Click here to reserve your spot with a $250 deposit.

5 Day Backpacking Trip in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Ever want to just eat the icing off a cake? Here’s your chance.

The Iceberg Lake valley is one of the premier spots in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, especially for base camp and loop trips. This area offers stunning vistas and lots of room to explore.

We fly out of McCarthy and put in near Iceberg Lake and then spend 5 days exploring this fantastic valley. We have a lot of freedom with this one so we adjust the itinerary to the abilities and interest of the group. But generally we do it as a combination backpack and base camp trek - we backpack for a day then spend a few nights before moving on. This gives us the best of both worlds - the mobility of backpacking and the ease of base camping.

From Iceberg Lake we saddle up the packs and hike a bit down the valley where we explore a glacier before heading further up a ridge. From our campsite on the ridge we have a commanding view of the entire valley. From here we do some day hiking and exploring of the ridge crest.

But that’s just one possibility. There are lots of options for places to camp in this amazing valley that features hanging glaciers, lofty ridges, valley glaciers and stunning views all around. We try to vary the route each time we visit the area just to keep it fresh.

Last summer we discovered a lofty perch high up on a ridge with a crystal clear melt pond nearby for a water source. We were day hiking then, but next time we'll bring the gear and spend a few days at that incredible high camp.

Black and brown bears are seen throughout the valley and even elusive wolverine have been spotted on occasion. Late summer is a great time to visit and cash in on the abundant supply of blueberries that grow on the slopes.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED ITINERARY

CLICK HERE FOR PACKING LIST

For reservations or questions please call
1-888-755-TREK or e mail us at
becky@emstrek.com

1 night in Anchorage, Alaska

2 nights in McCarthy, Alaska

5 days/4 nights trekking in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Days of trip total: 8 days, Anchorage to Anchorage (Lodging in Anchorage is not included)

Arrival/departure city: Anchorage, Alaska

2008 COST: $2050 USD per person
Single supplement: $125

Group Size: 4 to 6 participants - cost is higher for groups under 4 people

Dates: 2008 (from arrival in Anchorage to return to Anchorage)

Aug. 1-8

Aug. 29- Sept. 5

Call about custom trips at other times

Click here to reserve your spot with a $250 deposit.

Difficulty level: Moderate, at times strenuous

Style of trek: In McCarthy we will be staying in a 3-star hotel. The wilderness trek will be 5 days of backpacking over rugged terrain with no trails. Participants will carry all of their personal gear as well as a share of group gear and food. This trek falls mostly in the moderate range although there will be some strenuous travel at times. Some prior backpacking experience and good conditioning is required.

What’s included

Round trip van transportation Anchorage/McCarthy with pickup at Anchorage hotel

All local transportation in McCarthy

Lodging in McCarthy before and after trek (2 nights total)

R/T bush flight from McCarthy into backcountry

5 day backcountry trek

Group camping gear (see gear list)

All food and snacks for trek

Professional wilderness guide

Group medical kit

Emergency VHF radio

What isn’t included

R/T airfare to Anchorage, Alaska

Hotel accommodations in Anchorage

Meals or local transportation in Anchorage

Meals in transit to and from McCarthy

Meals in McCarthy

Guide gratuities

Personal camping gear (see gear list)

Alcoholic beverages

Travel, evacuation or medical insurance

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For more information, or to book your very own Eastern Mountain Sports adventure, call our travel guru Becky Harrison at
888-755-8735
or e-mail us at becky@emstrek.com.

Call 888-755-8735 / Contact Us