Explore Wrangell-St. Elias by air, foot and boat
Backpacking, Camping and Rafting Trips in Alaska
Photo by local photographer and adventurer Luke McKinney.
Get Out There. Way Out There!
Why not shake off the city grime and spend some time in the wilderness? Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is part of the world’s largest preserved wilderness. Once visitors leave the immediate area of McCarthy and Kennecott, they often see no one else. We will fly you to one of our favorite spots in the park where you can pitch your tent for basecamping adventures, backpack on to Point B, where our experienced backcountry pilot will pick you up, or boat down one of the park’s serpentine rivers. Whatever you choose, we are here to make it happen.
Backpacking Trips
A backpacking trip in Wrangell-St. Elias will provide a treasure trove of memories for years to come. This is the best way to experience the incredible variety of terrain that Wrangell-St. Elias has to offer. Whether you are interested in an easy three-day hiking trip to enjoy the beauty of Alaska, or a rugged and challenging 12+ day expedition, we have flights to get you on the route to fit your requirements. We do not provide guiding services, but there are numerous sources of information online and in our valley that can help you get the details you need to plan your trip. Email us with any backpacking drop-off inquiries.
Guided Backpacking
Some of these trips may include glacier crossing or other terrain that you might feel more comfortable doing with an experienced guide. Kennicott Wilderness Guides, St. Elias Alpine Guides, Expeditions Alaska, Chugach Mountain Institute, Indigo Alpine Guides, and Trek Alaska offer guided trips on these routes. If you are interested in a route that involves glacier and/or river crossings, but prefer an unguided trip, why not sign up for a one-day seminar offered by St. Elias Alpine Guides or Trek Alaska? Let a professional guide give you the experience and confidence you need to safely travel on your own in the Alaskan wilderness.
Basecamping
Many fly-in destinations in Wrangell-St. Elias provide opportunities for day-hiking from the comfort of a fixed camp or exploring the country hiking in a loop and returning to the same airstrip. Because of the limited amount of developed trails and routes in this wilderness park, base camping is an excellent way to enjoy the backcountry. We do not provide guiding services, but there are numerous sources of information online and in our valley that can help you get the details you need to plan your trip. Email us with any basecamping drop-off inquiries.
Guided Basecamp
If you would like to have a knowledgeable guide along, Kennicott Wilderness Guides, St. Elias Alpine Guides, Expeditions Alaska, Chugach Mountain Institute, Indigo Alpine Guides, and Trek Alaska offer guided base camping and day hiking trips in these areas.
Please be aware that base campers will have a much larger impact on an area than continually moving hikers. Please know and follow the NPS guidelines for minimum impact hiking and camping.
River Trips
Floating the waterways of the Wrangell-St. Elias is an excellent way to enjoy the vast beauty of the region. Running rivers, one is able to access country which can be otherwise impenetrable. Traveling silently, boaters often see more wildlife than hikers. The rivers are glacial in source, fast, frigid, and require extra skill and caution. Prices for trips are dependent on the number of people, boats, and gear. Please email with weights of all passengers and the estimated weight of the raft and gear and we’ll estimate the cost of your trip.
Considering packrafting in the Wrangells? McCarthy, Alaska is the “Packrafting Capital of the World!”
Guided River Trips
Trips have the option of a take-out at the confluence of the Nizina and Chitina rivers, Chitina and Copper rivers near the town of Chitina, or continuing down the Copper to a take-out near Cordova. We can put you in touch with a shuttle from the take-out to the airport in Cordova. If you prefer another take-out point email for more information. We do not provide guiding services, but if you are looking for a guided raft trip contact St. Elias Alpine Guides or McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters.
2025 Season Backcountry Drop-Off / Pickup Pricing
Calculating Total Cost
To figure the final 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. Typically the weight/freight capacities are 850 pounds for the Cessna 185, 1100 pounds for the Beaver, and 260 pounds for the cub. Note that weather conditions may decrease load carrying capacity and require an additional airplane.
** conditions may require cub
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.
All flights include ground transportation from the McCarthy airstrip to and from your accommodation in Kennicott or McCarthy, or to and from the footbridge if your accommodation is located on the westside of the Kennicott River. Wrangell Mountain Air does not provide scheduled transportation to and from Kennicott.
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.