Adventure

The Great St. Elias Station is built for immersion
(Of the wilderness kind)

We believe that people need wild places and that wild places need people to care about and for them.


Let’s talk about adventure

Three hikers crossing tundra toward a Wrangell–St. Elias summit, McCarthy AK.

What is it?

Today, the verbiage and general concept of “adventure” is used in widely different contexts. For those seeking “wilderness adventures,” it is important to understand the concept being presented to you. We will be the first to tell you this place isn’t for everyone. It’s not supposed to be. Those looking for real adventure know that there are inherent levels of discomfort and euphoria involved.

What We Think

For our part, we believe that for wilderness to be truly wild and for adventure to be truly authentic, there must be certain degrees of unpredictability and unscripted elements. We also believe that creature comforts and well-earned refuge are important ingredients to properly balanced adventures.

To Sum It Up

Out here, you might get your feet wet when you hike. You might battle the brush and navigate over uneven terrain. But you might also feel more alive a long way. And when you return with the glow of the midnight sun on your cheeks, the glass of wine, the cozy bed, the hot shower will be your just rewards.

Let’s set up your activities together.


The Simple Luxury of Being Here

Not every day needs to be filled with action and activity. The landscape invites a different rhythm where time outside, unhurried exploration, and moments of stillness can become some of the most memorable parts of a visit. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie or fitness guru to enjoy this wild place. Many people come here for peace, stillness and disconnection.

Hiker at mountain lake with Wrangell–St. Elias peaks reflected, McCarthy Alaska.

A Few Favorite Ways to Experience the Valley

A Classic Kennicott Day
Root Glacier exploration followed by the Kennicott Mill Tour.

The Grand Overview
Jewels of the Wrangells flight-seeing paired with a private glacier hike.

Water and Ice
Kennicott River rafting paired with a glacier hike.

Slow Exploration
Self-guided Kennicott Mine tour, then back to the lodge for a cozy chair and that book you’ve been wanting to read forever.


For the active

Here in the McCarthy/Kennicott Valley, activity is aplenty and real adventure is guaranteed. We can help you navigate this wild unknown by sharing our own deeply rooted experiences and knowledge and let you choose your own adventures.

  • Group of The Great St. Elias Station guests walking along a glacier in a mountainous landscape with snowy peaks and a partly cloudy sky.

    GLACIER Exploration

  • Aerial view of a mountain landscape with a calm lake reflecting the mountains and cloudy sky, two of our Alaska Wilderness Lodge's bush airplanes flying over the lake.

    Flight-seeing

  • A panoramic view of a Wrangell-St. Elias mountain range with snow-capped peaks and a green valley below, featuring flowing streams and colorful autumn foliage.

    Whitewater rafting

  • A winding river with turquoise water flowing through Wrangell-St. Elias canyon surrounded by dense forest with yellow and green trees.

    Packrafting

  • Two Alaska wilderness lodge guests are on a mountain overlook with a view of a deep valley, river, and snow-capped mountains in the background. One woman is kneeling, taking a photo or looking at the scenery, while the other stands nearby.

    alpine hiking

  • An Alaska adventure hotel guest stands in a field of blue and purple flowers near a lake with mountains in the background, holding a large bouquet of similar flowers, under a cloudy sky.

    trail walks

  • Two guests of The Great St. Elias Station inside an ice cave, one sitting and the other standing, taking photos of the shimmering icy walls.

    Photography excursions

  • An abandoned, rusted, teal-colored truck in front of an old wooden building surrounded by green grass and trees, under cloudy sky in McCarthy, Alaska.

    Historical Tours

  • Snow-covered mountain landscape with two seaplanes and four climbers in red and blue jackets near our Alaska wilderness lodge.

    Ice Climbing

  • A young red fox standing in a grassy field, looking directly at the camera of our guest at our Wrangell-St. Elias adventure hotel.

    National Park Service Interpretive experiences

Adventure Purveyors

We can help you build the adventure formula that aligns best with your abilities, interests and budget. There are group or private options, full days or half days, and activities for those in peak fitness or those seeking leisure.


The Great St. Elias Station partners with local guide services and tour operators who lead and facilitate these adventure packages. 

Looking for do-it-yourself options?

No problem! Here are some of the top experience providers in the valley.

Tell them we sent you! 

Experience providers:

Dining options:

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