Things to Do in McCarthy Alaska That Make the Drive Worth It
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Looking for the best things to do in McCarthy, Alaska? I’m thrilled for you, because this gritty, off-grid town at the end of the road is one of the most unforgettable places in the state.
McCarthy sits at the end of a 60-mile gravel road in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. This special place has wild beauty, deep history, and a fiercely independent spirit you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re wondering whether the long gravel road is worth it, it is! And yes, McCarthy can absolutely be done with kids. We’ve brought ours here at every age, from baby to teenager.
My first visit to McCarthy and Kennicott was in September 2006. We parked across the river near the old tram station, crossed the footbridge in the dark with bikes loaded down with gear, and two small black bears welcomed us as they loped into the woods. That trip sealed it for me.
Twenty years later, after countless visits and eventually building a cabin here, I know this place intimately. We visit seasonally. We haul water. We cross that bridge with groceries. We hike and explore the backcountry with our kids.
This guide is built from lived experience, not a weekend trip. Here are the best things to do in McCarthy and Kennicott, plus practical tips to help you plan your visit.
Quick Guide for McCarthy, Alaska
🚗 Getting there: 60-mile gravel road from Chitina (or fly in)
⏰ How long: 3 days (2 nights) minimum
📅 Best time to visit: June-September
✔️ McCarthy is walk-and-shuttle only: you park at the footbridge, then walk into town and use shuttles/your own bikes/feet from there.
✔️ Book first: Accommodations, flightseeing tours, and guided glacier hikes fill up quickly. Reserve those as soon as you solidify your dates.
✔️ Cell service and WiFi: It’s much better than it used to be! Cell service exists in town, but it can still be spotty depending on the provider.
✔️ Pack: Layers every day. A rain shell. Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes. Trekking poles for steep hikes. Bear spray. A bug spray + net in June/July.
If you only have time for 3 things in McCarthy, do these:
- Flightseeing over Wrangell–St. Elias (best “wow” factor and helps you understand the scale)
- Hike the Root Glacier (most iconic hands-on experience)
- Explore Kennecott (historic mill town, exhibits, and unreal views)
What Makes McCarthy Special
McCarthy is not a polished Alaska destination. It is truly in the wild. If you embrace that, you will love it.
At 13.2 million acres, this is the largest national park in the United States and is home to some of the tallest mountains in North America, including Mt. St. Elias, which stands at 18,008 feet
This town exists because of the Kennecott copper mine, which boomed in the early 1900s and shut down in 1938. What remains is a mix of preserved history, dramatic wilderness, and a small but tight-knit community that chooses to live here.
McCarthy is the land of the free, and locals treasure their slice of paradise. Please remember to be respectful of the privacy of the residents who call McCarthy their home. Dogs roam free. It is a husky’s best life here!
Most of the McCarthy and Kennicott townsites, as well as the surrounding land, are privately owned. A variety of residents live in the area, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal residents, including my family.
Best Things To Do In McCarthy, Alaska
I created this guide to help you skip the confusion and experience what makes McCarthy truly unforgettable.
1. Flightseeing
Good for: First-timers, photographers, quick trips. Time: 1–2 hours
Experiencing flightseeing in McCarthy is over-the-top magnificent. It is also the only way to truly grasp the scale of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.
If you can swing one splurge in McCarthy, make it flightseeing.
I’ve enjoyed a handful of flightseeing tours and two fly-in backcountry camping trips from McCarthy.
On my first backcountry trip, I traveled to Iceberg Lake on our fly-in trip chartered by Wrangell Mountain Air. My most recent trip took place in August 2024. We were flown to Fan Glacier for a 4-night basecamping trip with our two kids.
My favorite view when flightseeing in this area is over the Nizina River, where the huge chunks of ice create a beautiful white and gray mosaic in the water that looks unreal…ask about taking this route when you fly. It’s worthwhile.
The pilots give everyone a headset, and you can enjoy conversing with them! You’ll learn so much more about the area than you expected.
✔️ Flightseeing options include anything from a 50-minute to a 120-minute flightseeing tour over the most beautiful scenery you have ever experienced. I highly recommend a longer flight because 50 minutes goes by really fast up in the air!
✔️ If you are short on time, Wrangell Mountain Air also offers day trips from Chitina! The flights from Chitina are only 30 minutes to McCarthy, and this allows travelers to skip driving the McCarthy Road and jump right into the grandeur of flightseeing!
