Article Overview: McCarthy, Alaska
Looking for the Edge of the Last Frontier? Nestled amidst the majestic Wrangell St. Elias National Park lies McCarthy, Alaska; a town steeped in history and teeming with unparalleled adventure potentioal. This hidden little gem can be difficult to reach, but beckons to be explored. In this article, we’ll examine everything McCarthy, Alaska, has to offer. From exploring the remnants of the Kennicott copper mine to navigating epic glacier hikes, we’ll equip you with all the information you need to create an unforgettable Alaskan experience!
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My Experience in McCarthy, Alaska
A few years back I was hired by National Geographic Channel to work on a show that followed a family living in McCarthy, Alaska. On and off I spent a full year living and working there. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Now don’t get me wrong, McCarthy, Alaska is breathtaking, it’s truly one of the most beautiful parts of the state. But sleeping in non insulated summer cabins and operating cameras in minus 30 degrees, well that kinda blew.
Calling McCarthy, Alaska a city would be a gross exaggeration; hell in the winter it ain’t even a town! But come mid may McCarthy, AK thaws out and turns into a bustling tourist hub. Naturally the network was more interested in seeing life off the grid and not what the local happy hour specials were; so the majority of our time there was during the shoulder and winter months.
We stayed at the blackburn cabins and commuted via snow machine and 4 wheeler. We filmed bear hunts, firewood gathering, fishing trips, and a whole lot more. I got to experience every angle of McCarthy, Alaska. Frozen fingers and all, it was pretty fantastic. I highly recommend visiting… in the summer.
McCarthy, Alaska
McCarthy, Alaska, nestled amidst the majestic Wrangell-St Elias National Park, boasts a history as rich and rugged as the surrounding mountains. Its story is intertwined with the nearby mining town of Kennicott.
McCarthy, Alaska History
Born in the early 1900s as a wild counterpart to the strict Kennicott copper mine, McCarthy, Alaska, thrived on saloons and entertainment for miners. This rambunctious town boomed alongside the mine, then became a deserted shell after its closure in the 1930s. However, McCarthy wasn’t destined for dust.
A resurgence in adventure tourism in the 1970s breathed new life into the town, transforming it into a charming destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the wonders of Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Today, McCarthy’s historic buildings whisper tales of its wild past, while its present caters to those drawn to Alaska’s rugged beauty.
Kennicott Mine
The Kennicott copper mine’s story is one of discovery, boom, and eventual hush. Early 1900s prospectors unearthed a treasure trove of copper in the Wrangell Mountains, sparking a race to develop the remote site. Kennecott Copper Corporation emerged, building a regimented company town.
A complex transportation network, including a railway and the nearby mill town of McCarthy, facilitated large-scale copper extraction from 1911 to 1938. Hundreds of miners toiled away, making Kennicott a significant copper producer. However, declining copper prices and dwindling accessible reserves forced the mine’s closure in the late 1930s.
Kennicott became a ghost town, a silent testament to a bygone era. Today, the Kennicott Mines National Historic Landmark preserves the remnants of this industrious chapter, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of miners and the power of both human ingenuity and nature’s resources.
Wrangell St. Elias National Park
McCarthy, Alaska, is the gateway to the awe-inspiring Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Encompassing a staggering 13.2 million acres, it’s the largest national park in the United States by far. This massive park boasts the second-highest peak in the country at 18,008 feet. Towering glaciers, deep valleys, and wild rivers weave through the park, creating a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and challenging.
With McCarthy as your base camp, complete with experienced guides and outfitters, this Alaskan town serves as the key to unlocking the park’s untamed beauty. Hike on pristine trails, backpack into untouched wilderness, or witness the raw power of nature by getting up close to towering glaciers.
McCarthy, Alaska Weather
The weather in McCarthy, Alaska is a reflection of its wild and scenic surroundings. Prepare for year-round chilly temperatures, averaging around 30°F, with dramatic shifts in daylight hours throughout the seasons.
- Winter: I remember spending all of February in McCarthy and it never reaching above 0. The winter is obviously the coldest and snowiest season, and it can be miserable with temps dropping to -30. Daylight dwindles to a minimum, with only about 6 hours of sunlight.
- Spring: A time of transition. Snow slowly melts, revealing the earth beneath, and temperatures gradually rise, but remain quite chilly, averaging highs around 40°F. Be prepared for lingering snow flurries. Daylight hours start to stretch, reaching up to 16 hours in May.
- Summer: The warmest and shortest season. McCarthy experiences brief bursts of warmth, with highs averaging around 60°F, but don’t be fooled by the occasional sunshine. Daylight hours are at their peak, offering up to 20 hours of sunlight for exploring the landscape.
- Autumn: A breathtaking display of color as the mountains transform into a canvas of reds and oranges. The air gets noticeably crisper, with average lows around 30°F, a clear sign that winter’s icy grip is approaching. Daylight hours rapidly decrease, dropping back down to around 6 hours by November.
Things to do in McCarthy, Alaska
McCarthy AK and the surrounding is an endless playground for all adventure seekers. Pick a damn direction and go! In the summer the town offers a ton of guided tours and services, but outside of the brief tourist season you’ll be on your own. Plan accordingly.
