How to Get There
WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK
Approximately a 7.5 hour drive east from Anchorage
DRIVING
Driving direct from Anchorage takes approximately 7.5 hours but plan for more time to stop and view the stunning scenery along the way
from Anchorage (direct route)
Anchorage to Chitina - 246 miles
Chitina to McCarthy - 60 miles (dirt road)
Follow the Glenn Highway (Alaska Route 1) 179 miles east to Glennallen. Turn right and follow the Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 4) 33.8 miles south to the Edgerton Highway (Alaska Route 10). Turn left (east) on the Edgerton and continue 33.4 miles to Chitina. Follow the highway until it turns into a dirt road. This is the McCarthy Road. Follow it 60 miles to McCarthy.
NOTE: The McCarthy Road ends at a footbridge across the Kennicott River about a half mile from the town of McCarthy. There is no vehicle access beyond this point. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the footbridge. Walk or take the shuttle approximately 1/2 mile to McCarthy (5 miles to Kennecott).
PRO TIP: There is no gas (petrol) available in McCarthy so be sure to fill your vehicle prior to driving the 60 mile McCarthy Road. The best and cheapest option is to purchase gas at The Hub gas station in Glennallen. Gas can also be purchased in Chitina but it is quite expensive.
from Anchorage (via Valdez)
Anchorage to Whittier - 60 miles
Ferry Ride to Valdez - 5.75 hours
Valdez to McCarthy - 180 miles
For an alternative, less direct route, follow the Seward Highway (Alaska Route 1) for 48 miles to Portage Glacier Road. Turn left (southeast) on Portage Glacier Road and continue for 11 miles to Whittier.
Ride the ferry in Whittier to Valdez. From Valdez, follow the Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 4) north for 86 miles to the Edgerton Highway (Alaska Route 10). Turn right (east) onto AK-10 and continue 33.4 miles to Chitina. Drive 60 miles east on the McCarthy Road to McCarthy.
NOTE: Book reservations for the ferry ride from Whittier to Valdez in advance.
RENTAL VEHICLES
The most flexible option for exploring Alaska on your vacation
Most rental agencies do not allow driving on the McCarthy road so be cautious when reserving a vehicle for a trip to McCarthy. A few locally-owned Alaska companies do, however, permit travel on unpaved dirt and gravel roads. I recommend booking through GoNorth, Midnight Sun or Alaska 4x4 Rentals.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
Avoid the hassle of renting a car and take a shuttle to McCarthy
The shuttle offers reliable and affordable options for transport to McCarthy from Anchorage, Valdez or Glennallen. Jamie, the owner, is very friendly and accommodating and will safely get you to your destination. He will even drop you off right at your place of lodging.
FLYING
Booking a flight from Chitina is a popular option to avoid driving the 60 mile dirt road to McCarthy
from Chitina
Drive 246 miles from Anchorage to Chitina (see above). Daily flights from the Chitina airport can be booked through Wrangell Mountain Air.
NOTE: The Chitina airport is a tiny “airport” located 5 miles north of town with a single dirt airstrip. Look for a small sign with an airplane symbol that marks the turnoff from the Edgerton Highway (AK-10) as you drive into Chitina.
PRO TIP: Since most vehicle rental companies do not permit driving on dirt or gravel roads (see above) booking a flight from Chitina to McCarthy is the perfect option for avoiding travel on the unpaved McCarthy Road.
from Anchorage
Alternatively, book a direct flight from Anchorage to save the 5 hour drive to Chitina. NOTE: A direct charter from Anchorage to McCarthy can be very expensive.
This McCarthy-based air service offers flexible options for booking direct flights between Anchorage and McCarthy.
An Anchorage-based air service that provides charter flights to multiple Alaska destinations including McCarthy.
Option 1
Based out of the Gulkana airport in Glennallen, they provide transport to multiple destinations to and from Anchorage, Valdez and Fairbanks.
Option 2
McCarthy does not have its own post office so Copper Valley Air delivers mail twice a week from Glennallen. Charter service to McCarthy can be booked on one of the “mail planes”. They even work with Reeve Air to provide service from Anchorage to Gulkana. Then a transfer to the “mail plane” provides the flight to McCarthy.
Alaska Vacation and Travel Guide
Visit Travel Alaska for more general travel information to book your entire Alaska vacation