2. Walk to the Toe of the Kennicott Glacier Lake
Good for: Folks who love a good walk, scenery lovers, photographers, independent explorers, and travelers who want a glacier experience without committing to hiking on the ice. Time: 2-2.5 hours.
No matter how many times I make the trek to the toe of the glacier, I think to myself, “This is one of my favorite places on earth!” As the glacier recedes, this lake is fed with water and ice.
How to Get There: Walk from McCarthy toward Kennicott. Access the Wagon Road via signs on your left. After about 3/4 miles on the Wagon Road, the hiking trail will fork. Turn left to travel on a trail towards the face, or “toe” of the Kennicott Glacier.
Once out there, try to stay on already utilized foot and 4-wheeler trails. It is important to avoid stepping on dryas plants, the delicate vegetation that is abundant here. They have a root system that is very easily destroyed when stepped on.
Please pick up after yourselves and leave this area pristine!
3. Explore the Kennecott Mill Town
Good for: first-timers who want the classic Kennecott experience, history lovers, photographers, families, and anyone who wants an easy “big payoff” outing without committing to a hard hike. Time: 2+ hours
I enjoyed Kennecott for the first time one late September. It was a bright, crisp, sunny day, unbelievably beautiful, and then it started lightly snowing, making my first vision of the mill town nothing short of magical.
The story of Kennecott Mine is a fascinating one that ends with the very last train leaving the town on November 10, 1938, leaving it a ghost town. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Today, most of these buildings have been restored and are part of a National Historic Landmark District around the former mill site.
You can walk around and enter many of the buildings that house interpretive exhibits on the history of mining operations at Kennecott. Our family has enjoyed the improvements, displays, and films that delve into the area’s rich history.
Shuttles run for FREE via the Copper Town Shuttle that departs the McCarthy Town Store every hour on the half-hour (8:30am, 9:30am, etc). Returning to McCarthy from Kennecott, the shuttle services run every hour on the hour (9am, 10am, etc).
If the doors are open, step inside and enjoy the special exhibits the National Park Service has been making available to the public. Lots of incredible historical information is available throughout on large boards and signs.
Even though Kennecott seems quiet, there are many private homes and cabins in town and scattered on the steep hillsides. So, once again, be mindful of the locals and their privacy.
4. Tour the Kennecott Mill Building
Good for: history nerds, curious kids/teens, people who like guided tours. Time: 2 hours plus check-in and shuttle
This 2-hour Historic Mill Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Kennecott! It will be a hit with your family. I finally took my kids on the tour for their first time in August 2024, and they LOVED it!
The tour provides an up-close look at the mill building, which was used to process copper ore from the mines. The local guides are very knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have. They share a lot of interesting stories, too!
The tours are offered to the public through St. Elias Alpine Guides. Keep in mind there are steep climbs, steep ladders, lots of walking, and uneven ground and flooring.
5. Hike the Root Glacier
Good for: outdoorsy travelers, bucket-list people, hikers, adventurous families, anyone who wants the “I can’t believe this is real” moment.
Time: 2-8 hours, depending on how far you go!
A trip to McCarthy is not complete for me without a hike on the Root Glacier! Exploring on the ice in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a personal highlight of my visits each year.
This glacier, a part of the park’s expansive 5,000 square miles of ice, offers gorgeous, surreal landscapes and mesmerizing blue pools.
But before you jump all in on this hike, it is important to note that there are different levels of how you can immerse yourself into this experience based on age, skill, and what gear you have.
Pro-Tip: Book a glacier tour with experienced local guides, outfitted with a pair of crampons, where you can explore blue pools, moulins, and crevasses!
Regular hiking shoes will get you onto a good portion of the glacier, but if you plan to continue further, crampons are the only way to be able to get around easily and safely. Once the ice gets slick, stop and turn around if you are in basic hiking shoes.
How to Get to the Root Glacier
From McCarthy, take the shuttle up to Kennecott. You will land at the visitor’s center. Start walking north up the road, through Kennecott, and about a half-mile beyond the visitor center, you will reach a split in the road. Go straight.
The trail is basic, mostly wooded, and you will pass over creeks as you make your way to where the view really gets exciting.
The turnoff to the toe of the Root Glacier is about 15 minutes past Bonanza Creek, just past Jumbo Creek, and clearly marked “Glacier Access.” This is it!
The trail splits here, with one going left to the Root Glacier and the other going straight to Erie Mine and a public toilet. As you descend toward the glacier, you will cross onto the glacial moraines.
