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National Park & Preserve

Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

Glaciers loom over the ocean with large snowy mountains rising into blue skies

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park contains a diversity of natural features. Landscapes unique to the North American continent are common here.

Photo: NPS Photo/ Neal Herbert

About

Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. At 13.2 million acres, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! Within this wild landscape, people continue to live off the land as they have done for centuries. This rugged, beautiful land is filled with opportunities for adventure.

Activities

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVATV Off-RoadingAuto Off-RoadingScenic DrivingBikingMountain BikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup Camping
RV Camping
Canyoneering
Climbing
Mountain Climbing
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fishing
Flying
Fixed Wing Flying
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Hunting and Gathering
Gathering and Foraging
Hunting
Paddling
Junior Ranger Program
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

The administrative building and main park visitor center are located along the Richardson Highway (Hwy 4), which is a paved state highway that runs through Copper Center, AK. The buildings are 8 miles south of the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway intersection near Glennallen, Alaska. This is approximately 200 miles east of Anchorage, AK and 250 miles south of Fairbanks, AK.

Get directions →

Weather

Varies widely depending on location in park and time of year. Visit https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/weather.htm for detailed information.

News

May 4, 2026

Subsistence Fishing Permits Available for Upper Copper River Residents

Federal subsistence fishing in the Upper Copper River District will open on May 15. This fishing permit allows eligible rural residents to fish for salmon and other fish to feed themselves and their families under federal subsistence regulations. It is not a sport fishing permit or commercial fishing permit.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Announces 2026 Summer Visitor Center Hours
Apr 24, 2026

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Announces 2026 Summer Visitor Center Hours

National Park Service officials at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve have announced visitor center operating hours for the summer 2026 season.

Wrangell-St. Elias Hosts Middle School Students for “Chosen Frozen” Event
Apr 20, 2026

Wrangell-St. Elias Hosts Middle School Students for “Chosen Frozen” Event

Copper River School District Students, National Park Service staff, and partners at Copper Center. Image Credit: NPS