Things to do in McCarthy

1. Half-day guided hike to Root Glacier

Five to six hours, moderate 5-6 mile round trip hike — explore the Root Glacier with experienced guides in Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

2. Kennicott Glacial Lake and River Rafting Adventure

Four hours on the Kennicott River — float by a 25-mile glacier, jump from an iceberg, and tackle Class III whitewater rapids with expert instruction.

“An incredible experience! All the equipment was provided and well-planned. Ana was an excellent guide, very informed, and skillfully navigated us through the rapids. We enjoyed every moment!”— Dee545454

3. Kennecott Mill Town guided tour

Two-hour guided tour of Kennecott, exploring the 14-story Concentration Mill and historic buildings with a knowledgeable guide.

“If you’re visiting, you’ll definitely want to take a tour. These tours are operated by a private company, not the park service. Our guide, Josh, provided a thorough overview of the mine during the two-hour experience. The walk to the 14-story processing building is steep, and wearing a hard hat is essential due to the numerous cross members you could bump into. Be aware of tripping hazards as well. Access to this building and the leaching plant is only available through a guided tour. At $34 plus tip, it’s a great deal.”— Mark H

4. Half-day hike on Root Glacier from McCarthy

Four hours guided hike — explore the Root Glacier's unique features, including blue pools and crevasses, with breathtaking views of the Stairway Icefall.

“Jeremiah served as an excellent guide, sharing a wealth of local insights and ensuring we felt at ease during our hike. Since only 1 in 4 of us had experience with crampons, he took the time to ensure a proper fit and taught us how to use them. I would definitely recommend this experience.”— 745alliec

5. Inflatable kayak tour of Glacial Lake in Kennicott Valley

Two hours on Glacial Lake in an inflatable kayak — enjoy guided commentary and stunning views of the Kennicott Valley's scenery.

“We are grateful to Johnny at McCarthy River Outfitters for an outstanding experience from beginning to end. Our family truly enjoyed kayaking on Kennicott Glacier Lake and gained valuable insights about the McCarthy region. Johnny was professional, knowledgeable, attentive to safety, energetic, and a lot of fun during our four-hour adventure. We strongly recommend McCarthy River Outfitters and look forward to hearing when those t-shirts are available.”— KellyT1917