Plan Your Trip to McCarthy & Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Maybe Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list trip for you, or maybe you’ve been here before, but you’re looking for something unique and off the beaten path.
No matter your reasons, if you’re drawn to the untouched wilderness where you can hear the sounds a glacier makes with your hand pressed against the ice or see a bear lumber across the horizon from the safety of your raft, and experience a small Alaskan town living…you’re in the right place!
We understand that the most inspiring and memorable trips are the ones where you can let go and have fun with complete confidence that you’re in expert hands. This is why we’re here to help you plan your itinerary—from travel and accommodations to day trips, food, and more!
Getting to McCarthy, Alaska
Getting to McCarthy, AlaskaFirst things first, getting to the beautiful frontier town of McCarthy is part of the adventure. Check out this video about the famous McCarthy Road, and learn what you need to know about traveling here via charter plane, rental car, or commercial shuttle.
Adventures & Activities in McCarthy & Kennecott, Alaska
Adventures & Activities in McCarthy & Kennecott, AlaskaReady for adventure? Our day trips are private, which gives you a unique and authentic experience that aligns with your interest, comfort level, and pace. Our overnight and multi-day Rafting Expeditions immerse you into the untouched Alaskan wilderness and some of the most untamed land in North America.
Where to Stay in McCarthy
Finding great lodging options in McCarthy, Alaska, can often be the most difficult part of planning your McCarthy trip. We have you covered with a variety of lodging options. Comfortable cabins with glacier views, riverside campsites, and large, quiet campsites for RVs and tents. Discounts are available when you book your Cabin accommodations and activities together. See all our amazing camping and lodging options.
Kennecott River Lodge & Cabins
Kennecott River Lodge & CabinsLocated just before the end of McCarthy Road, Kennecott River Lodge is a fantastic adventure lodging base camp for exploring McCarthy. The location right before the footbridge into the town means you can easily drive up to your accommodation and park your car near your cabin. From the lodge, you are close enough to easily walk into the historic area of town, check out the museum or grab a bite to eat at The Potato. McCarthy River Tours holds their pre-launch Multi-Day trip meetings here, so if you are booked on one of these awesome multi-day rafting expeditions, it doesn’t get any easier than staying at the lodge!
Glacier View Campground
Whether you’re looking for a tent site or a spot to park the RV, our very own Glacier View Campground is a visitor favorite! Our cafe and ice cream shop is only 1/4 mile away. You can grab a hot and savory coffee from the cafe in the morning and easily check-in for your day or multi-day adventure. Then end the day on a high note: grab one of our famous burgers and a glacier-cold beer or glass of wine at our full-service grill!
What To Expect in McCarthy – Amenities & Services
Off-The-Electrical Grid
Off-The-Electrical GridLike much of Alaska, all of McCarthy are “off-the-grid” and powered instead by diesel or gasoline generators. This means ample supplies of electricity are not necessarily a given when you are traveling here. The good news is no electrical poles or wires in any of your scenic photographs! The bad news – you might find limited electrical outlets are available for use in lodging and restaurants.
Limited Cell Service & WiFi Connection
We don’t have the greatest cellphone reception or the strongest internet signals in McCarthy, Alaska. Remember, this is a remote area and McCarthy is located inside the largest national park in the USA! So, this offers you the perfect chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with your fellow travelers, adventure guides, and locals!
Rich Mining And Frontier History
No trip to McCarthy is complete without visiting our local McCarthy-Kennecott Historical Museum, which features local artifacts and the best photo collection we have seen in the valley. And be sure to download this McCarthy Road Map Guide and this self-guided Kennecott Walking Tour for a trip back in time!
Medical Needs – Advanced Services
There is no advanced medical care available in McCarthy, Alaska. The closest hospital is over 100 miles away.
Even minor medical needs may require prolonged, difficult, and expensive transportation to the nearest medical facility. Please bring extra prescription medicine and take extra precautions for your health and safety.
Trip insurance that offers medical and travel protection is a great thing to secure for yourself before joining us!
READY TO PLAN YOUR ALASKA TRIP?
We’ve got you covered with our Visitor Guides to McCarthy Alaska and Alaska Rafting Expeditions!
We know that planning that bucket list trip to the Last Frontier can be a little daunting. But not to worry – we’ve made it easy with our trip planning guides! These guides cover everything from how to get to McCarthy, Alaska, things to do in McCarthy and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, what wilderness rafting trips in Alaska are like, what to pack for a trip, and most frequently asked questions.
