Wrangell Mountain Air
Flying Wrangell-St. Elias National Park since 1992
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Base Camping Destinations

 

Camping & Hiking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Travel deep into the heart of Alaska

Alaska Tebay Lakes Vista Backcountry Hiking Camping
 
 

Allow us to fly you and your friends deep into the heart of Wrangell St.-Elias National Park. The following destinations are fun spots with easy access to nearby places to explore day-hike style. Scroll to the second set of locations for options that include public-use cabins.

Wrangell Mountain Air provides transportation only and that the following descriptions are intended to help visitors choose which sites are most appealing. We recommend visitors hire a local guide service to ensure the best experience possible. Click here for links to great local guiding services. Click on each selection below for descriptions of the routes. Additionally, the National Park Service can be an excellent resource for folks planning their backcountry adventure and may be emailed directly.

 
 

Basecamp Sites

 
Chitistone pass and tent backcountry dropoff
 
Allie's Valley
The flight across the rugged Chugach mountains take you to this beautiful remote valley. Surrounded by hanging glaciers at the end of a long alpine valley, you will feel like the only persons on Earth. From here you can explore your valley, or cross a pass and check out the headwaters of another valley. The options are virtually endless.
USGS maps: Bering Glacier D6
Super cub strip.

Doubtful Creek
Located near the lake at the Nizina Glacier terminus, this location offers a variety of hiking terrain and expansive views dominated by nearby Nizina and Chimney Mountains. Follow the river bank upstream, along the glacier margin where blue ice is exposed by calving, seek out waterfall fed rock pools off of Moonshine Creek or ascend Doubtful Creek into the higher country.
USGS maps: McCarthy C4

Fan Glacier
Located to the south of McCarthy about 50 miles, the Fan Glacier area offers great base camping and day hiking. Surrounded by high peaks, with glaciers in every direction the views are stunning. Although there is some low brush on the lower slopes the ridge to the north is accessible from the landing area. Hiking above the lower brush band is in alpine tundra and amongst small ponds that stud the ridge like aqua blue jewels. From here you will be able to see 100 miles on a clear day. Just off of the airstrip are some beautiful small lakes which make a wonderful camping spot. There are long and beautiful sand bars to stroll if a hike up the mountain is not your thing.
USGS maps: Bering Glacier D1, D7, and D8.

The Fosse
Tucked neatly between the Kennicott Glacier’s lateral moraine and the base of the adjacent mountain, this landing strip offers a variety of amazing glacier views and exploring options. Hike along the flat fosse terrain, climb the green alpine slopes above or walk along the Kennicott Glacier.
USGS maps: C6

Horsfeld
The flight out of McCarthy will take you through beautiful Skolai Pass and down the White River before heading west into the Nutzotin Mountains. You get to see a lot of the park on this flight. There are opportunities for day trips in all directions out of Horsfeld or you could do a loop trip. Lakes and valleys to the north invite exploration or make the crossing of Beaver Creek and explore the hills and mountains to the south. The variety of terrain ensures that there is something interesting and challenging for hikers of all abilities. This part of the park is seldom visited.
USGS maps: McCarthy D1, D2 and Nabesna A1, A2

Iceberg Lake
Near wide views of massive Bagley Icefield, this landing strip offers a variety of hiking terrain. Enjoy easy hiking along the lake; access the nearby white ice of Tana Glacier or climb steep slopes to higher elevations. Glaciers spilling from hanging valleys, the roaring creek and calving ice all accompany the stunning solitude.
USGS maps: Bering Glacier C6, D6

Nikolai Pass
In the alpine country of Nikolai Pass, look to Mt. Blackburn (16,390’) in one direction, the snowy University Range (16,421’) in the other, and the glacial waters of Nizina River 2400’ below. Hike along rolling slopes toward the base of Sourdough peak, or explore nearby remains of old Nikolai Mine. Great photo opportunities.
USGS maps: McCarthy B5
Super cub strip.

Nizina Glacier
Land at the end of glacier lake filled with icebergs from nearby Nizina Glacier. The views from the lakeshore are outstanding and there is a public use cabin tucked into the wood about a half a mile from the airstrip. This area offers casual hikes along the lakeshore and gravel bars along the Nizina River as well as routes up Nizina Mountain to alpine areas above treeline. This spot has it all; glaciers, rivers, mountains and a snug cabin in a pretty setting.
USGS maps: McCarthy C4, C5

Ross Green Lake / Granite Creek
Located at the base of jagged Thompson Ridge, innumerable surrounding peaks compose an exciting alpine landscape. From the landing area on a sand bar near Ross Green Lake, explore along Granite Creek or climb to higher elevations. See long open views of Tana Glacer to the west, stretching from the giant Bagley Icefield, which lies just 5 air miles away to the south.
USGS maps: Bering Glacier C5, D4, and D5

Skolai Pass
From the landing strip at 4500’, behold Russell Glacier spilling rocky ice into the gravely expanse of the White River bar. Exploring the alpine terrain, views of Hole in the Wall Glacier, icy University Range (16,421’) and grazing caribou call you in all directions.
USGS maps: McCarthy C3

