Wrangell St Elias National Park

One of the most overlooked National Parks also happens to be the largest. Wrangell St Elias is worth the trip off of the beaten path.

How big is Wrangell St Elias?

While I was in Junior High School I placed second in a Geography Bee. The question that got me to the finals was “What state is home to our largest National Park?” The answer, clearly to me, was Alaska. Several people tried to hold up Yellowstone as the largest with guesses of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The reality is, 6 Yellowstone National Parks can fit inside of Wrangell Saint Elias. So how big is it? 20,587 square miles. There are nine states that are less than half that size.

How do you get to Wrangell St Elias

This is the tricky part. If you don’t already live in Alaska, or know someone who does, you are going to have to rent a car. There are two easily accessible Ranger Stations a Wrangell St Elias. And both are roughly 250 miles from Anchorage. It will take you a little over 4 hours by car from Ted Steven’s Airport, but it isn’t a bad ride. The views on the drive are some of the best road scenery in the country, with regular photo turnoffs. About an hour and a half from either Ranger Station is the small town of Glennallen. You can fill up the gas tank get a cup of coffee with a few shots of expresso in it at the IGA there, and get ready for your last stretch of road.

Slana, AK

I entered Wrangell Saint Elias via the Ranger Station in Slana. From the entrance to the parking site was 19 miles of moderately kept up dirt road. There are many opportunities for wildlife to jump out, so be careful. A moose in the windshield is not a fun way to start a camping trip. As an idea, I would get the optional rental car insurance. While I had no problems, the ranger on duty did tell me that a brown bear used someone’s car as a trampoline earlier in the summer. Better safe than sorry there.

Where to Stay in Wrangell St Elias

Free Cabins. Yes, you heard that right. There are 14 public use cabins in the park. From the entrance I utilized at Slana, you have access to a free cabin that doesn’t require an airstrip. You do have to reserve ahead, but we went out in September, and not a soul was to be seen on our trip. You can email the ranger service at wrst_tweet@nps.gov to make a reservation. From the trail head, the Caribou Creek Cabin is approximately 3 miles in. Trails continue on from there, and the views continue to be outstanding.

The cabin itself is pretty basic, but perfect for camping far and away. The first bonus here is that you won’t need to bring tents. There are two wooden bunks in the cabin, slightly wider than twin size, no mattresses included. While it says that the cabin sleeps two, a family of four is a pretty easy fit. There is a wood-stove in the cabin for heat, and firewood stacked alongside it. Do not cut down any wood for fires. It is important for the environment there that you only use fallen branches and the wood provided. The trees in the mountains there have a very short growing season and are much older than you think they are.

What to Bring to Wrangell Saint Elias

• Food and Water
• Bear Spray
• Bug Spray
• Small Cook Stove
• Camera
• Extra Socks

Food and Water

This is pretty basic, but deserves mention. Bring what water you can comfortably carry, and if you want a small water bottle mounted purifier. There is abundant water in this area, and is primarily coming from snow melt. This can make it cloudy, but it is drinkable.

If you are going to stay a few days, you are going to need to bear-proof your food. There are commercially available containers for this, but the primary importance is that you keep your food locked up, and put the bear boards on the windows while you are sleeping.

Bear Spray

I bought some, and I didn’t need it. That is about the best case scenario. You won’t be able to bring it with you on the plane, so you will need to pick this up in Anchorage or Glennallen. I placed an order and prepaid for several essential items with the REI in Anchorage and picked them up when I arrived.

Bug Spray

The mosquitoes in this part of the world will fly off with small children. I almost lost one, but was able to grab her ankle in time.

Small Cook Stove

I cooked on both a micro-stove and the wood-stove. If you aren’t using the wood-stove for heat, I wouldn’t use it to cook. There is nothing like hot coffee in just a few minutes. And an Aeropress, this is a coffee making magic machine. Really.

Camera

The views. All the views.

Extra Socks.

I mentioned earlier that water was readily available. There is quite a bit, you will have to cross some, and the streams change in size drastically as temperatures change and snow melts. And make sure they are warm. We went in September and had night time temperatures around 20 degrees, and were told than snowfall would be typical that time of year.

What do you do at Wrangell St Elias?

There is an unimaginable amount of hiking in the park. Float trips are available on the rivers. Some of the highest peaks in the Western Hemisphere offer a multitude of mountain climbing opportunities. And, for a trip with kids, Junior Ranger Badges. Check out this post for more information on how to get your Junior Ranger Badge

What is nearby to Wrangell St Elias

Well, nothing and everything. Wrangell St Elias is so huge that it borders many towns and areas. But it is also very remote. We took a trip into Valdez during our adventure (If you’re going all the way to Alaska, make the most of it). There we were able to go Halibut fishing and glacier viewing in Prince William Sound. And also truly enjoyed the scenic drive down the Richardson Highway.

This list is not all encompassing, but will give you a good start to exploring one of our largest treasures.