Glacier Tours
Kennicott Glacier is at the center of everything in McCarthy, Alaska. You can’t not notice it, it calls you. So don’t ignore it. Stap on some ice cleats and witness the awe-inspiring power of nature with a glacier tour or ice climbing tour. Get up close to these massive ice formations and learn about their role in the Alaskan ecosystem.
Kennicott Wilderness Guides are a great option for tours. Hurry up, the glacier is getting smaller and smaller.
White Water Rafting
If you’re one of those with webbed feet and can resist the call of glacier feed rivers and lakes, McCarthy AK is the place for you. There are a few different outfitters in town that specialize in river expeditions. Hit the back country for epic week long adventures or grab a stand up paddle board and spend the afternoon on the glacier lake.
McCarthy River Tour & Outfitters and St. Elias Alpine Guides are both great options. They do a slew of different actives and can certainly accommodate rafting trips.
Hiking
Wrangell St. Elias National Park boasts a network of trails for all levels, from gentle family-friendly walks to challenging multi-day adventures. Hike through valleys, past glaciers, and up to mountain viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas.
Check out the Root Glacier Trail for an easy 4 mile round trip that gets you right up on the icy blue ancient glacier. Or Hike the Bonanza Mine Trail in Kennecott. The steep 9 mile trail gains 3800 feet in elevation and offers excellent views of the confluence of the Root and Kennicott Glaciers.
Flight-Seeing
I was lucky enough to go up in a helicopter and help shoot aerials for our tv show in McCarthy. And let me tell ya, it’s even more beautiful from above. Soaring over the Wrangell Mountains and glaciers was the highlight of my entire time in the region. I highly recommend taking a flight-seeing tour in McCarthy, AK.
Wrangell Mountain Air does a slew of different options, starting with 50 minute flights for $315. two person minimum. They also do back country drop offs and rounders to Chitina. Check out their website for more info.
Museums & Cultural Centers
If history is your thing, head to The McCarthy-Kennicott Museum. They have old photographs and ming artifacts pertaining to the local history of the McCarthy area. It’s located in the old red railroad depot building at the split in the road. Open most summer afternoons.
The Wrangell Mountain Center is a non-profit organization that functions as an educational and artistic center focusing on the wilderness. They offer programs and events throughout the summer season that promote arts, science, and provide immersive wilderness experiences for travelers and the local community. Located in an old hardware store.
McCarthy, Alaska Restaurants
Here are the few restaurants you’ll find in McCarthy, AK during the brief summer tourist season. If you’re making the icy trek during shoulder or winter months, make sure to pack lots of food. Cause if you ain’t shooting a moose for dinner, you’ll be eating snow cones and tree sap.
- Roadside Potato: “The potato” as everyone in town calls it, is by far the best restaurant in McCarthy, Alaska. I only got to eat here a handful of times because it’s only open during the busy summer season, but it left an impression. They serve all kinds of burritos, salads, sandwiches, and of course handout curly fires. I’d order the pulled pork po’boy +bacon! Full menu here.
- The Golden Saloon: This is where you go to drink your dinner. It’s the only bar in town and it can get rowdy. Theres’s usually live music and the foods actually pretty good, albeit it’s mostly bar food. Attached to the McCarthy Lodge. They also do a good hungover breakfast.
- Salmon & Bear Restaurant: Just because you’re in the middle of nowhere, that doesn’t mean you have to eat flowers and grubs. This fine dining restaurant offers a freaking tasting menu with stuff like dry aged black angus tenderloin and house made linguine. Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season, as this spot is quite popular.
- Kennicott Glacier Lodge: Located in its namesake, just up the road, this pinkies out dining experience does three course halibut and steak dinners. They also tasty country breakfasts and solid sandos for lunch. Definitely get a resy.
- Meatza Wagon: Fun food truck just up the road in Kennicott. They serve a slew of different options like meatball subs and veggie rice bowls.
McCarthy, Alaska Lodging
McCarthy, Alaska offers a few unique lodging experiences, ranging from historic charm to rustic comfort, mostly all concentrated in the towns quaint little “downtown” area. Here’s a breakdown of your options McCarthy, Alaska lodging options:
- Currant Ridge Cabins: Located before the foot bridge to McCarthy, these log cabins are a great lodging option. With full kitchens and large decks with great views, you could stay here awhile.
- McCarthy Lodge & Ma Johnson’s Hotel: If you want to feel what I might have felt like lodging in McCarthy, Alaska in the early 20th century, this is your spot. Small rustic rooms with no power sockets, but hey its charming right?
- Blackburn Cabins: This is were I lived for the better part of a year while working in McCarthy, Alaska. Nothing too fancy but a very serviceable cabin, for summer stays. Mark and Livvi are awesome hosts! Check out their website for more info.
Kennicott Glacier Lodge
This unique spot wasn’t always a haven for adventure loving families and selfie snapping ticity tockers. It used to be the rough and tumble bunkhouse for miners working in the copper mine. Located just behind the historic mine, the lodge boasts a past as wild as the surrounding glaciers. Imagine hundreds of burly miners calling this place home during the copper boom of the early 1900s. Don’t worry, they’ve given a good cleaning and updating the drapes.
