A recently observed landslide across the Lakina River is creating a debris hazard on a popular packrafting route. The river water is cutting its way through, but is highly dynamic and should be expected to remain that way through the boating season.
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
As a key part of the National Park Service in Alaska, Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve offers a rich combination of natural wonders and cultural history. It is a fantastic destination for families, hikers, and photographers looking to capture the authentic spirit of the region.
About Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve is a national park & preserve located in Alaska. Varies widely depending on location in park and time of year. Visit https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/weather.htm for detailed information.
The administrative building and main park visitor center are located along the Richardson Highway (Hwy 4), which is a paved state highway that runs through Copper Center, AK. The buildings are 8 miles south of the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway intersection near Glennallen, Alaska. This is approximately 200 miles east of Anchorage, AK and 250 miles south of Fairbanks, AK.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Wrangell - St Elias is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Auto and ATV, ATV Off-Roading, Auto Off-Roading, and 38 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Wrangell - St Elias
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Wrangell - St Elias
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Wrangell - St Elias before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Wrangell - St Elias. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Wrangell - St Elias get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Wilderness Survival: As a remote Alaskan unit, visiting Wrangell - St Elias requires complete self-sufficiency. Bring bear deterrents, dress in synthetic layers, and verify survival check-ins before departures.
Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. At 13.2 million acres, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! Within this wild landscape, people continue to live off the land as they have done for centuries. This rugged, beautiful land is filled with opportunities for adventure.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Wrangell - St Elias
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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