The historic mining towns of McCarthy and Kennecott are very interesting places to visit in Alaska. These are the best things to do in McCarthy and Kennecott.
About McCarthy and Kennecott
Hidden deep in the heart of Alaska lies a special destination that will take you back in time: McCarthy and Kennecott. These two small settlements, surrounded by the rugged wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, offer a unique look at life in early Alaska.
McCarthy and Kennecott (also spelled Kennicott, after the nearby Kennicott Glacier) are two former mining villages located in eastern Alaska. Kennecott was founded in 1900 after large amounts of copper were discovered in the nearby mountains.
The village quickly grew into a thriving mining community with its own hospital, stores, and even a streetcar line. McCarthy, about eight kilometers away, served as the transportation hub and recreation center for the miners.
After the mines closed in 1938, both villages fell into disrepair. Many buildings were abandoned and at the mercy of the elements. But being so remote, they are incredibly well preserved. That’s why McCarthy and Kennecott are now a popular tourist destination where you can learn about Alaska’s unique history and pristine nature.
How to McCarthy and Kennecott?
The journey to McCarthy and Kennecott is an adventure in itself. To get to Kennecott, you must first travel to McCarthy.
The journey to McCarthy
The most common route to get to McCarthy is via the McCarthy Road, a dirt road of about 100 kilometers that begins in Chitina. You get to Chitina by taking the turnoff to Kenny Lake from the Richardson Highway and driving all the way down that road.
Up to Chitina the road is paved, but this changes immediately when you leave the village. Some stretches are fine, but occasionally there is a stretch that is like a washboard or there are many loose stones. It is therefore advisable not to drive faster than 35 miles per hour.
It is worth it, however, because the road itself is a sight to behold (more on that later). The McCarthy Road follows the old track of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway and winds through a spectacular landscape of high mountains, lakes, and rivers. Occasionally you catch a glimpse of the old railroad, of which only a few remnants now stand.
Tip: If you’re not comfortable (or aren’t allowed by the rental agency) to drive the McCarthy Road, some shuttles can take you to McCarthy. These start in Glennallen and stop frequently along the way, including in Chitina. Check this website for more information.
Shuttle from McCarthy to Kennecott
You’re in McCarthy! But then you have to go a little way to Kennecott. You can’t drive your (rental) car into McCarthy, so you have to park it in front of the river. This can be done at several places (for example, Base Camp Kennicott at the end of McCarthy Road) and costs about $12 per day.
At the end of McCarthy Road is a pedestrian bridge. Across the bridge, you’ll find a bus stop. From here you can take a shuttle bus to Kennecott (or even to McCarthy if you don’t feel like walking 15 minutes to the village).
There is a schedule at the bus stop, but there may be more than one bus going to Kennecott. Basically, there’s a shuttle about every 45 minutes to one hour. This service costs $5 and you can pay cash with the driver. The ride to Kennecott takes 15 to 20 minutes.
The best things to do in McCarthy & Kennecott
What to see and to do in McCarthy and Kennecott? These are the best things to do in McCarthy and Kennecott.
Explore the streets McCarthy
McCarthy is tiny and you can explore all the streets in an hour. On the main street you can still see several beautiful historic buildings that are great fun to look at (and also very photogenic). These buildings house several souvenir stores or cafes, so you can also take a look inside.
Among the buildings you can occasionally see remnants of the old days that have not been renovated, such as old cars that clearly will never drive again. Extraordinary remnants of a bygone past.
Explore historic Kennecott
While you’re in McCarthy, of course, you have to check out the historic Kennecott Mines. You’re in the large Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and therefore it has a National Park Service visitor center. Here you can get information about the mines and the town, and several hiking trails in the area. You can even buy some souvenirs, and get a stamp for your National Park passport.
Good to know: the visitor center is open from Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) through Labor Day (the first Monday in September). Find more information here.
In Kennecott itself, several buildings have been restored where you can take a look. One of the largest is the old general store, here you can also watch films about former life in the mining town. Also nice to see are the small train station, a house of one of the workers and the superintendent’s house.
Good to know: the largest and most striking structure in the town is the 14-story Concentration Mill. You can visit it only with a guided tour. Book your tour here.
Explore the surroundings on a hike
There are several scenic hiking trails in the Kennecott area, from short, relatively easy hikes to tough hikes with a substantial climb. There are three trails to various mines in the mountains:
- Erie Mine Trail – 8 mile round-trip hike, difficulty level: easy to moderate
- Bonanza Mine Trail – 9 mile round-trip hike, difficulty: strenuous
- Jumbo Mine Trail – 10 mile round-trip hike, difficulty: strenuous (even harder than the Bonanza Mine Trail)
In addition, you can walk Old Wagon Road (4.5 miles one way, difficulty level: easy to moderate) between McCarthy and Kennecott or hike from Kennecott to the Root Glacier.
Check out this page for more information about the hiking trails at McCarthy and Kennecott.
Take a hike on the Root Glacier
I would like to mention the hike to the Root Glacier separately on this list with best things to do in McCarthy because for me this was one of the highlights of my visit to McCarthy and Kennecott.
From Kennecott, it is a relatively short (3 mile round trip) hike to the base of Root Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. If you dare, you can also hike up the glacier and walk around for a bit. It is smart to bring some microspikes for better grip.
