McCarthy
WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK
This remote Alaska bush town is the hub of activities in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Downtown McCarthy, Alaska illuminated by the Aurora Borealis
Experience a Remote Alaska Town with a Rich History
McCarthy is where all the magic starts in the park and is located at the end of a 60-mile long dirt road from Chitina, a little town located on the west-central border of the park. The McCarthy Road is one of only two roads that permit vehicle access inside the park (the other road at the north-central entrance to the park leads to the “town” of Nabesna and the Devils Mountain Lodge but activity options are very limited).
McCarthy is the staging area for nearly all of the activities in Wrangell-St. Elias. It has several options for lodging, great food, a fun nightlife and a variety of adventurous outdoor activities. This classic Alaska bushtown sits in the stunning Kennicott Valley, surrounded by big mountains at the terminus of the massive Kennicott Glacier.
Options for hiking, climbing, paddling, exploring the glacier and backpacking are plentiful and hiring a guide during your visit will ensure the adventure of a lifetime. Nearly all of the park is accessible only by foot or plane so circling the park on a flightsee is the best way to view some of the last remaining, most pristine wilderness on the planet.
Although McCarthy today is largely a seasonal town that provides services to park visitors during the summer Alaska tourist season, its origin dates back to the historic Kennecott copper mining days of the early twentieth century (1911-1938). While Kennecott was a company-owned town consisting of only employees of the Kennecott Copper Corporation, McCarthy was a typical mining boom town of that era. Lying only 4.5 miles down the road from Kennecott, McCarthy provided all sorts of entertainment for the hardworking miners, including drinking, gambling and prostitution at the saloon and brothel. McCarthy was completely dependent on the thriving success of the Kennecott mines for its economy and quickly fizzled out into a ghost town only a few short years after Kennecott closed its mines in 1938.
The historic town of Kennecott is perhaps the most significant and popular attraction in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park today. Located only 4.5 miles north of McCarthy, it is designated a National Historic Landmark and is protected as the best remaining example of early 20th century copper mining. Daily tours of the town and Mill Building are available throughout the summer.
Footbridge across the Kennicott River
Footbridge
The McCarthy Road is the only road providing vehicle access to McCarthy for those who choose to drive. The 60 mile long dirt road starts in Chitina on the western border of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and continues east to Kennecott, a historic copper mining town in the middle of the park.
Road access for park visitors, however, stops approximately 5 miles before reaching Kennecott at the Kennicott River. NO, you cannot drive your personal or rental vehicle into McCarthy or Kennecott. A footbridge allows visitors to walk across the Kennicott River where daily shuttle service to the towns of McCarthy and Kennecott can be found. Vehicle parking is available in a parking lot on the west side of the footbridge.
Bus Stop for the shuttle
Shuttle Service
A shuttle service provides transportation from the footbridge to McCarthy and Kennecott. Personal vehicles or rentals are not permitted past the footbridge. The shuttle van pick-up location is on the east side of the footbridge at a small “bus stop” waiting area.
McCarthy is located about 1/2 mile from the footbridge so it’s not necessary to take the shuttle if you have minimal luggage. Kennecott, however, is approximately 5 miles down the road so taking the shuttle is recommended.
Fourth of July parade in McCarthy, Alaska
Fourth of July
The Fourth of July holiday is a big deal in McCarthy. It’s when the town really seems to “wake up” and tourist season is finally in full swing. Local businesses open up in late May to officially start the summer season but tourist numbers stay relatively modest before July 4th. Many Alaskans make the annual pilgrimage to McCarthy to celebrate the holiday festivities. Suddenly the town swells from its sleepy early season numbers to a festive crowd.
The highlight is a very quirky and ecclectic parade that is likely among the world’s shortest. Local businesses compete to outdo one another for the most creatively designed float as they walk and/or drive through the town twice (McCarthy is only one short block long so the parade does two loops). Following the parade a series of games fill the street for the remainder of the afternoon and all are invited to participate. A pie eating contest, egg toss, three-legged race, tug of war and the slowest bicycle race are just some of the games that will surely make you feel as if you have been transported back in history.
The party keeps going well into the evening with live music and dancing at either of the two local restaurants, The Potato or The Golden Saloon.
Fourth of July in McCarthy is a very fun and unique way to spend this quintessentially American holiday. It’s a must-do and I highly recommend fitting it into your Alaska travel plans!
Swimming Hole
On warm days McCarthy locals often gather at the “swimming hole” to go for a dip, sun bathe and cool off from the summer heat. It is located on the north side of the road approximately halfway between the footbridge and McCarthy.
Museum
Learn about the local history of this old Alaska bush town that boomed during the mining days of the early 1900s. The museum is full of old photos and various historical artifacts that tell a fascinating story.