Today the Kennicott Glacier Lodge is one of the finest lodging options around McCarthy, Alaska. It’s been transformed into a comfy basecamp for modern explorers. Choose from rooms in the rustic Main Lodge, or opt for the privacy of the South Wing’s epic glacier view rooms. When looking for a hotel in McCarthy, Alaska the Kennicott Glacier Lodge doesn’t disappoint.
McCarthy, Alaska Camping
Camping in McCarthy, Alaska offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the Alaskan wilderness. Here’s a breakdown of your campground options in and around McCarthy AK:
McCarthy, Alaska Campgrounds:
- Base Camp Kennicott: Located at the end of the McCarthy Road, this no-frills campground offers basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Perfect for budget-minded campers who enjoy a remote setting.
- Glacier View Campground: Situated near the edge of McCarthy, this campground offers more amenities than Base Camp Kennicott, including vault toilets and water hookups (though be sure to confirm availability during your visit). It boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Wrangell-St Elias National Park: The park offers several primitive campsites accessible by foot or trail. Permits are required, and backcountry camping experience is recommended due to the remoteness.
Map of McCarthy, Alaska
Where is McCarthy, Alaska? Here’s a map of the town with some points of interest, trailheads, hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants. The town is tiny and theres basically one main road.
Getting to McCarthy, Alaska
Reaching McCarthy, Alaska involves an arduous journey. Thankfully you have a few options on how to get here. Depending on your time constraints and budget, you could do it a few different ways. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options on how to get to McCarthy, AK:
- Drive: This is your most direct option. From Anchorage, you could make the trip in 8.5 hours or so. The final stretch is the poorly maintained gravel McCarthy Road. A lot of car rental company won’t allow you to take it down this road, so make sure to ask. Also make sure to fill up in Chitina!
- Fly: For a faster option, consider flying. If you have the money and are on a tighter schedule this is the way to go. The flight is stunning and it turns an 8 hour trip into a fraction of that. Scheduled flights operate from Anchorage (Copper Valley Air) and Glennallen (Wrangell Mountain Air).
- Shuttle: The cheapest and most adventurous options for getting to McCarthy AK, would be taking the shuttle bus. The Kennecott Shuttle offers daily service from Glennallen. It’s a long trip and there are specific return times you’ll have to adhere to.
Check out our full article on getting to McCarthy: Anchorage to McCarthy, Alaska: The Journey is the Destination
Population of McCarthy, Alaska
The exact population of McCarthy, Alaska can be a bit tricky to nail down. I’ll tell you from first hand experience that the population in McCarthy, Alaska fluctuates drastically. The towns population is next to nothing during the harsh winter months. Driving around I could count the chimney smoke on one hand. I think part of the appeal to living in a place like McCarthy, Alaska is that there isn’t much of a population. And the population that is there, they might not want to be counted, so its best to respect that.
Once mid may comes and the summer tourist season arrives, McCarthy Alaska’s population sky rockets. According to the 2020 census data, the official population of McCarthy, Alaska is 107. However, that doesn’t include all the seasonal workers that migrate there to help support the tourism infrustructe. So that’s why McCarthy, Alaska’s population is a hard number to calculate.
Alaska TV Shows Shot in McCarthy
The reality TV series Edge of Alaska aired on the Discovery Channel from 2014 to 2017 for four seasons with eight episodes each. The show documented the lives of the roughly 40 residents who call McCarthy home. It explored the challenges and beauty of living in such a remote location, showcasing the clash between those who wanted to preserve the town’s traditional, off-the-grid way of life and those who saw opportunity in tourism development.
Life Below Zero: Next Generation was another show that followed a particular family living in Mccarthy Alaska. The show was produced for National Geographic Channel.
McCarthy, Alaska Massacre
Back in 1983, a lone gunman, Louis Hastings, a 39-year-old unemployed computer programmer, unleashed violence on the community. With a population of only 22, the impact was devastating. Six residents were killed, and two others were injured. The reason behind the rampage remained a chilling mystery.
One survivor, Christopher Richards, displayed incredible bravery. Hastings allegedly shot him inside his own cabin. In a desperate act of self-defense, Richards fought back with a knife and escaped barefoot into the harsh Alaskan winter. The village’s remoteness posed a significant challenge. With no phone service and inaccessible by road during winter, help arrived only after a neighbor heroically transported Richards by snowmobile to a distant airstrip.
News of the tragedy finally reached the outside world thanks to a private pilot who flew Richards to a nearby town. Troopers then apprehended Hastings, who reportedly offered no resistance. The recovery of the victims was a grim task. Some were found near the airstrip, while others were discovered inside a house riddled with bullet holes.
McCarthy Alaska Resources & References
- National Park Service Camping: https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/camping-along-the-mccarthy-road-and-kennecott-area.htm
- McCarthy Alaska Campgrounds: https://exploremccarthyalaska.com/glacier-view-campground/
- Wrangell Mt. Center
- New York Times: 6 KILLED IN ALASKA IN SHOOTING SPREE
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