lens of William and Hui Cha Stanek, the park's natural wonders and significance are vividly captured, inspiring a deeper appreciation and commitment to preserving this unique national treasure. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a casual explorer, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park promises a memorable and enriching adventure.