There are roads that simply get you from point A to point B—and then there’s McCarthy Road in Wrangell-St. Elias. This 60-mile route from Chitina to McCarthy is much more than a way to reach one of Alaska’s most remote communities. It’s a rugged scenic drive to McCarthy filled with mountain views, historic remnants, rivers, and plenty of opportunities for adventure.
We knew we were in for something different when we set our alarms for 4 a.m. and headed toward McCarthy Road. The early start was worth it. As the miles passed, the road pulled us deeper into the immense wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Driving McCarthy Road in Alaska requires some preparation and patience. Much of the route follows an old railroad grade, and the surface can be rough, with gravel, potholes, and sections that demand your full attention. This isn’t the kind of road where you simply settle in and cruise. Spare tires, extra fuel, food, water, and checking current road conditions are all part of the adventure.
But that’s also what makes this McCarthy Road adventure so memorable.
The farther we traveled, the more the landscape seemed to change. Rugged mountains rose around us, rivers cut through the valleys, and remnants of Alaska’s copper-mining past appeared along the way. Every turn offered another reason to stop and take it all in.
For us, the McCarthy Road to Kennecott Mines was about more than reaching our destination. It was about the journey itself—and experiencing one of Alaska’s historic roads firsthand.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here.
Table of Contents
Exploring Wrangell-St. Elias Along McCarthy Road
In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the opportunities for exploration and adventure seem endless. At more than 13 million acres, it is the largest national park in the United States. The sheer scale of the park becomes obvious as you travel deeper into the wilderness.
The park is home to some of the tallest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias, which rises 18,008 feet above sea level. Glaciers, rugged mountains, wild rivers, and vast valleys create an incredible backdrop for a McCarthy Road adventure. Along the way, you can hike, explore glaciers, discover Alaska’s mining history, and experience a landscape that feels wonderfully remote.
McCarthy Road in Wrangell-St. Elias also leads into an area where Alaska’s natural beauty and history come together. The route eventually takes travelers toward McCarthy and the historic Kennecott mining district, giving you the opportunity to experience much more than a scenic drive.
Wrangell-St. Elias also shares its eastern boundary with Canada’s Kluane National Park and Reserve. Together with Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in British Columbia, these protected areas form the Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek UNESCO World Heritage Site.
That international connection makes this already remarkable corner of Alaska even more special—and gives you another reason to slow down and appreciate just how wild this part of the world really is.
Things to Consider Before Driving McCarthy Road in Alaska
Driving McCarthy Road in Alaska takes a little preparation. This isn’t a typical paved highway, and conditions can change quickly.
- Check your rental agreement. Many agencies prohibit driving McCarthy Road. We rented through Turo and received permission beforehand. Always confirm your vehicle is allowed.
- Allow plenty of time. The road is approximately 60 miles from Chitina to McCarthy. Plan for at least three hours, and longer if conditions are rough.
- Don’t want to drive? The Kennicott Shuttle offers transportation between Chitina and McCarthy. We used it on our first trip to Kennicott.
- Carry emergency supplies. Bring a spare tire, jack, snacks, and drinking water. There are limited services along the road.
- Drive slowly and cautiously. Potholes, frost heaves, gravel, blind turns, and narrow bridges can make the road challenging. Take your time and stay alert.
- Check conditions before leaving. Weather and road conditions can change. Check Alaska DOT’s 511 for current conditions, construction, and delays.
- Don’t rely on cell service. Coverage is limited along much of the road. We had Verizon and found excellent reception in McCarthy, but don’t count on having service during the drive.
- Pack for the day. Bring polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and lip balm.
- Fuel up before you go.There are NO gas stations on McCarthy Road. Fill up in Glennallen, Copper Center, Kenny Lake, or Chitina before starting the drive.
Getting to McCarthy Road
There are several ways to reach McCarthy Road in Wrangell-St. Elias, but driving is the most straightforward option for travelers who want the freedom to explore along the way. You can also fly from Anchorage or Fairbanks to the Glennallen or Chitina area, while shuttle and bus services provide alternatives if you don’t want to drive.
