McCarthy Road, Wrangell St Elias National Park, Alaska.
Of the two roads into the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the McCarthy Road is definitely the most popular - and for a few good reasons. For one, the road itself is more interesting and exciting. I think you can see that in today’s photo. This is where the road crosses a one lane bridge 238 feet above the Kuskulana River. This bridge is actually an old railroad bridge built back in 1910 in order to haul copper from the Kennicott Mines That leads me to another reason this road is popular; the history of the area, in particular, the mine and mill buildings in Kenecott and McCarthy. Finally, the McCarthy Road brings you closer to and provides better views and access to the dramatic Wrangell Mountains.
Like the Nabesna Road, there are few services on the McCarthy Road, you need to be prepared with a good spare tire, food and gas. Some years there have been tire repair facilities at Silver Lake at the end of the road, but I wouldn’t count on these. The washboard can be bad, but if you catch it after a recent grading it can be fairly minimal. The key is to take your time. I saw one family turn around with a travel trailer about 30 miles down the road after losing their propane tank and a lot transmission fluid from their truck!
You can’t actually drive into the town of McCarthy. The last river crossing involves a foot bridge. You will need to pay to park or camp on the opposite side of the river - something most Alaskans aren’t used to. It is less than a mile to the town of McCarthy, and about 5 to the Kennicott (Kennecott) area. There are shuttle services available, and a courtesy phone at the foot bridge where you can call for transportation or lodging.
I think the McCarthy / Kennicott area in the Wrangell-St Elias National Park is one of the true gems in Alaska.
March 31st, 2007 at 4:52 am
I’ve been enjoying your series about Wrangell-St Elias. It’s amazing how big and beautiful it is! I have to visit there someday, hopefully.
March 31st, 2007 at 8:39 am
Thanks Alan!
April 1st, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Ahh yes, … a road trip to make the blood pressure rise a bit!
Would love to travel and explore along a road such as this.
This little section of bridge looks a bit precarious, and probably something I could not get the wife to cross if her life depended on it!
Love what you have been showing us all Ron.
Keep’em coming!
April 3rd, 2007 at 8:56 am
Thanks Michael,
Yeah my wife has a fear of heights as well – I think she kept her eyes glues to the dash!
May 7th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
My friends from Anchorage sent me a print of “Frozen Copper.” I am guessing that the artist is your mother. Anyway, as soon as I put it up on the wall today, I went and googled your last name and I opened your web page. Our friends have taken us to McCarth twice already and we will be there again in July. We were there for the 4th of July last year and enjoyed the parade and other festivities. I have only been over this bridge a few times but always in the car. Spouse and friend have walked out and taken pics over the side. We are nikon dslr folks and friends are Canon dslr folks. We manage to remain friends in spite of that. Really enjoy your web site. The photos are outstanding. Couldn’t believe seeing Antelope Canyon. That was a google search of mine last week because I am interested in going there myself.
May 8th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Hi George,
Thanks for the kind words - I appreciate it!
Yes the artist who did Frozen Copper is my mother.
You are fortunate to be going back to McCarthy this summer - it has been a couple of years since I have been there, and I miss it! have a great trip.
Ron
August 8th, 2007 at 5:11 am
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article Niebrugge Images - Photo Blog, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
August 8th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Hi Daniel,
I would be happy to answer any questions about parts you might not have understood.
Ron