There is a great primitive base campsite nearby (Jumbo Creek Campsite) with camping food storage boxes to store items (like coffee or delicious cheese) away from bears.
Water is available from nearby streams. This is a great spot for base camping if interested. Eventually, you will reach the ice, and you can explore in every direction from here!
🤩 Check rates + availability for Half Day Root Glacier Hike now!
Always avoid the crevasses and edges of the glacier! A moulin is a shaft that forms in glaciers in areas where there is a lot of liquid water.
The water erodes the ice, widening the cracks and forming a shaft. The moulin can be several meters deep and is usually cylindrical in shape. Be careful!
6. Day Hike to Bonanza Mine
If you are someone who regularly hikes and is in relatively decent shape, DON’T MISS this hike! It’s epic, and it’s one of my favorite hikes in Kennecott.
It’s a memorable, relentless climb up to Bonanza Mine with an out-of-this-world reward at the top! You’ll want to set aside a good portion of the day for the hike so that you have time to enjoy the summit.
This is an arduous 9-mile hike with a 3,972-foot elevation gain from Kennecott. Follow the switchbacks up and up as you gain access to the above treeline expansive views.
Another excellent option is to hike up to Jumbo Mine! Both are incredibly intense hikes. Please check in at the Kennecott Visitor Center before departing on this hike. They will thank you!
Besides the stunning views you gain from climbing up, it is always amazing to see all of the relics left from years ago, like the abandoned structures and rusting tools. It’s a unique historical landscape that you won’t find elsewhere.
PRO TIP: Carry bear spray on the outside of your pack when hiking! You will likely come across fresh bear scat (like we do every time), and the possibility of crossing paths with a bear is there. Learn how to use your bear spray properly BEFORE you go adventuring.
Pack hiking food and remember to bring plenty of water.
Trekking poles are VERY useful and strongly recommended on this hike, at least for anyone ages 12 and up. I REALLY wish I had them the first time I went! The way back down for me felt a bit treacherous at the extremely steep parts with loose scree.
7. Visit the McCarthy Museum
Wandering down the road away from the heart of McCarthy and toward the Kennecott Road will bring you to the must-see McCarthy Museum.
The McCarthy Museum provides a fascinating collection of artifacts from the 1800s to the present. It is housed in the former Copper River & Northwestern Railroad depot building, which has a big railcar outside.
The treasures in the collection leave something to be discovered on every visit. I always visit my favorite artifact, the small letterpress (I am a printmaker)!
There are photographs, papers, books, home goods, a mining diorama, and more. There are also items for purchase available.
Take time to head to the Caboose car to view what’s inside this second gallery space. The hours vary at the museum, so be sure to check before planning a visit.
8. Visit the Wrangell Mountain Center
The Wrangell Mountain Center’s mission is to connect people with this area through art, science, and education. It’s a great place to stop by for a visit.
WMC is housed in the Old Hardware Store (built in 1911), which is on the National Register of Historic Places and was converted into an education center supporting the arts in the 1980s.
They have a variety of courses, such as writing and sketching workshops, community events and lectures, and an artist residency each summer.
WMC also hosts Word Jams one night a week (usually Sundays) at 6pm – an open mic sharing space for poetry, skits, and music.
Stop in to say hello and check out the space and the current activities at this small, off-the-grid, sustainable organization. If you’re lucky, they may have an art exhibition on display for you to enjoy!
9. Rafting on the Kennicott River
A trip down the Kennicott River is not for the faint of heart, but it is an unforgettable experience! The river runs through a stunning valley of glaciers and mountains.
If interested in rafting, book a River Raft tour with McCarthy River Tours. You’ll get to experience floating on the river alongside a 25-mile glacier.
The Kennicott River is fed by glacial runoff from the nearby mountains. As a result, the water is extremely cold. Your guides will outfit you with neoprene rafting gear and personal flotation devices.
🤩 Looking for a more mellow paddle?
Check rates and availability for this Kennicott Glacial Lake & River Raft tour!
10. Ice Climbing
I haven’t tried ice climbing here yet, but Root Glacier is one of the most accessible places to try it with a guide. If this is on your bucket list, book with experienced local guides and treat it as a technical activity, not a casual add-on.
Adventures in ice climbing can be booked with either St. Elias Alpine Guides or Kennicott Wilderness Guides. All ice-climbing clients will learn basic crampon and ice-ax techniques.