If you’re driving from Anchorage, here’s the route we took:
- From Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway (Highway 1) northeast toward Glennallen. The drive offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Alaska’s mountain scenery along the way.
- In Glennallen, turn onto the Richardson Highway (Highway 4) and continue east.
- Follow the Richardson Highway until you reach the junction with the Edgerton Highway (Highway 10).
- Take the Edgerton Highway south toward Chitina, the gateway to McCarthy Road.
Once you reach Chitina, the pavement gives way to the historic McCarthy Road and the real adventure begins.
Striking out on the Edgerton Highway
We left our Airbnb at 4 a.m. so we could reach Kennecott in time for our scheduled mine tour at 9:30 a.m. Traveling in June had one big advantage: the seemingly endless daylight meant we didn’t have to worry about driving in the dark.
Located just off the Edgerton Highway near Chitina at milepost 24, Liberty Falls State Recreational Site was our first stop.
We headed up the 1-mile Liberty Falls Trail, armed with bear spray. It was a cool, quiet morning, and we didn’t see another person on the trail.
One thing to know before you head out: the Liberty Falls Trail does not take you directly to the 200-foot waterfall. We accessed the falls from the campground area closer to the highway. The trail we hiked instead climbs toward a summit, following the ridgeline above the lake.
The only sounds were the wind and water rushing through the trees as we steadily made our way uphill. At the top, we were rewarded with sweeping views of the Wrangell Mountains, Copper River, and the lake below. It was a beautiful introduction to the wild scenery we’d encounter during our McCarthy Road adventure.
We didn’t venture down to the lake, though. The mosquitoes were absolutely voracious, and sometimes you have to know when to call it!
Exploring Historic Chitina
From Liberty Falls, we continued toward Chitina, the jumping-off point for McCarthy Road in Wrangell-St. Elias.
Chitina, whose Ahtna Athabascan name is Tsedi Na’, was once a thriving mining town. Its history is closely tied to the copper boom that brought people and industry into this remote corner of Alaska during the early 1900s. Historic buildings and structures still offer glimpses into that era.
We explored the town on foot, learning more about its role in the region’s mining history. Our first stop was the Chitina Museum, where exhibits provide insight into the area’s cultural history, early settlement, and copper-mining heritage.
It was a worthwhile stop before beginning the scenic drive to McCarthy. At this point, we were still only at the beginning of our journey, with 60 miles of historic McCarthy Road ahead of us.
Road Trip: Exploring Alaska’s Historic McCarthy Road
Before beginning our McCarthy Road adventure, we stopped at the Chitina Ranger Station the previous afternoon to ask about current road conditions. It was a smart stop and gave us the latest information before setting out.
The ranger station is housed in a historic log building constructed in 1910 by John C. Martin, the local manager for Ed S. Orr Stage. The building later served as the headquarters for the Chitina District of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway. Today, the National Park Service operates the visitor center, where you can find information about road conditions, park closures, activities, and events in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
We especially enjoyed the exhibit “Where the Rails Meet the Trails.” It helped put the area’s mining and transportation history into perspective and made a great introduction to the journey ahead.
TIP: Get the McCarthy Road Audio Tour
Before starting your drive, stop at the Copper Center Visitor Center and ask about the McCarthy Road Audio Tour. You can download it to your phone and listen to the narrated history of the road as you drive.
We also had a printed copy of the McCarthy Road Guide with us. Having both resources made driving McCarthy Road in Alaska much more interesting because we could connect the scenery around us with the history of the road.
Our advice: Don’t just drive straight through. Take the time to learn about what you’re seeing along the way. Alaska’s historic McCarthy Road has a story behind it, and the audio tour helps bring that story to life.
Roadside Wonders: Must-See Moments on the McCarthy Road to Kennecott Mines
The scenery along the McCarthy Road to Kennecott Mines is spectacular. Glaciers, towering mountains, rivers, and wildlife all compete for your attention, so don’t be in a hurry. Take your time, use the pullouts, and enjoy the journey.
