Kennicott Glacier Lodge
For all its remoteness, McCarthy-Kennicott boasts what may be the most romantic, picturesque hotel in the state: the quintessentially Alaskan Kennicott Glacier Lodge. A replica of one of the historic copper-mining buildings, it's a luxurious property that sits in the heart of the ghost town and the center of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, surrounded by spruce and mountains. Curl up by the fireplace with a book, enjoy the home-cooked meals, and linger with a glass of wine on the deck that nearly juts out over the Kennicott Glacier.
The Main Lodge (built in 1987) has a 190-foot-long front porch with a panoramic view of the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains. It offers 5 downstairs guest rooms and 18 upstairs guest rooms with shared, private-use, spotless bathrooms, a family-style restaurant, a cozy Reading/Family Room, and a large Gathering Room with TV, couches, slide-projection equipment, and plenty of space. Your quiet, intimate bedroom is decorated with old mining artifacts and photos.
South Wing guest rooms are $90 more – and worth it. Just 75 yards from the Main Lodge, its 20 guest rooms offer the same commanding views of the Kennicott Glacier. They’re larger than rooms in the Main Lodge, and each has its own private bath as well as two queen-size beds. As with the Main Lodge, mining artifacts and photos grace guest room walls, and first floor rooms access a panoramic front porch. The South Wing also has its own spacious Gathering Room. See the Virtual Tour
Relax on the front porch, with views of Kennicott Glacier
The two must-do activities while staying at Kennicott Glacier Lodge are a Tour of the Historic Mill and a Glacier Trek. Ever walked on a glacier? Kennecott offers one of the most scenic and certainly the most economical opportunity in Alaska to put on crampons and walk on the ancient ice of an Alaska glacier. No helicopters needed here; just walk out the front door in the company of an experienced guide. On a half-day or full-day hike onto the Root Glacier, you’ll safely explore a world of moulins, ogives, and sapphire-blue water pools.
You can also take a leisurely stroll along forest paths, hike mountain trails, and explore old copper mines, with stupendous views of the area around you. The Kennicott and McCarthy area is great for mountain biking, since there are plenty of old mining roads and little or no traffic. Discover more about this historic mining area by visiting the museum in nearby McCarthy.
The lodge offers a casual atmosphere and congenial staff for dining. Breakfast is served as a buffet, lunch is served from a menu, and dinner is served family style at a single seating. The "wilderness gourmet" dishes feature homemade soups, pastries, breads, and delicious desserts.
After dinner join a National Park Ranger or local guide for an informative slideshow or just enjoy the evening sunshine from the front porch and listen to the glacier creak, pop, and groan. It's that close.
Christina Kirkwood
Amenities
Hotel Features
- The Main Lodge includes 23 guests rooms, the lobby, restaurant, and two living rooms
- The South Wing has 20 guest rooms and one living room
Room Features
- 23 guest rooms in the Main Lodge with shared, private use bathrooms down the hall
- 20 guest rooms in the South Wing with two queen beds, private baths, and a view of the Kennicott Glacier
- Can accommodate up to 80 Guests
- Single occupancy rooms
Getting There
McCarthy, AK 99566
By Car: At the end of the road near McCarthy, you must park your car and cross the Kennicott River on a footbridge. There is a free parking lot for Kennicott Glacier Lodge guests about 1/4 mile before the footbridge. Tell the attendant that you are a guest and they will call the lodge. You must walk across the footbridge and the lodge van will pick you up on the other side. It usually takes 25 - 30 minutes for the van to get to the footbridge.
By Plane: There are a few flying services who will bring you to McCarthy. Contact the lodge for more details.
Prices & Dates
| Season | May 25 to Sept 2 |
| Rates | Main Lodge // From $245 |
| South Wing // From $395 | |
| Additional Person // $30 per night | |
| Rate Notes | You may add the Meal Package at Check In for $80 per adult per night and $40 per child per night. Guests may either add the Meal Package for all nights of their stay or purchase each meal individually. |
| Triple or Quad rooms available at additional cost. | |
| Single-occupancy rooms in the Main Lodge have a view into the forest and one queen bed. Availability is Limited. | |
| Rooms in the Main Lodge have shared bathrooms & rooms within the South Wing have private in-room bathrooms. |
Photos