11. Visit the Historic McCarthy, AK Cemetery
A leisurely walk on the wagon road trail to this cemetery will add an interesting bit of history to your visit. It’s just a 5-minute walk up the road from the museum.
At the risk of sharing too much and leaving a little element of surprise, I am not sharing photos of what is in the cemetery. It’s worth a visit, I promise!
The headstones are so fun to read, so make sure to leave time for this. We love to visit with our kids and try to think of what life was like back then in this unique place.
Bonus Idea: Schedule a Bucket List Mountaineering Trip
If you have time to add a multi-day adventure to your travels, consider scheduling a mountaineering trip while you visit.
If you are new to this sport, you can book an introduction to Alaska mountaineering course with SEAG. There is an incredible opportunity to learn to climb in one of the most spectacular settings.
St. Elias Alpine Guides has provided Alaska mountaineering trips and courses in Wrangell St. Elias National Park since 1978! The climbing trip options abound here.
Your 3-Day McCarthy Itinerary
Most travelers spend a full day driving from Anchorage or Fairbanks, leaving early in the morning, so this itinerary assumes you arrive in McCarthy in the afternoon on Day 1.
💡 If you prefer to break up the drive, staying overnight at the Copper River Princess in Copper Center, makes the final stretch into McCarthy much more relaxed the next morning. We’ve done this many times with our kids and it makes arrival day far more enjoyable.
Day 1: Arrive and Settle In
Morning/Afternoon: Drive the McCarthy Road. Park at Base Camp Kennicott, and walk across the footbridge into town.
Arrive: Check into your lodging and walk around McCarthy. Grab lunch and get an ice cream or a baked good from the McCarthy Center Store & Café. Visit the McCarthy Museum if it is open. Walk 5 min up the road to the historic cemetery.
Evening: Dinner at The Potato is the perfect first-night introduction to town. This is THE local hangout, so settle in and enjoy the vibe.
Day 2: Kennecott and Root Glacier
8:00-8:30am: Arrange a pick up with St. Elias Alpine Guides if taking a glacier tour with them, or catch the free Copper Town Shuttle from the McCarthy Center Store & Café to Kennecott (departs on the half-hour)
9:00am-2:00pm: Hike out to the Root Glacier. If you are new to glacier travel, book a Half-Day Root Glacier Hike with St. Elias Alpine Guides.
Afternoon:
- Take the 2-hour Kennecott Mill Tour (last tour is usually at 3:30pm)
- OR explore Kennecott on your own! Walk through the historic buildings and check out the interpretive exhibits.
Evening: Enjoy a reservation for dinner at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge at 7pm or shuttle back to McCarthy for dinner at the Golden Saloon. Thursday nights feature open mic!
Day 3: Flightseeing and Departure
Morning: Flightseeing with Wrangell Mountain Air if weather allows. Book the 70-minute tour at a minimum (50 minutes goes TOO fast). Ask your pilot to fly over the Nizina River! The ice chunks create an unreal mosaic in the water.
Late Morning: Walk to the Toe of the Kennicott Glacier Lake. It’s one of my favorite spots. Allow 1-2 hours for this adventure.
Lunch: Late lunch at The Potato, because you can’t only eat here once!
If you have time, stay another night. Most people wish they had.
💡 Have more than 3 days?
Add a hike to Bonanza Mine, rafting, or ice climbing!
Dining in McCarthy, Alaska
Psst…check out my guide to Dining in McCarthy Alaska where I go into all the juicy details about each restaurant.
McCarthy is a great town with truly amazing dining options! As a foodie, this is how I survive here for a month at a time.
We often get out to meals here when visiting, enjoying the social scene and the epic food. Below are a few favorite spots.
The Potato
This is McCarthy’s must-visit spot for seriously good food. At The Potato, exceptional eats meet creative flair thanks to owners Rebecca Bard, Malcolm Vance, and chef Ian Gyori.
It is a foodie’s paradise and my personal favorite in town. They have exciting daily specials and classics like the rosemary garlic fries or fully loaded Spudniks Supreme. Everything hits the spot in a BIG way after a day of adventuring.
I often go for the Miso Salad, which is made with local greens, crispy shallots, soft-boiled eggs, and the best miso dressing I’ve ever had. Trust me, you’ll want to eat here more than once.