For us, one of the most fascinating parts of driving McCarthy Road in Alaska was seeing the remnants of the old Copper River and Northwestern Railway. In places, you can still make out sections of the original railway grade alongside the gravel road. The railway played an important role in transporting copper ore from the Kennecott mines to the port at Cordova, connecting this remote mining district with the outside world.
As you bump your way along the road, keep your eyes open. Wildlife sightings are always possible in this remote part of Alaska. You might spot bald eagles, moose, bears, or other wildlife along the route. We found ourselves constantly looking beyond the road, wondering what might appear around the next bend.
That’s part of what makes the McCarthy Road adventure so much fun. You’re not simply trying to get from Chitina to McCarthy. The road itself becomes part of the experience, with history and wild Alaska unfolding around you mile after mile.
Railroad Cut (MM 0): The Start of the Scenic Drive to McCarthy
Once we reached the beginning of McCarthy Road, the scenery immediately started to change. The road follows the banks of the Chitina River, with mountains rising around the valley. There are plenty of opportunities to pull over, stretch your legs, and take in the views before continuing deeper into the wilderness.
At Mile 0, one of the first interesting stops is the Railroad Cut, where the road passes through a section of rock that was blasted away during construction.
McCarthy Road was built largely along the former railbed of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which transported copper from the Kennecott mines to the coast at Cordova. As we traveled along the road, we could still see reminders of the railway’s past, including old rail ties and spikes scattered along parts of the route.
The railroad builders originally considered constructing a tunnel through this section. Instead, they determined that removing the rock was the easier solution, leaving behind the dramatic cut you see today.
It was a fascinating way to begin our scenic drive to McCarthy. Right from the start, the road wasn’t just about getting somewhere—it was already telling the story of the people, engineering, and industry that once shaped this remote corner of Alaska.
Copper River Bridge (MM 1): A Chance to View the Confluence
Just a mile into McCarthy Road, you’ll cross the Copper River Bridge, which was built in 1973. This was our first chance to get a good look at the Copper River, and the views were impressive.
It was the beginning of fishing season when we made the drive, and we could see a subsistence fishing wheel and dipnetters working upstream from the bridge. The Copper River is known for its excellent fishing, particularly its legendary sockeye salmon.
We also found several small pullouts near the bridge where we could stop and look toward the confluence of the Copper and Chitina Rivers. On a clear day, the views stretch toward Mount Drum, creating an incredible backdrop for the wide, braided rivers below.
It was one of those early stops that reminded us why we were willing to tackle this rough road in the first place. The scenery along the McCarthy Road adventure starts almost immediately.
Chitina River Scenic Vista (MM 5): A Vast Glacial Landscape
Just five miles into the drive, the Chitina River Scenic Vista offers another opportunity to stop and appreciate the enormous landscape around you.
For us, it was worth pulling over just to see the sheer expanse of the river. From the viewpoint, we could see the glacial water spreading into a maze of channels and braided streams across the valley.
The difference between these glacial rivers and many of the rivers we’ve seen elsewhere in Alaska is striking. Glacial silt gives the water its distinctive appearance, while the constantly shifting channels create an intricate pattern across the valley floor.
As we continued driving McCarthy Road in Alaska, we quickly realized that these early viewpoints weren’t just quick roadside stops. They were a chance to slow down and appreciate the scale of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park before continuing deeper into the wilderness.
Strelna and Silver Lakes (MM 10–11): An Opportunity to Fish
If you enjoy fishing, Strelna and Silver Lakes are worth a stop along the McCarthy Road. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks both lakes with rainbow trout, and short trails provide easy access to the water.
As avid anglers, we couldn’t resist stopping to try our luck. We spent about an hour fishing, enjoying the peaceful setting and taking a break from the drive. The lakes were quiet and surrounded by the kind of pristine wilderness that makes driving McCarthy Road in Alaska such a memorable experience.
We also had our first moose sighting of the day here. Across the lake, trumpeter swans were feeding in the shallow water, adding another wildlife encounter to an already beautiful stop.
We didn’t catch any trout, but honestly, we weren’t disappointed. Sometimes the best part of fishing in Alaska is simply being there.
