We booked a full day private glacier hike for our family of 4 (13 yo daughter and 10 yo son) and…read morethoroughly enjoyed our trip with Emelina. She is an all around incredible human with so many life experiences under her belt at a very young age. She knows glaciers! And we all got such an education from her. She was super patient with our kids (and their parents hahaha!) the entire (very long) day. She structured the day completely around our pace and our interests. The glacier is, of course, spectacularly beautiful and we got to see quite a bit of it. The hike in and out is also incredibly beautiful! We had an amazing time and would definitely recommend both KWG and Emelina!

Wendy was a good guide and we felt safe the entire time. We did the half day hike…read more However I would say the hike is not completely as advertised. The photo on their website shows a beautiful blue lake which we did not go to. You just go wherever the guides take you that day. Personally I felt like we were hardly even on the glacier for very long, we went maybe 200 yards on it, the rest is just a normal Alaska hike you can do anywhere. Honestly we could've just rented the crampons and done it ourselves.

Can't say enough good things about Wrangell Mountain Air…read more First, their customer service line were incredibly helpful during the booking process. The itinerary and instructions for flight day for thorough, which was crucial since we didn't have any reception in McCarthy. Our airbnb was luckily right next door, so there wasn't too much guesswork on where to go. There were no delays to our flightsee upon arrival to their headquarters. We were immediately shuttled to the airfield. Our pilot, David, was friendly and very straight forward in setting safety standards and expectations. Our flight was incredibly smooth, and David provided just the right amount of commentary. The views were breathtaking, and flying is really the only way to really experience Wrangell in all its entirety. I would fly again with Wrangell Mountain Air should I ever return to McCarthy.

Words cannot properly express how magnificent our experience was with Wrangell Mountain Air. We…read morebooked their Jewels of the Wrangells flightsee, which was a complete once-in-a-lifetime experience. We came toward the beginning of September and were worried about the weather because it hadn't been the greatest. But it was all meant to be because the weather cleared up enough for us to get a full tour of the Bagley Icefield and Icy Bay. While I'm normally a big talker, the beauty of it all was enough for me to just sit in silence and enjoy these incredible sights. Our pilot, David, was great. He gave us some information as we came upon each new area, answered all our questions, and then allowed us to just sit and enjoy it all. Our tour was definitely expensive and something we had planned in advance for. That being said, all two hours of it were worth every penny. With Wrangell St. Elias being the largest national park but so much of it being so remote, it was the perfect way to still experience the majesty of this park.

