The Great St. Elias Station

Set on 35 gorgeous acres just outside McCarthy, The Great St. Elias Station is a new boutique wilderness lodge designed for comfort and immersion in one of Alaska’s most dramatic landscapes. The intimate lodge has just 8 modern cabins, with more on the way.

Surrounded by Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, the lodge offers stunning views of Mount Blackburn and the massive Stairway Icefall—the world’s second largest icefall—with the Kennicott and Root glaciers converging in view from your window.

Operating collectively with Ultima Thule Lodge, this new lodge is located about a mile from McCarthy and four miles from Kennicott, and getting there is part of the adventure. There are scheduled flights or charters from Anchorage, or you can drive the gravel road to McCarthy, walk over a footbridge, and a shuttle will take you to the lodge.

Cabins

All of the newly built cabins are cozy, feature a clean, modern design with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, and are designed to take advantage of the surrounding wilderness. In the studio cabins you’ll find a king-size bed in a studio space, en suite bath, and large picture windows framing the view of mountains and glaciers. The Family Cabins include a loft space with 2 twin beds, making it perfect for families.

Dining

The lodge also has a main hall for meals and gatherings. Breakfast is included; each morning, you’ll enjoy a rotating hot dish, like eggs with bacon and potatoes, sourdough pancakes, or smoked salmon bagels, along with a European-style spread that includes house-made granola, Alaska dairy yogurt, fresh sourdough bread, jams, and honey.

Lunch and dinner are also available, though not included. You can order a packed lunch or eat at the main hall. Reservation-only weeknight dinners offer a seasonal set menu, while weekend dinners are more casual, with dishes like ramen, braised pork, wild game stew, or salmon bowls. Dinner will also be open to the public.

You’ll also find a curated selection of Alaska craft beers, wines, and house cocktails, plus espresso, tea, and non-alcoholic options.

Activities

Once you’re here, adventure is literally at your doorstep. You can hike into Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, explore the Kennicott and Root glaciers, and book guided excursions with operators that can take you ice climbing, rafting, or flightseeing. Plus, McCarthy and Kennicott offer lots of history and culture to explore.

Then return to the lodge, where you may find evening talks and presentations on topics like glacial science.

Weddings & Retreats

The intimate setting and stunning views make The Great St. Elias Station ideal for private buyouts, including weddings and retreats. Reach out directly for more details.