Kuskulana River Bridge (MM 17): An Out-of-the-Ordinary Experience
A few miles farther along McCarthy Road, we reached one of the most memorable sights of the entire journey—the Kuskulana River Bridge.
This remarkable steel truss bridge dates to 1910, when it was built as part of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway. Today, the historic bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an impressive reminder of the engineering challenges faced by those building a railroad through this rugged wilderness.
The bridge stands approximately 238 feet above the Kuskulana River and stretches 525 feet across the gorge. Looking down through the structure at the steep rock walls and river far below is quite an experience.
And then there’s the drive across it.
The bridge is narrow, so you need to take your time and pay close attention as you cross. We definitely weren’t racing across! Instead, we approached it carefully and took in the incredible surroundings.
For us, crossing the Kuskulana River Bridge was one of those McCarthy Road adventure moments that we knew we’d remember long after the trip was over. It isn’t just a bridge—it’s part of the history, scenery, and character that make this road so unique.
Chokosna Lake/Lou’s Lake Area (MM 25): A Peaceful Place to Stop
By the time we reached Chokosna Lake/Lou’s Lake around Mile 25, we were ready for a chance to stretch our legs and slow down. The area offers opportunities for fishing, with trout, landlocked silver salmon, and Arctic grayling among the species anglers may encounter.
The nearby Chokosna River is also important spawning habitat for salmon, while the surrounding marshes provide excellent habitat for moose. We kept our eyes open as we explored, knowing wildlife could appear at any moment.
We lingered here for a while, enjoying the quiet and taking a break from the long day of driving McCarthy Road in Alaska. There was something special about simply standing there and taking in the untouched landscape.
After the busier stops earlier in the drive, Chokosna Lake/Lou’s Lake gave us a chance to appreciate the solitude that makes the McCarthy Road journey so memorable.
Gilahina Trestle (MM 29): A Bridge to Nowhere
At approximately Mile 29, we reached the Gilahina Trestle, one of the most impressive reminders of the railroad history along McCarthy Road.
Built in 1911 as part of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, the wooden trestle rises approximately 90 feet above the ground and stretches about 880 feet. Amazingly, crews completed this massive structure in just eight days.
The trestle is made up of an intricate series of wooden beams and supports that once carried trains through this rugged section of Alaska. Although trains no longer cross it, the structure remains a remarkable piece of engineering and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Standing beneath it, we couldn’t help but think about what it must have taken to build something this large in such a remote and challenging environment more than a century ago. Today, the Gilahina Trestle serves as a fascinating reminder of Alaska’s copper-mining boom and the transportation network that once connected these remote communities with the outside world.
Be sure to take a little time to explore around the trestle. We especially enjoyed checking out the small cabin tucked underneath it. It’s an easy detail to miss, but it adds another layer of history to an already fascinating stop.
The Gilahina Trestle was another reminder that McCarthy Road in Wrangell-St. Elias isn’t just about spectacular scenery. Along the way, you’re traveling through a landscape shaped by Alaska’s mining and railroad history.
Crystalline Hills Trail (MM 34.5): Unparalleled Mountain Views
Around Mile 34.5, we stopped at the Crystalline Hills Trail, an easy 2.8-mile loop through dense boreal forest. The trail itself is relatively manageable, but we found the best views by taking some of the side trails toward the prominent ridge.
From the higher points, we could look out across the Chitina River Valley, Moose Lake, and toward the Chugach Mountains. The views made the short hike well worth the stop.
There was one thing we weren’t prepared for, though: the mosquitoes! And we mean a lot of mosquitoes. If you plan to hike here, bring plenty of insect repellent and consider carrying a head net. You’ll be glad you did.
But the mosquitoes weren’t what we remembered most about this hike.
Just before we finished, I happened to look across the road—and there it was. A lynx was disappearing into the woods.
We were in awe. Lynx are notoriously elusive, so getting even a brief glimpse felt incredibly special. It also brought back a memory from our first trip to Alaska in 2012, when we spotted another lynx near Cooper Landing on the Kenai. You can read about that trip in our Sterling Highway Alaska RV adventure.