During my first ever visit to Alaska, I stayed here at incredible McCarthy Cabins for 3 evenings…read more It's not often I gush about accommodations and lodging from my travels...but I find it imperative to be writing this review because of how memorable my stay was. Yes...this is McCarthy Cabins and if you're looking to become one with nature out here in McCarthy, Alaska...then I can't recommend this place enough! Let me just back up a few steps... If anyone out there is a National Parks enthusiast and trying to explore all of the parks out there...then you'll have to come here to the McCarthy/Kennicott area and Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Btw, Wrangell St. Elias is actually the biggest NP in our system...lol, just a fun fact. So...Wrangell St. Elias is quite the primitive park. There are two ways of accessing it...either by the 60 mile gravel McCarthy Road (which most tourists don't mind driving) or by Alaskan Bush propeller plane with Wrangell Mountain Air. For those folks who are driving the dirt road...then here it is...McCarthy Cabins! You definitely should stay here! First off...these McCarthy Cabins...and there are only 3 exclusive cabins...are situated right off McCarthy Road and conveniently located just 4.4 miles from the only town in the area known as McCarthy/Kennicott. Each cabin is extremely private with tons of space, your own parking spot, an outdoor shower (lol, like living in the great outdoors), and a well-maintained outhouse. Basically, every morning you can wake up at your own accord and get yourself prepared for a terrific tour and or challenging hike at Wrangell St. Elias. Then...hop in your car for the 4.4 miles, park yourself at the footbridge of McCarthy/Kennicott and take the bus into town among the wondrous Wrangell surroundings. During my time here...I found it so easy and convenient being at McCarthy Cabins knowing I was so close to all the action while at the same time far enough away to feel immersed in nothing but the wilderness. Booking a reservation is simple. I initially put in a request a few months ahead of time to see about availability. The owner of McCarthy Cabins, Denise Jantz, is absolutely a pleasure to speak with! Denise made my stay and accommodations all that much better from her kindness and availability to her recommending all the terrific spots within Wrangell St. Elias to go about and explore. Denise responded to my request immediately. Done! I was booked for 3 evenings back in June over this 2021 summertime. It was $150 per night (which, btw, is the cheapest rate you'll find for lodging within this remote McCarthy/Kennicott area). I paid half up front and the remaining half a few weeks prior to my arrival. What was also amazing about Denise was her providing me with her telephone number in case I had an issue driving rugged McCarthy Road. When I did arrive at my cabin (called the Swift Creek Cabin), she stopped by to introduce herself and offered me any necessities or guidance I may have needed. Denise also has 2 lovely dogs that hang out with her if you're an animal lover (lol, like I am). They are very sweet and good natured. For my Swift Creek Cabin...it was terrific for myself traveling alone but was also ideal for 2 people. It had a great outdoor patio with a bench and rocking chair. A pleasant surprise was having a mosquito net right outside the door to avoid any bugs coming inside. Within my cabin...Denise provided a battery charging station for my electronics, clean drinkable water from the local creek nearby, a gas stove for cooking, a sink and countertop, a dresser draw for my hanging clothes, a dining table with 2 chairs, a lounge chair for relaxation and plenty of windows to look outside. This Swift Creek Cabin was perfect for me. All I can say is it reminded me of the true essence of rustic charm. And for me...I'm a sucker for wooden cabins set out in the heart of nature. Btw, coming in the near future...Denise stated she's currently constructing a glamping section right nearby McCarthy Cabins for those visitors interested in having a true elevated camping experience with a luxurious touch to it all. Inquire about that as well. I can't say enough good things about my time and experience here at McCarthy Cabins within Wrangell St. Elias NP. And...not only was Denise so accommodative and cordial to me, but I left McCarthy with a friend! For all the 1st timers out there needing to check off Wrangell St. Elias...I'm mentioning this hidden gem that is so deserving of much more recognition. Yes, McCarthy Cabins!

Great place to stay or have a meal if you are visiting Wrangell-St Elias national park. It's right…read morein the heart of the park with beautiful views so the trails are nearby. We had a very comfortable stay. Service and staff were excellent. Meals are delicious especially breakfast and lunch. There is only one time for dinner (7pm) with a fixed 3 course menu (salad, entree, and dessert) so it can be a hit or miss. The salads are always good though.

I had the opportunity to stay at Kennicott Glacier Lodge for two nights towards the end of June,…read more2019. The original plan was to camp in the National Park Service's dispersed camping area but when I came across a buy one night, get one night free for Kennicott Glacier Lodge in the Alaska Tour Saver book, I knew we would be living the luxurious life for a night or two during our five-week trip visiting the eight National Parks in Alaska. We arrived sweaty, dirty, stinky, and tired from a couple of nights in Kenai Fjords National Park and drove to McCarthy/Kennecott via the infamous McCarthy Road. It wasn't quite as bad as I originally thought it might be and despite all my research, I was still amazed the 60-mile dirt roads ends at the footbridge. My Dad and I ran over the bridge and caught the Kennicott Glacier Lodge shuttle to the hotel. We walked in smelly, dirty, stinky, and exhausted, made it up to our room, and felt oh so refreshed shortly thereafter thanks to the hot showers at the lodge. Do note that we were in an area that didn't have a toilet and/or shower in our actual room but we never had a problem using either. The lodge itself was honestly great. I loved all of the old décor and the old ads that were in all the bathrooms and common areas. I thought the place was excellently decorated and I loved all the common spaces. We attended the Ranger Program in the upstairs living room area one night and loved every second of it. My Dad and I ate breakfast both mornings (full buffet) and had one dinner (I believe it was halibut night). The breakfasts were great and the buffet was tasty. Dinners are reservation only and are served family style. If there's something you particularly enjoy, you'll have to fend off the strangers you're dining with to get more... Just sayin'. I'm so thankful for the shuttle service to and from the footbridge and for the great service we received at the lodge. I would definitely stay here again. Some people who are used to staying in National Park lodges and not living the tent life might have complaints but I was so grateful to have a comfortable mattress, pillow, electricity, and running water for a couple nights while staying in this awesome ghost town of Kennecott. Personally, my only complaint is that we couldn't take the shuttle more often (i.e., to check out McCarthy, etc.). All in all, great place with excellent views, good food, and even better service from staff from around the world!