The museum is free but accepts donations. Visiting the museum is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours during your stay in McCarthy.
Nightlife
While most day activities are either in or starting from Kennecott, the nightlife is in McCarthy. Two restaurants, the Potato and the Golden Saloon, serve dinner and alcoholic drinks late into the evening and even have live music sometimes. The Golden Saloon also has weekly trivia on Wednesdays and open mic on Thursdays. A community softball game is held on Fridays at the softball field where all are welcome to participate.
LODGING
McCarthy Guest House
Looking for lodging in McCarthy that has full amenities and is quiet and comfortable? Well, look no further.
McCarthy Guesthouse has two independent units, one upstairs and one downstairs. Each unit is equipped with hot showers, internet and the only in-suite bathrooms in town. The upstairs unit even has a fully functional kitchen.
It’s located only “one block” away from downtown providing easy walking access to dining options.
Ma Johnson’s Hotel
Located in “downtown” McCarthy, the lodge is a former boarding house from the old copper mining days of the early twentieth century.
It provides full amenities with a cozy atmosphere, internet and even has an ATM on property. Decorated with historic artifacts and photos it is like staying in a living museum of Alaska’s copper mining boom a century ago.
Lancaster’s Backpacker Hotel offers a more affordable option for the traveler on a budget. Booking reservations and check-in is at Ma J’s since they fall under the same ownership.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS NEAR MCCARTHY
Blackburn Cabins
Currant Ridge
McCarthy Cabins
Kennicott River Lodge
McCarthy Bed and Breakfast
Camping
Primitive Camping
Kennicott Glacier Lodge
FOOD
The Potato
This is the locals’ favorite and the best place to eat in town. It has great food, a wide selection of beers, hard ciders and even some wines.
While the menu is built around their hand-cut curly fries, they have a rotating dinner menu and they focus on using local produce and made from scratch ingredients. Try the Potatohead Burrito. It’s my favorite!
The Potato isn’t just known for its great food though. Sometimes it hosts Live Music events at night that are filled with dancing, singing and guaranteed good times!
The Potato has two locations: McCarthy and Valdez.
The Golden Saloon
Affectionately referred to as “the Bar” by locals, it has the only fully stocked bar in town with a variety of beers, liquor and wine. The limited food menu is very typical of classic American pub food.
The real appeal of the Golden Saloon is its thriving nightlife. They often have live music, a weekly trivia night and open mic every Thursday evening. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and will give you a true remote Alaska bar experience.
The Salmon and Bear Restaurant offers a fine dining option and is located right next door. Both the fine dining restaurant and saloon are co-owned and operated along with Ma Johnson’s Hotel and Lancaster’s Backpacker Hotel.
The McCarthy Center Store
Known locally as “The Mercantile” or “The Merc”, it has a small selection of most food items including fresh produce, cheese and meat (even vegetarian options). They even have ice cream cones! You can also find some basic hardware items and they have a small liquor store stocked with beer and boxed wine.
NOTE: Shopping here is quite expensive so don’t plan to do your food shopping in McCarthy. If you are camping or planning to cook during your stay be sure to buy groceries in Anchorage, Palmer, Valdez or Fairbanks prior to departing for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
AIR SERVICE
Wrangell Mountain Air
Founded in 1992, Wrangell Mountain Air has been operating for 30 years. As a mountain guide I have been working with them for over a decade and I can honestly say that they’re the best in the business!
They provides several options for flights including:
Charters to/from numerous destinations including Anchorage, Valdez, Fairbanks and Denali National Park (see full listing on their website)
Daily Chitina flights (for those travelers who would rather skip the drive on the 60 mile dirt McCarthy Road)
Backcountry drop-offs for backpackers, climbers and rafters
Day Trips for those travelers with a tight schedule
GUIDE SERVICE
Historic Motherlode Powerhouse and home of St. Elias Alpine Guides
St. Elias Alpine Guides
Established in 1978, it is the longest running guide service and oldest continuously running business in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. With over 40 years of experience they are simply the best guide service to take you on the adventure of a lifetime!
ACTIVITES
Day
Glacier Hikes - Ice Climbing - Ice Cave Exploration - Alpine Hikes - Fly-in Hikes - Backcountry Skills Seminar - Rafting - Kayaking - Historic Mill Town Tours
Multi-Day
Backpacking - Basecamping - Mountaineering - Ski Trips - Rafting - Kayaking - Multi-sport Adventures
Kennicott Wilderness Guides
Based in Kennecott, Alaska, and established in 1995, they offer hiking, ice climbing, backpacking, basecamping and packrafting day and multi-day trips