Getting here
Reaching this corner of Alaska is part of the experience.
Our lodge sits in the McCarthy–Kennecott valley inside Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, the largest protected wilderness in the United States. The journey here moves through mountains, rivers, and vast stretches of wild country before arriving at a small frontier town where the road quite literally ends.
Most guests begin their trip in Anchorage, Alaska’s international airport hub. From there, you can reach McCarthy by air or by road.
However you choose to travel, our team will help coordinate the details and arrange transportation for your final arrival at the lodge.
Driving from Anchorage
For many travelers, the drive is an unforgettable introduction to Alaska.
The journey from Anchorage to McCarthy is approximately 300 miles and takes about 7 hours, depending on stops and road conditions.
The route follows the Glenn Highway through broad mountain valleys before turning south toward the Copper River Basin. The final stretch is the historic McCarthy Road, a 60-mile gravel road built on the old railroad bed that once served the Kennicott copper mines.
This road is remote and rugged but passable for most vehicles in summer. Some rental car companies restrict travel on it, so it’s important to confirm your rental policy in advance.
At the end of the road you will reach the Kennicott River footbridge, where public parking is available.
From there, our team will arrange transportation for the short transfer to the lodge.
Arriving by Air
Flying is the fastest way to reach the valley.
Charter flights are available from Anchorage directly to the McCarthy airstrip, typically aboard small bush planes carrying 3–8 passengers and ranging between 1 - 2.5 hours depending on plane type and weather. Shared flights may also be available depending on schedules and group size.
As the flight approaches the valley, the landscape opens dramatically—glaciers, braided rivers, and the Wrangell Mountains rising in every direction.
We will meet you at the local airstrip and provide transportation to the lodge.
Flying your own bush plane? The McCarthy runway is on the charts and offers public tiedown spaces.
Guests interested in flying should enquire with our team, and we can assist with charter options or help coordinate shared flights.
Final Arrival
Once you reach the valley, we handle the rest.
Guests arriving by air are met at the McCarthy airstrip.
Guests arriving by road are met at the parking area near the footbridge.
From there we provide transportation to the lodge and help with luggage so that your arrival is smooth and unhurried.
The Frontier Town of McCarthy
Make no mistake, this is wilderness where a few people have gathered and offer some limited services. You can’t drive your car into town. Just across the footbridge sits the small original mining era townsite of McCarthy.
The “town” remains much as it has for decades—wooden buildings, dirt streets, and a handful of historic structures surrounded by immense wilderness. Public vehicles do not cross the bridge, which gives the town its quiet, walkable character.
A scheduled shuttle van company operates between the footbridge, McCarthy, and the historic mining town of Kennecott, running regularly throughout the day during the summer season.
Many guests enjoy arriving early enough to explore the town before settling into the rhythm of the valley.
Travel Planning Tips
Reaching the McCarthy–Kennecott valley requires a bit more planning than a typical destination, but the journey is straightforward with the right preparation. The following notes will help make your travel smooth and enjoyable.
Allow Time for
the Journey
Travel in Alaska often moves at a slower speed. Weather, road conditions, and small aircraft schedules can occasionally shift. When possible, we recommend building a little flexibility and extra time into your travel plans, particularly on your arrival and departure days. Give yourself wiggle room between connecting travel. For example, if you’re taking a charter flight between Anchorage and McCarthy, it’s a good idea to arrive in state a minimum of 3 to 4 hours or even the evening before this flight.
Rental Cars and McCarthy Road
The final 60 miles to McCarthy follow the historic McCarthy Road, a gravel road built on the old Kennecott railway route. The road is typically passable for most vehicles during the summer season, though some rental car companies restrict travel on it. We recommend confirming this with your rental provider before departure.
Luggage on
Bush Flights
If you plan to fly to McCarthy by charter aircraft, luggage space may be limited. Most bush planes allow soft-sided bags rather than hard suitcases. Your pilot or charter company will provide specific weight limits ahead of your flight.
Parking and
Final Access
Private vehicles do not cross the Kennicott River bridge into McCarthy. Parking is available at the end of McCarthy Road near the footbridge. From there, our team will arrange transportation to the lodge.
Services in McCarthy
McCarthy is a small and remote town. Basic services such as fuel, small restaurants, and a general store are available, but options are limited. Guests should plan accordingly before leaving larger towns along the route.
We Help Coordinate the Details
Our team is happy to assist with travel planning, including coordinating charter flights, suggesting driving routes, and arranging your final transfer once you arrive in the valley.
If you have questions while planning your trip, simply reach out. We are glad to help.
A Journey Worth Taking
This is not a place reached by accident.
The road narrows, the air is fresh, and the scale of the mountains begins to feel immense. By the time you arrive in the valley, it is clear that you have stepped into the deep wilds of Alaska.
Our team is happy to help plan your travel and coordinate the best way for you to arrive.
Reach out at any stage to begin planning your journey.