I'm slightly hesitant to write a review for Ma Johnson's Hotel because I didn't actually stay at…read morethe hotel. I did, however, stop in to learn about the history and see the artifacts in the hotel lobby because Ma Johnson's is a historical hotel, a museum of sorts! The woman working at the reception desk was so enthusiastic to tell me about the history of McCarthy and the hotel. Ma Johnson's Hotel has since been restored as the town of McCarthy/Kennicott were once Ghost Towns. Stop in to learn more about the history, see the artifacts, and definitely stay a night or two if you can. I also learned the McCarthy Lodge and some of the other nearby restaurants are under the same ownership.

I've been to over 55 national parks and this is by far the worst. Seriously do NOT stay in McCarthy…read moreor Kennicot if you do not have to. I can only speak to the Lancaster Backpackers portion of the property because that's where I stayed. Our room was not serviced one time for 3 nights. The bathrooms were DISGUSTING. Only 2 bathrooms for 12 rooms so you could be sharing with 20-30 people potentially. Not to mention we figured out all the locals were using those toilets. We think they were burning trash right next door. It was so loud at night we hardly slept. It was over $600 for 3 nights. My mistake DON'T EVER stay here this long!! The worst part was we tried to leave early and our shuttle (KENNICOTT SHUTTLE) refused to let us leave so we were trapped in this weird dirty town. It was miserable.

A simple place, clean, well run and offering ensuite cabins and a great breakfast…read more You are on the edge of the largest National park in the US and basic things like hot water and flushing toilets are not that common. This place offers cabins with a self selection dining cabin that provides a great breakfast and also allows you to cook and most importantly make a decent cuppa tea! The cabins are cosy, spotlessly clean and quiet. and the rate was very reasonable.

This parking lot is right next to the Kennicott River Footbridge, easy for loading and unloading…read moreyour luggages from your car. $12 per day.

It's the rocky, gravely place at the end of the road…read more Parking is $5. Camping is $20. There are not many amenities (there is an outhouse with some hilarious/awesome things on the wall to read while you...do your thing), but the views are incredible. Bring your own water, food, etc. They do sell firewood here for $10 though. I love being about to walk 1/2 mile into town and I love being able to hear the rushing sound of the river. The attendants are always warm and friendly people too. If you have a low clearance vehicle, you need to be careful driving around on the right/south side of the camping areas, there are some mighty big rocks!

My first stay here was Labor Day weekend, 2016. I arrived with no reservation but was able to…read moresecure a campsite with a great view of the glacier. It didn't have a picnic table as they were taken by all of those with reservations. Side note, that site does have a picnic table as of today. This year, I made sure to make a reservation 2 weeks in advance and I was extremely pleased by the large, private site provided to us. Great customer service as always. This is McCarthy, which is very remote, so understandably there isn't any trash service and you have to take your trash back home you with. No big deal. Make sure to keep your trash and food secured in your vehicle as not to attract squirrels and bears. (Especially the squirrels, they are quick little buggers and jumped in my SUV while I was setting up camp.) There is only one outhouse for the whole campground at the entrance which is slightly inconvenient. This is no frills camping which is how camping should be. Each site has a fire ring and flat surface for a tent, most have a picnic table. It's only $15 a night which is cheap. A short, 10-15 minute walk to the footbridge. It's wooded and private, which is important to me. I want to feel like I'm camping by in the woods by myself, not exposed with strangers. I plan to return here every year.

We have been camping for 8 years and this was the worst RV campground we have been to. The two…read moreporta potties were filled and filthy. They messed up our reservation, not the friendliest staff, the grounds were mostly cobble stone. Most of the picnic tables were in bad shape. The view of the glacier is from the entry way, not at the campsites. One star is for the fire pits made out of the cobble stone.