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Wrangell St. Elias National Park Alaska, United States ☎ +1 907-822-5234 Last Updated: 11/15/2024 |
| Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, situated in southeastern Alaska. It is known for its vast wilderness, rugged mountain ranges, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems. | |
| Size and Location: - Largest National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, covering over 13 million acres. It is larger than Switzerland and Yellowstone National Park combined. - Southeastern Alaska: The park is located in southeastern Alaska, near the Gulf of Alaska and the Canadian border. Mountain Ranges: - Wrangell Mountains: The park is dominated by the Wrangell Mountains, which include some of the highest peaks in Alaska, such as Mount Wrangell, Mount Blackburn, and Mount Sanford. - Chugach Mountains: The Chugach Mountains also extend into the park, adding to its rugged and mountainous terrain. Glaciers: - Hubbard Glacier: The park is home to numerous glaciers, including the massive Hubbard Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America. - Bagley Icefield: The Bagley Icefield, located within the park, is one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world. Diverse Ecosystems: - Boreal Forests: The park encompasses a range of ecosystems, from boreal forests in the lower elevations to alpine tundra at higher elevations. It supports a variety of plant and animal species adapted to diverse habitats. Wildlife: - Abundant Wildlife: Wrangell-St. Elias is home to a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, wolves, and many bird species. - Salmon Runs: The park's rivers and streams provide important habitats for salmon, attracting bears and other wildlife during the salmon runs. Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark: - Copper Mining History: Within the park, the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark preserves the remnants of a historic copper mining operation. The Kennecott Copper Corporation operated here in the early 20th century. Hiking and Backpacking: - Extensive Trail System: The park offers a vast network of hiking trails and opportunities for backcountry exploration. Hikers can explore the diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows. - Backcountry Camping: Backcountry camping is popular, and visitors can experience the remote and pristine wilderness of the park. Flightseeing: - Aerial Views: Due to the park's vast size and remote nature, flightseeing tours are a popular way for visitors to get a sense of the scale and beauty of Wrangell-St. Elias. Small planes and helicopters provide aerial views of glaciers, mountains, and expansive landscapes. Dark Sky Park: - Stargazing Opportunities: The park has been designated as a Dark Sky Park, offering excellent stargazing opportunities. The remote location and limited light pollution contribute to clear views of the night sky. Access: - Roads and Airports: The park has limited road access, and some areas are reachable only by small aircraft. The park's main visitor center is located in Copper Center, and McCarthy is a gateway community with access to the Kennecott Mines. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a wilderness gem, providing visitors with the chance to experience the grandeur of Alaska's landscapes, explore its rich mining history, and immerse themselves in a pristine natural environment. | |
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