Spanning over 13 million acres in southeastern Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States and a stunning showcase of untamed wilderness. It encompasses a vast array of landscapes, including towering mountain ranges, immense glaciers, and expansive boreal forests. The park is home to some of North America's tallest peaks, including Mount St. Elias, which rises to an astonishing 18,008 feet. Here, the monumental scale of the Alaskan wilderness is on full display, offering an unparalleled experience of solitude and grandeur.
Visitors to the park are treated to a range of dramatic vistas. The park's enormous glaciers are among its most compelling attractions, with the Bagley Icefield being one of the largest subpolar icefields in the world. The Malaspina Glacier, spilling out onto the coastal plain, is larger than the state of Rhode Island and offers a stunning contrast to the surrounding forested areas.
The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering are popular activities, with trails and routes ranging from relatively easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. The park also offers excellent opportunities for river rafting and kayaking, allowing visitors to explore its landscapes from a different vantage point. The Copper and Kennicott Rivers are popular waterways, providing a blend of tranquil passages and adrenaline-pumping rapids.
Wrangell-St. Elias is also rich in wildlife. The park is home to species such as brown bears, Dall sheep, moose, and caribou. Its diverse habitats also support an array of bird species, including eagles, gyrfalcons, and various waterfowl, making it a compelling destination for birdwatchers.
For those interested in the cultural history of the region, the park contains several historic sites, including the abandoned Kennecott Copper Mines, which offer a glimpse into the area's mining past. The indigenous Ahtna people have also lived in the region for centuries, and the park is a significant cultural landscape for them.
In summary, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a realm of superlatives. It offers an awe-inspiring look at some of the most massive and rugged landscapes on Earth. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer looking to conquer new peaks, a wildlife enthusiast hoping to spot a brown bear in its natural habitat, or simply someone who wants to stand in awe of nature's grandeur, this park offers an experience that is as vast and varied as the wilderness it protects. It's an epic, untamed corner of the world where the wild spirit of Alaska is palpably felt.
How Geeky Planet works:
Experience your new adventure
Fact 1
Fact 2
Fact 3