The Meatza Wagon
The Meatza Wagon is Kennicott’s beloved glacier-side food truck…and yes, the views are just as incredible as the food. It’s our go-to after long days of hiking when we’re absolutely ravenous.
The salmon BLT, steak souvlaki bowl, and carnitas tacos are all standouts, but truly, you can’t go wrong. Grab a plate, take a seat, and soak in the wild beauty around you.
The Golden Saloon
The Golden Saloon (aka the McCarthy Lodge) is another place where the town comes alive each evening.
I’ve spent countless nights here catching up with friends, swapping stories over drinks, and soaking in the local gossip (there’s always a little)!
Order a burger or a bowl of soup, grab a beer, and settle in alongside friendly locals (and their dogs) on the deck or at the bar.
Kennicott Glacier Lodge
The view from the Kennicott Glacier Lodge alone makes it worth it. Lunch is served 12-3pm, and dinner is served family-style at 7 PM.
We try to make a point to go for dinner at least once each trip. It’s a fun way to meet other travelers over hearty dishes like Alaskan salmon or prime rib.
The nightly menu is posted outside the lodge, and reservations are a must.
🍔 Looking for more great spots to eat in McCarthy?
To read about other local favorites such as Salmon and Bear, Glacier View Grill, and As the Glacier Melts, check out my full guide to Restaurants in McCarthy, Alaska!
Places to Stay in McCarthy, Alaska
🛌 For a detailed description of where to stay, please read my complete guide: Top 10 McCarthy, Alaska Lodging Options!
Ma Johnson’s Hotel
If you want to feel McCarthy’s history rather than just read about it, Ma Johnson’s is the place to stay. This historic boarding house feels more like a living museum than a hotel.
The rooms are small and bathrooms are shared, but that’s part of the experience. There are no outlets in the bedrooms, just like when the hotel first opened, and that small detail says everything about the commitment to preserving the past.
Lancaster’s Backpacker Hotel
The Lancaster Backpacker’s Hotel offers a straightforward, neat, and no-frills spot to unwind after a day of adventure in McCarthy. This cozy accommodation is under the management of McCarthy Lodge Resort.
Blackburn Cabins
The Blackburn Cabins are a charming, quieter choice for accommodation in the McCarthy area. These cabins are nestled in the woods near the Toe of Glacier for a more private stay.
Camp McCarthy
Camp McCarthy offers luxurious safari-style canvas tents, complete with comfortable, plush beds and screened doors and windows, ensuring a cozy and mosquito-free Alaskan experience.
Kennicott Glacier Lodge
You have never stayed anywhere like this before! The building overlooks 25 miles of glacier. This is the only lodge in the historic town of Kennicott. This is not only a place to sleep but a true bucket list destination for many.
How to Get to McCarthy
Please read my guide on how to get to McCarthy for more info before making the drive! In that post, you can also read about other modes of travel to McCarthy, such as by air or shuttle.
Your options are to either fly or drive to McCarthy.
If you are driving, the town is only accessible by the McCarthy Road, which is a gravel road that runs for 60 miles from the town of Chitina, located on the west bank of the Copper River at its confluence with the Chitina River.
You’ll want to plan on 2-3 hours to drive the road. Sometimes it takes less, and sometimes it takes much longer.
Should you worry about the McCarthy Road? Well, it sure has a reputation, but it’s manageable with preparation. The road is maintained and totally doable in a regular car (though check your rental agreement first). We’ve made the drive 30+ times over 20 years. Read my complete McCarthy Road guide for details.
Once you reach the end of McCarthy Road, by the footbridge, you’ll need to park at Base Camp Kennicott. You cannot drive into the town of McCarthy. There is only a footbridge and a reliable shuttle that runs to and from town.
✨ IF you rented a car in Alaska, have some extra time, and are arriving from Anchorage, try this rather epic route to McCarthy:
🚘 Drive from Anchorage to Whittier, stopping at the Portage Glacier Lake scenic spot along the way, just before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
🛳 Take the ferry from Whittier to Valdez, Alaska, and spend an extra day or two there, as there are many things to do in Valdez!
🚙 Drive from Valdez to McCarthy via the Richardson Highway and the McCarthy Rd.
McCarthy, AK Weather
The weather in this area can change quite drastically from day to day. Summer temperatures can range anywhere from the high eighties to the upper 40s during the day. That’s quite a range, right?
There is no way to predict what you will get when you visit Alaska in June, July, or August. I can assure you that you will experience a certain level of unpleasant mosquitoes in June, ranging from almost unbearable to tolerable, with a must-have bug net.
