Discover Alaska's Largest National Park

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a land of superlatives. As the largest national park in the U.S. by area, it spans a staggering 13.2 million acres, an expanse larger than the state of Connecticut. This vast wilderness is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife in North America.

Wrangell-St. Elias is a park of extremes. It boasts nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States, including the second highest, Mount Bona, which towers at 15,325 feet. The park's glaciers, numbering over 150, cover approximately 3,000 square miles, making it the most heavily glaciated area outside of Antarctica and Greenland. The Chitina River, one of the park's major waterways, is known for its incredible salmon runs, attracting bears and other wildlife in droves.

Geological Marvels

Wrangell-St. Elias is a geologist's dream, with a rich history of volcanic activity. The Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, and the park is home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Wrangell and Mount Drum. The park's diverse geological features also include hot springs, lava flows, and even a caldera, a large volcanic crater formed by a collapsed volcano.

The park's landscapes are a testament to the power of ice and fire. The jagged peaks and deep valleys were sculpted by glaciers over millennia, while volcanic activity has shaped the terrain in more dramatic and sudden ways. The result is a park that is both majestic and dynamic, with new landscapes being created even today.

Volcanic Wonders

Wrangell-St. Elias is home to some of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world. Mount Wrangell, the most active volcano in the park, last erupted in 1982, and its summit crater is often shrouded in steam. Mount Drum, another active volcano, is the third highest peak in the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can explore the remnants of ancient volcanic activity throughout the park. The Nabesna Glacier, for instance, was formed by the collapse of a volcanic dome, and the park's lava flows offer a unique opportunity to walk on solidified molten rock.

Glacial Giants

Wrangell-St. Elias is home to some of the largest glaciers in North America. The Malaspina Glacier, the largest glacier in the park, covers an area of approximately 1,500 square miles and is visible from space. The Nabesna Glacier, another impressive ice giant, is one of the few glaciers in the world that is advancing rather than retreating.

Visitors can explore the park's glaciers on foot, by kayak, or even by plane. The park offers several guided tours that take visitors onto the ice and into the heart of the glaciers, providing a unique perspective on these ancient and ever-changing landscapes.

Wildlife Wonders

Wrangell-St. Elias is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from the smallest plants and insects to the largest mammals on Earth. The park's vast and varied habitats support a wide range of species, including several that are rare or endangered elsewhere in the world.

The park is home to several species of bears, including grizzlies, black bears, and even the rare and elusive polar bear. Moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and mountain goats are also common sights in the park, as are wolves, lynx, and wolverines. The park's rivers and lakes are home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, and Arctic grayling.

Bear Country

Wrangell-St. Elias is one of the best places in the world to see bears in the wild. The park's abundant salmon runs attract bears from miles around, and visitors can often see these magnificent creatures fishing, foraging, or even swimming in the rivers.

The park is home to several bear viewing platforms and trails, where visitors can safely observe these powerful predators in their natural habitat. The park's rangers offer regular bear safety briefings and guided tours, ensuring that visitors can enjoy these incredible encounters responsibly and safely.

Birdwatcher's Paradise

Wrangell-St. Elias is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park. The park's diverse habitats, from alpine tundra to coastal wetlands, support a wide range of species, including several that are rare or endangered elsewhere in the world.

The park is home to several species of raptors, including golden eagles, bald eagles, and goshawks. The park's rivers and lakes are home to a variety of waterbirds, including loons, grebes, and ducks. The park's coastal areas are home to several species of seabirds, including puffins, murres, and cormorants.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a place of unparalleled beauty and diversity, a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of life. Whether you're a hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the great outdoors, there's something in this vast and wondrous park to inspire and amaze you. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure. The largest national park in Alaska is waiting to reveal its secrets.