Steamboat Hills
This is a delightful area for base camping, especially for families. You will be surrounded by a magical, almost pastoral landscape of rolling hills sprinkled with tiny lakes that sparkle like freshly cut emeralds nestled among velvety green pillows. At the periphery of the central hill country is a ragged ridge line of rugged crags and peaks that form a dramatic backdrop to the gentler terrain of our route. One of the highlights of this area is the opportunity for viewing the many Dall sheep that inhabit the area. The wide open terrain makes them easy to spot from afar. But bring your telephoto lens if you want to get up close and personal with these elusive animals.
No minimum passengers. Super cub strip.
USGS maps: McCarthy A7, A8, B7, B8

Tebay Lakes
Land in open meadows at the end of a lake-filled valley. Encompassed by hanging glaciers and jagged mountains, enjoy rainbow trout fishing in the blue alpine waters. You can day hike two miles to a large waterfall or pick your way up the rocky, green slopes to higher elevations.
USGS maps: Valdez A1, A2

Wolverine Mountain
Located on an alpine bench above Chitistone Canyon, this 5000’ home for Dall sheep and mountain goats, is an excellent spot for day hiking and backpacking. View the snowy ampitheater of the University Range from nearby higher terrain.
USGS maps: McCarthy C4

Wrangell Plateau
Take a hike along the lower slopes of Mt. Wrangell. The broad, trundle plateau gives you unobstructed views and easy access to the icy Western side of this 13,887’ peak. On a clear, windless day you may catch a glimpse of the steam plume rising lazily from this active volcano. Hiking is easy to moderate on alpine tundra, and good camping spots can be had near small lakes and numerous clear streams. For the alert backcountry traveler, this location offers good opportunities to see caribou, dall sheep, wolves and bears.
USGS maps: Valdez D1

 

Basecamps with Public Cabins

Basecamping Dropoff Backcountry
 
Bremner Mine
Located in a narrow valley at 3000”, the Bremner mine is a collection of 1920’s and 30’s, era buildings and artifacts from a small scale, hard rock gold mine. Surrounding mountains offer intriguing routes for day hiking or backpacking in a loop. Take a gold pan along for some recreational gold mining. A public use cabin is available on a first-come first-serve basis.
USGS maps: McCarthy A7

Chisana
Gold was discovered in the hills and this log cabin town sprang up nearly overnight. The year was 1913 yet today this town still exists and offers the rare experience of a frontier town in a rugged mountain setting. From Chisana you can day hike or hike a loop through the hills where gold was discovered, or head off across the tundra to another airstrip for a later pickup. In Chisana you can stay at a log cabin the National Park Service renovated or at a local B&B. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and clean mountain air at this fly in only, remote Alaskan town.
USGS maps: Nabesna A3

Glacier Creek
Enjoy the flight in to the mouth of the Chitistone Canyon and land at the Glacier Creek airstrip. Surrounded by jagged peaks, glaciers and rivers, take advantage of the National Park Service public use cabin or camp on the dryas bars of the Chitistone River. From the airstrip you can hike the Chitistone canyon, climb to alpine meadows or access the Twaharpie Glacier. The awesome scenery of this secluded place will astound you.
USGS maps: McCarthy B4

Hubert's Landing
Land near the toe of the Chitina Glacier, which feeds the region’s largest river. Here the river bar of the braided waters is three miles wide, and is home to moose, wolves, coyotes and even bison. Climbing moderate slopes behind the strip on a clear day allows views of Mt. Logan (19,850’), the second highest peak in North America. Take the route along the Chitina Galcier to Ram glacier for an enjoyable excursion to a secluded campsite with exquisite views. There is a public-use cabin available near the strip on a first come, first serve basis.
USGS maps: McCarthy A2

May Creek
The quaint May Creek Cabin is situated less than 12 miles south of McCarthy, between the May and Chititu Creeks. No reservation is required, lodging at this 14' x 16' dry cabin is on a first-come-first-serve basis.
USGS maps: McCarthy B5

Peavine Bar
It is a short but very scenic flight to Peavine Bar near the mouth of the Chitistone Canyon. The airstrip is tucked along side the river with vertical limestone cliffs of Chitstone Canyon towering 3000 feet above. Just beside the airstrip are two public use cabins. Hiking is limited here by the Chitistone River but views are great and there is ample room to wander on short hikes from the cabin. Watch for Dahl Sheep on the cliffs above and Black and Grizzly Bears on the gravel bars along the river. A great place to spend a couple of days.
USGS maps: McCarthy B4, B5

2024 SEASON BACKCOUNTRY DROP-OFF / PICKUP PRICING

To calculate total cost, add the price of the drop-off location with that of the pick-up spot. Be sure to consider your passenger numbers and the weight of gear to determine which aircraft is appropriate.

** conditions may require cub

WEIGHT/FREIGHT CAPACITY

Cessna 185: 850lbs
Beaver: 1100lbs
Cub: 260lbs

Weather conditions may decrease load carrying capacity and require an additional airplane.

Reservations

Full payment is required for each reservation. You will receive a confirmation letter via e-mail after your payment has been received. Reservations made through our online portal will receive a payment request which must be met within 3 days to maintain confirmed status. 

Cancellation Policy

All flights cancelled by Wrangell Mountain Air due to weather will receive a full refund. Cancellations received up until 24 hours prior to a flight result in a 10% cancellation fee of total flight cost. No refunds will be issued for a cancellation made within 24 hours of the flight.

Fuel Surcharge

Due to the fluctuating cost of fuel recently, all flights may be subject to a fuel surcharge.