Would like to go for a hike on the glacier? You can also book a special tour and go with an experienced guide. Book your Root Glacier hiking tour here.
Visit the McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum
If you want to learn even more about the history of the area, you can also visit the McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum in McCarthy. This is housed in the old station building. It is small, but very interesting. Through stories and historical objects, you will learn about the former inhabitants, the development of mining and nature.
The museum is free to visit, but a donation is greatly appreciated.
Have lunch or dinner at The Potato
There are a handful of restaurants to be found in McCarthy, but you can get the tastiest food at The Potato. The menu is not too extensive, but there are also some vegetarian dishes on it. Very tasty and there is always a good atmosphere. The curly fries with rosemary and garlic are really delicious.
Take a sightseeing flight
Want to see more of the national park? You can book a sightseeing flight over Wrangell-St. Elias National Park which departs from the tiny airport in McCarthy. This way you will see most of the park and its various glaciers. You can choose from several routes, ranging in length from 50 to 120 minutes. Check the Wrangell Mountain Air website for options.
Go kayaking on a glacial lake
Want to see the impressive Kennicott Glacier up close? Book a kayak tour and make your way to Kennicott Glacier Lake among the impressive icebergs. The tour takes about four hours and includes a drysuit, helmet, inflatable kayak, and water shoes.
Sights along the McCarthy Road
While driving to McCarthy, you can also spot several interesting sights on McCarthy Road. These are several great places to check out while making your way to McCarthy.
- Copper River – The McCarthy Road roughly follows this river. Regularly you will have beautiful views of the fast flowing water.
- Kuskulana River and bridge – One of the most beautiful and impressive bridges on the road.
- Gilahina River & Gilahina Trestle Wayside – Here the remnants of the old railroad can be seen very well.
- Long Lake – The longest lake along the road.
- Kennicott Glacier – The impressive glacier from which Kennecott takes its name is easily visible on the north side of the road.
Check this page for a list of sights per mile.
Practical information
By now you’ve learned more about McCarthy and Kennecott and what to see and do. Before I finish the article, I want to share some practical tips with you.
- The tourist season usually runs from late May to early September. Outside this period, many facilities are closed.
- Bring plenty of cash, as there are no banks or ATMs in McCarthy and Kennicott. You can pay by credit card in some places, however.
- Keep in mind weather conditions can change quickly. Bring warm clothes and rain gear, even in summer.
- Respect fragile natural and historic structures. Adhere to the “Leave No Trace” principles.
- There are no trash cans in McCarthy and Kennecott, so bring your own trash bag. This is because of the remote location, trash pickup takes a minimum of three hours (one way).
- Bears live in the area. Therefore, always make noise when you are hiking so that bears know you are there and can get away from you. Should you see a bear unexpectedly, stay calm and keep your distance.
- In the summer months, you have an awful lot of mosquitoes here. Therefore, dress well, wear a head net if necessary and use (lots of) mosquito spray.
Visiting McCarthy and Kennicott is like a trip back in time, to a time of pioneers, mining, and untouched wilderness. It is a unique opportunity to experience old Alaska while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. As far as I’m concerned, this special place is a must-see during a tour of Alaska!
Where to stay in McCarthy
It is virtually impossible to make a day trip to McCarthy and Kennecott from big cities like Fairbanks or Anchorage, so it is wise to stay one or more nights in McCarthy or Chitina at the beginning of the McCarthy Road. These are a few good places to stay:
- Base Camp Kennicott – Wild camping is not allowed at McCarthy, so if you come by RV or bus, this is the best place to camp. It’s pricey ($35 a night) and very primitive (no running water, only pit toilets), but the views of the river, glacier, and surrounding mountains are phenomenal.
- Blackburn Cabins (McCarthy) – An accommodation consisting of several cottages in nature, within walking distance of McCarthy. There is a free shuttle service.
- Hotel Chitina – This is one of the few historic buildings still standing on Chitina’s Main Street. A nostalgic place to spend the night.
Most accommodations cannot be booked through well-known booking platforms. Therefore, it is wise to look at Google Maps for the possibilities.
Book a trip to Alaska
Want to see McCarthy and Kennecott with your own eyes? Book your trip to Alaska now!
✈️ Plane tickets – Anchorage is home to the largest airport in Alaska. Check WayAway to find the best deals and cashback on plane tickets.
🚘 Rental car – To explore Alaska, having a rental car is a must. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals. Make sure to book early, as cars tend to sell out (and get really expensive).
🛏️ Accommodation – If you’re not camping in Alaska, there are still plenty of hotels, guesthouses, or other accommodations to choose from. Book your accommodations early, as the options are limited. Check out Booking.com for the largest selection.
💊Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🚣🏼♀️Tours & Activities – Alaska is a paradise for outdoor lovers, and there are many unique tours and activities to do, including glacier flights and whale-watching cruises. Check out Get Your Guide for inspiration.
Read more about Alaska
Want to read more about Alaska as a vacation destination? Then order one of these travel guides.
In addition, you can read more about Alaska on this website soon. Besides Alaska, I also visited many other beautiful places in the United States. Check out these articles as well.
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