McCarthy, Alaska is a quaint town with a population of just 42 as of the year 2000.
The town serves as the gateway to the vast and amazing Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
The town was originally settled to provide recreation and entertainment for the workers of the nearby Kennecott copper mine at the start of the 20th Century.
When the copper mines closed in 1938, both Kennecott and McCarthy became ghost towns, their populations dwindling to nothing.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s that a population returned to the town, this time to service tourists visiting the surrounding Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
The area is home to a couple small bed and breakfasts, but lodging is extremely limited, so if you are interested in visiting this rustic and pristine area before or after an Alaska cruise, make sure to reserve your lodging well ahead of time.
In addition to the historic Kennecott Mine, visitors to this region enjoy wonderful backcountry hiking, ice climbing, and skiing.
River rafting and float trips are also available, but again, plan well in advance as guides, boats, and planes are extremely limited.
McCarthy, Alaska is located in one of the last true wilderness areas in North America.
It is a breathtakingly beautiful area well worth the visit for anyone who loves nature.