Two Alaska trips, two lynx sightings. We couldn’t have asked for a better wildlife encounter to add to our McCarthy Road adventure.
Long Lake (MM 45.5): A Unique Salmon Run
By Mile 45.5, McCarthy Road takes you past Long Lake, a fascinating stop with an unusual connection to Alaska’s salmon. Each year, an average of about 18,000 sockeye salmon make their way up the silty Copper and Chitina Rivers to reach the lake and spawn.
What makes this salmon run particularly unusual is the timing. Salmon can begin entering Long Lake as late as September, with spawning continuing through April. That’s a remarkably long spawning season compared with many other salmon runs in Alaska.
The landscape around the lake also tells a story of its own. Ancient glaciers and glacial streams deposited layers of gravel and glacial till across the surrounding slopes, helping create the landscape you see today.
For us, Long Lake was another reminder that driving McCarthy Road in Alaska isn’t just about the big scenic overlooks. Sometimes the most interesting stops are the ones that reveal something about the wildlife and geology of the landscape you’re traveling through.
Railway Remnants (MM 48.3)
Just a few miles farther along the road, around Mile 48.3, you can see remnants of a Copper River and Northwestern Railway trestle near the Long Lake inlet streams.
The old trestle footings are still visible, with exposed marble and limestone around the remains. As the road climbs along the eastern side of the stream valley, the surrounding road cuts reveal layers of sandstone and conglomerate.
We loved seeing these remnants because they connect two important parts of the McCarthy Road adventure—the area’s incredible natural landscape and the railroad history that once made the Kennecott copper mines accessible.
End of the Scenic Drive to McCarthy: McCarthy Road Information Station (MM 59)
At approximately Mile 59, we reached the McCarthy Road Information Station, essentially the final information stop before continuing toward McCarthy and Kennecott.
The small visitor contact station provides maps, information, and guidance for travelers. A bulletin board also posts current road conditions, safety information, and answers to frequently asked questions. After spending hours driving McCarthy Road in Alaska, it was a useful place to get oriented before the final stretch of our journey.
There is free day-use parking at the Information Station, but keep in mind that you’ll need to walk about 1 mile to reach the footbridge. If you’d rather park closer, Glacier View Campground is just a short distance farther along the road. Paid parking is available near the footbridge in several “base camp” parking areas.
The little kiosk also sells coffee and snacks, and there is a simple outhouse available for visitors. Don’t expect a full-service rest stop—this is remote Alaska, after all—but those small conveniences can be welcome after a long day on the road.
After nearly 60 miles of gravel, potholes, bridges, wildlife sightings, historic railroad remnants, and incredible scenery, reaching Mile 59 felt like an accomplishment. The scenic drive to McCarthy had finally brought us to the doorstep of one of Alaska’s most fascinating historic districts.
But reaching McCarthy is only part of the adventure. In our next post, we’ll cover what you need to know about visiting McCarthy and Kennecott, including parking, getting across the footbridge, where to stay, what to do, and how to prepare for this remote corner of Alaska.
Final Thoughts: Driving McCarthy Road in Wrangell-St. Elias
McCarthy Road in Wrangell-St. Elias is much more than a 60-mile gravel road connecting Chitina with McCarthy. It’s an adventure through some of the most spectacular and remote country we’ve experienced in Alaska.
Following the route of the historic Copper River and Northwestern Railway, the road offers a fascinating mix of Alaska’s mining history and wild landscapes. Along the way, we saw old railroad cuts, trestles, bridges, rivers, lakes, mountains, and wildlife. Each stop gave us another reason to slow down and appreciate where we were.
Our journey also reminded us that some of the best travel experiences aren’t necessarily easy. Driving McCarthy Road in Alaska takes patience, preparation, and a willingness to embrace the bumps along the way. But that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
From fishing at remote lakes and spotting a lynx to exploring historic railroad remnants and taking in the immense wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias, this was a McCarthy Road adventure we’ll always remember.
If you’re willing to take the road less traveled, McCarthy Road delivers something special: the chance to experience Alaska on its own terms.
Have you driven McCarthy Road? What was your experience? Or is this Alaska adventure on your travel list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
