Wrangell-St Elias National Park

This very large wilderness area comprises the Wrangell and St Elias Ranges. We visit the NP visitors centre for a quick stop. This is America's largest national park.

The Wrangells are still active volcanoes but have been eroded by the numerous glaciers around them.

The St Elias Range is still growing as the Pacific Plate pushes up the North Atlantic Plate along the tectonic plate line. This range is very high and jagged with many active glaciers.

The mountains are surrounded by a huge glacial flood plain. The Copper River winds its way through the sparse, stunted forest and swampland. We pick up a picnic lunch at Glennallen and eat it overlooking the Copper River.

The national park is a true wilderness with no road through it; only 2 highways going around it. The extreme weather conditions are difficult for both wildlife and the few people who live in this area. There are mostly hunting and fishing cabins with no running water or power. Being summer, there is lots of work on the roads and we are held up lots.Read more