🏘 Gateway Town

McCarthy

Q: How rough is the McCarthy Road?

Notorious for potholes, washouts, and railroad spikes. Verify road conditions before driving: (907) 822-5234.

Q: Can I walk around town?

Yes. From the road's end it's 0.5 miles to McCarthy and 5 miles uphill to Kennicott. Walking shoes and preparation essential.

Q: Do I need to book ahead?

Yes. Lodging and shuttle services are extremely limited; book 2–3 months in advance for summer.

Q: Is there a hospital nearby?

No medical facilities in town. Nearest hospital is hours away. Come prepared for self-care.

Q: Can I drive my own car to McCarthy?

Yes, but the McCarthy Road is rough. Shuttle services available if you prefer not to drive.

Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve

Distance

17 km west

Population

107

Restaurants

Lodging Options

Overview

About This Town

McCarthy is a historic 107-person hamlet inside Wrangell-St. Elias, 17 km west of the park center. It sits on the original corridor of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway and serves as the gateway to Root Glacier and Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. Access is via the rough McCarthy Road from Chitina, shuttle services, or small aircraft; all services operate mid-May through mid-September only.

The Vibe

McCarthy is a working historic site, not a resort town. Extremely remote and summer-only, requiring advance planning and expedition mindset. Walkable from the road's end, but the atmosphere is about seeing glaciers and preserved mining heritage, not amenities.

Late Night Intel

Most dining ends by 9–10 PM. The Potato opens 9 AM to 7 PM daily. The Golden Saloon serves breakfast 7:30–9:30 AM and dinner 5–10 PM (bar stays open later, kitchen closes at 10 PM). Advance dining reservations recommended due to limited options.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Hamlet

Population

107

Distance to Park

17 km west

Highlights

Known For

Root Glacier access and Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark; preserved copper-mining and railway heritage from the early 20th century

Main Attractions

Root Glacier (accessible via two-mile hike from Kennicott with guide services), Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark (preserved early 20th-century copper mining and mill town), historic railway heritage

What Makes It Special

Only hamlet directly within Wrangell-St. Elias; gateway to Root Glacier and preserved Kennecott mining heritage; accessible only by remote mountain road, shuttle, or small plane

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

May through September

Shoulder Season

September, before facilities close mid-September

Winter

Closed. Park visitor facilities and all services shut down mid-September through April.

Best Time to Visit

May through September when shuttle and air services operate; park visitor facilities close mid-September through April

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Hotels/Motels 1

Lodge and hostel options with views of glaciers and mountains

Dining

Restaurants 2

Limited but solid options ranging from casual cafes to lodge dining

Insider Tips

• Check McCarthy Road conditions before driving: (907) 822-5234. Road is notorious for potholes and rough surfaces. • Root Glacier accessible via two-mile hike from Kennicott with guide services available. • Visitors should come equipped with walking shoes, rain jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. • Advance reservations required for shuttle and air services.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Hiking to Root Glacier, exploring Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, guided glacier treks, viewing glaciers and mountains, outdoor recreation in the park

Getting There & Staying

Nearest Airport

Gulkana Airport (Ellis Air mail plane service; scheduled flights Wednesday and Friday, seasonal variations)

Shuttle to Park

Backcountry Connections: daily summer runs (907-822-5292); Wrangell-St. Elias Tours: May–Sept (907-822-5978); Wrangell Mountain Air: daily mid-May to mid-September, three times daily (907-554-4411 or 800-478-1160)

Visitor Center

Kennecott Visitor Center in Blackburn School, McCarthy Road Information Station, Slana Ranger Station

Book Ahead

Book accommodations 2–3 months in advance for summer travel; shuttle and air services require advance reservations; check road conditions before driving

Visitor Information

Accessibility & Walkability

Accessible via McCarthy Road (60 miles, gravel, rough surface from Chitina), shuttle services, or small aircraft; all services summer-only (mid-May through mid-September)

Family-Friendly

Remote location suits families interested in history and hiking. Advance booking essential; limited lodging and dining. Visitors should come prepared with sturdy footwear, rain gear, hat, gloves, and sun protection. Road conditions require verification before driving.

FAQs

Is anything open year-round?

No. Visitor facilities and all services close mid-September through April. Plan travel for May–September only.

How rough is the McCarthy Road?

Can I walk around town?

Do I need to book ahead?

Is there a hospital nearby?

Can I drive my own car to McCarthy?

📖 OpenStreetMap contributors (community-reported details) (checked 2026-07-17) 📖 National Park Service — Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 Wikipedia + Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA, retrieval-dated) — population, history and identity facts from Wikipedia; practical travel guidance from Wikivoyage; osm_count (checked 2026-07-17) 📖 Climate data: Mccarthy 3 Sw, Ak Us, 1,250 ft (NOAA 1991-2020 normals, station USC00505757) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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