McCarthy

Travel Guide

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve featuring a small town or village and signage
McCarthy which includes signage
McCarthy
McCarthy
McCarthy which includes signage

Stroll down the dirt road of wrecked wooden buildings that remain from a gold rush town in a glacial valley.

McCarthy is a sleepy village with old-world structures and historic relics relating to the former mining industry. Adjacent to the Kennecott Copper Company, the town thrived in the early 1900s, when the metal was mined and transported to the coast. Relish the spectacular views of forests and mountains in the glacier-carved valley in which the town lies.

Get a feel for the town as you walk past its old buildings. Note how the structures seem like relics from a bygone era the village has hardly changed since the early 1900s. Imagine the site bustling with busy families and workers nearly 100 years ago.

Hear about the town’s infamous shooting in 1983, when a 39-year-old murdered six of the 22 residents. It featured on the Discovery show Alaska Ice Cold Killers. In present day, around 30 people live in McCarthy.

Visit the neighboring town of Kennicott, which is known for its fascinating mining building that is built onto a hill. Climb up and down the 14 stories of the large red structure to see the former offices and halls of the Kennecott Copper Company.

The towns lie in a picturesque region of snow-capped mountains and vast glacial valleys. Hike through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and PreserveOpens in a new window, the largest of its kind in the United States. Capture photos of Mount St. Elias, which is the second-highest point in the country.

Head to the northern part of the park for the impressive Nabesna Glacier, which is the longest in North America. Tana Glacier is to the south of McCarthy and is flanked by rocky columns.

McCarthy is in the southeastern region of Alaska, close to the Canadian border. Travel west for 300 miles (480 kilometers) to get to Anchorage and the glacial parks of the Kenai PeninsulaOpens in a new window. Driving is not permitted in the town, so it is best to get a short flight from Anchorage.

The town of McCarthy offers a glimpse into the gold rush amid spectacular views of the largest national park in the U.S.

Ma Johnson's Hotel

Ma Johnson's Hotel

2.5 out of 5
101 Kennicott Avenue, Chitina, AK
The price is CA $444 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
CA $444
CA $444 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chitina. Enjoy free breakfast, 3 restaurants, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum and McCarthy ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
"Amazing experience in McCarthy! The front desk staff were super friendly and talkative."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

Ma Johnson's Hotel
Tents at the  headwaters of the Kennicott River in marvelous McCarthy with WiFi

Tents at the headwaters of the Kennicott River in marvelous McCarthy with WiFi

McCarthy
The price is CA $165 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
CA $165
CA $192 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Chitina. Popular attractions McCarthy Footbridge and McCarthy Road Information Station are located nearby.
Summer 25 Trip
"The host (Michael) was very knowledgeable of the area and helpful in getting us what we needed."

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Tents at the headwaters of the Kennicott River in marvelous McCarthy with WiFi
Blackburn Cabins

Blackburn Cabins

1 out of 5
Mile 1 Kennicott Wagon Road, McCarthy, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Chitina, AK
Stay at this cabin in Chitina. Enjoy a picnic area, memory foam beds, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
"It was a very nice, cozy stay with awesome staff."

Reviewed on Aug. 6, 2025

Blackburn Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tents at the  headwaters of the Kennicott River in marvelous McCarthy with WiFi

Tents at the headwaters of the Kennicott River in marvelous McCarthy with WiFi

McCarthy
Stay at this vacation home in Chitina. Popular attractions McCarthy Footbridge and McCarthy Road Information Station are located nearby.
Summer 25 Trip
"The host (Michael) was very knowledgeable of the area and helpful in getting us what we needed."

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Tents at the headwaters of the Kennicott River in marvelous McCarthy with WiFi
Blackburn Cabins

Blackburn Cabins

1 out of 5
Mile 1 Kennicott Wagon Road, McCarthy, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Chitina, AK
Stay at this cabin in Chitina. Enjoy a picnic area, memory foam beds, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
"It was a very nice, cozy stay with awesome staff."

Reviewed on Aug. 6, 2025

Blackburn Cabins
Fireweed Mountain Lodge - Bonzana Cabin

Fireweed Mountain Lodge - Bonzana Cabin

McCarthy
Stay at this cabin in Chitina. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions McCarthy Road Information Station and McCarthy Footbridge ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
Great Cabins
"The cabins were great, clean and well maintained. The hosts were always available, kind, and accommodating. Close to the foot bridge and easy to find using the directions the host provides (Google gets you to the mile marker, not the cabin). Print or download directions. We had a great stay! Would ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 1, 2025

Fireweed Mountain Lodge - Bonzana Cabin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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