Each day, exploring the McCarthy area revolves around the weather. Downpours on the dirt roads can create large puddles and runoff that make it hard to get around without the right gear, so plan well when packing.
FAQS: McCarthy, Alaska
McCarthy is a unique and often misunderstood destination. These are some common questions I come across. Here are some answers for you!
Where is McCarthy Alaska?
McCarthy is located inside Wrangell–St. Elias National Park in southeastern Alaska. It is about a 7 to 8 hour drive from Anchorage or Fairbanks, and roughly 4 hours from Valdez. The final 60 miles are along the unpaved McCarthy Road from Chitina.
Does anyone live in McCarthy Alaska?
Yes, people do live in McCarthy, Alaska! There are year-round residents as well as seasonal residents. McCarthy, Alaska is not a ghost town. There is a thriving community here with a strong connection and a lot of history.
What is the population of McCarthy, Alaska?
The summer population hovers around 100 people. In winter, that number drops to roughly 20 to 30 residents. Living here year-round requires hauling water, fuel, and supplies, so it is not for everyone.
Is the Mother Lode Mine open?
No, the Mother Lode Mine is not open to the public today. The mine closed in July 1938. The mine, owned by Ray Kreig, is located at an elevation of 5,300 feet, 2,600 feet east of Bonanza Peak. It may be seen during a flightseeing tour if you request this specifically.
Can you see the northern lights in McCarthy Alaska?
Yes. Clear nights between September and April offer opportunities to see the northern lights. September is my favorite month because you can often combine aurora viewing with milder travel conditions.
Winter access, however, is best suited for experienced Alaskan travelers due to extreme weather and limited services.
Does McCarthy, Alaska, have electricity?
McCarthy is not connected to the electrical grid. Businesses operate on generators and private power systems. The town remains largely off-grid by design.
Can You Fish in McCarthy, Alaska?
No, McCarthy doesn’t have fishable waters or guided trips. Fishing opportunities exist along portions of the McCarthy Road corridor, but not in the McCarthy townsite itself. Always check current Alaska fishing regulations before planning any fishing activity.
McCarthy offers you the chance to get off the beaten track and explore the wilderness on foot in America’s largest national park!
There’s no doubt it is an area full of history and endless scenic beauty. This part of Alaska is one of the best travel spots for photographers.
I think you may end up having one of the most unique travel experiences in your lifetime here.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to McCarthy, Alaska today!
More McCarthy, AK Planning Guides
Want the deep-dive logistics? These guides cover the road, lodging, food, and camping in detail to help with your planning. Please enjoy!
- The McCarthy Road: How to Get to McCarthy Alaska: Everything about the 60-mile gravel road, rental car rules, and what to expect.
- Places to Stay in McCarthy, Alaska: Complete breakdown of lodging options with honest pros and cons.
- Restaurants in McCarthy, Alaska: Menu items, hours, and my favorite dishes at every spot.
- The Ultimate Guide to Camping: McCarthy, Alaska: If you want to save money or extend your stay at the last minute!
I’m so impressed with this article! It’s informative, well-written, and really easy to follow. The author’s expertise shines through
Thank you for your very informative articles! We are visiting McCarthy at the end of this month and we can’t wait! I am even more excited after getting all of this local insight!
Hey Margaret! I am excited for you 🙂 I am here in McCarthy now and August/September are my favorite months here…enjoy!
Thanks for all the info! Does the shuttle to Kennicott still run through the end of September?
Hey Jill! The Copper Town Shuttle runs through the end of the season (which is considered to be 9/15) and most things in Kennicott close around Labor Day. During that second week of September drivers for the shuttle are still available but the vans run less frequently rather than every bottom of the hour (8:30am, 9:30am). You can always call Ma Johnson’s for the most recent update if you are here visiting in September 🙂 907-554-4402
Thank you so very much for this incredible information! I have scoured the interwebs and keep clinging back to your stories on McCarthy. I agree, your information is well written and leaves me so excited to travel there tomorrow with resources. I’m really appreciative of your write ups/ posts! Maybe we will see you in town. Thank you so much for helping us! Lisa
Hey Lisa, thanks so much! I hope your visit to McCarthy was/is wonderful! Our family was in the backcountry at the Fan Glacier for 4 days and we are in back McCarthy this week enjoying the sunshine. Let me know what your experience here was and what you loved!