We wrote the book!
Author of
Hiking Alaska's
Wrangell St
Elias Natlonal Park
Falcon Guides
Hiking Alaska's
Wrangell St
Elias Natlonal Park
Falcon Guides
High alpine lakes, lush green valleys and views that change every day make this one of our top routes. Many folks find this the perfect mix of challenge and reward. It will test you at times but it doesn't go over the top into extreme challenge.
A Week Long Trek in the Alpine of the Chugach Range
This variation of the Seven Pass route that starts in the lush Allie's Valley and makes its way to the Bremner Valley. It features amazing high country without the extreme difficulties, though here are still some challenges along the way so be prepared to carry 47-50 lb packs over terrain that ranges from easy tundra to boulder fields and rocky passes. Halfway through the route it joins up with the traditional Seven Pass route into Bremner.
We could reach Bremner in fewer than the allowed 7 days, but what's the rush? We can spend the extra time however we like - take a layover day mid-trip to do some exploring, spend a day on the end of the trip to exploring the remains of the gold mining settlement that once filled the valley with activity. There are lots of options. It all depends on the group and how it moves through the backcountry.
If you're looking for an extended backpacking trip that is challenging without being over the top in difficulty then Allie's Valley to Bremner is our top recommendation. Enjoy the alpine lakes and tarns of the high country and lots of solitiude.
| Pre Trip | Arrive in Anchorage 2 days prior to the start date of your trek. Travel Anchorage to McCarthy (not included) Chose one of the shuttle services or You may elect to drive in a rental car if you prefer. It's an amazing drive and one of the most scenic in Alaska. Arrive in McCarthy around 5-6:00 pm in time for the meeting with your guide. The guide will review your gear and distribute food and group gear as well as go over logistics for the following departure day into the backcountry. Arrive in McCarthy around 5-6:00 pm in time for the meeting with your guide. The guide will review your gear and distribute food and group gear as well as go over logistics for the following departure day into the backcountry. |
| Day 1 | The adventure begins with an amazing flight from McCarthy to the remote Allie's Valley. The landing strip is small so we have to fly in one passenger at a time in a Super Cub. If we have a full group it might take half of the first day to get everyone into the valley. But that's okay as we plan for a pretty mellow first day. We might set up camp near the landing area or we might head down valley a bit depending on time and weather. So we get a chance to enjoy this beautiful valley before heading out. |
| Day 2 | Our first day on the trail begins with the smell of fresh eggs grilling in the pan and hot coffee wafting from the cook tarp. After a relaxed breakfast we shoulder our packs and head down valley a bit before heading up and over the first pass. As we head up the next valley we come to an amazing area dotted with Alpine lakes and tarns where we pitch our tents for the night, |
| Day 3 | We have a lot of flexibility with our itinerary over the next several days. There so many great places to camp that we won't be able to sample them all. From the tarns we come to a convergence of three valleys. We turn south and enjoy the easy walking down valley. After being spoiled by the easy terrain of the valley we have some rocks and boulders to contend with before topping out on the next pass. The pass is so littered with rocks that it takes on an lmost lunar feel. But there is a great patch of tundra for pitching our tents. |
| Day 4 | After some easy scrambling down some rocks we head down the Monahan Creek valley and enjoy more easy tundra walking on our way to a crossing of Ptarmigan Creek. The next pass includes our largest vertical gain of the trip. We may camp just below the final climb up, or we might go up and over today - it depends on the group and the weather. |
| Day 5 | Up and over the last ridge of the route and we make camp at Golden Pond... unless we opt to continue on into Golcanda Valley. |
| Day 6 | Our last day of exploring takes us up Golconda Valley where we check out the remains of the once bustling gold mining settlement of the Bremner Mining Company. For our last night in the backcountry we enjoy the shelter of the old cookhouse from the mining days, now a public-use cabin. But it's not a reservabvle cabin so if in the unlikely event we find it occupied we'll simply pitch tents nearby and explore the area. Some groups move faster than others so if the group arrives a day early at Bremner we will spend a day exploring the gold mining relics and ruins in the area or take a day trip up to the Corner Pocket, a fantastic little lake in a dramatic cirque. A great spot for lunch. |
| Day 7 | After one final backcountry breakfast we make the easy hike down to the airstrip on the remains of an old mining road. We pile into the Beaver for another amazing flight back to McCarthy, hot showers and cold beers. |
How Do We Get to McCarthy Alaska?
There are several options.
Car Rentals
If you have more than 2 in your group then renting a car out of Anchorage can be a good option.
Shuttle Van
Two shuttle services provides van transportation between Anchorage to McCarthy, Alaska. The shuttle departs Anchorage at 8:00 am arriving around 5-5:30 pm in McCarthy. This is the best, most economical way for one or two people to get to McCarthy and back.
If you are driving or taking the shuttle it takes about 8 hours to drive Anchorage to McCarthy.
Once you have a hotel reservation in Anchorage you will need to let them, as well as Trek Alaska, know where you will be staying. Also give them your cell phone number if you will have one with you. Please note that in McCarthy only Verizon has coverage.
Overflow Transit
Operates on a fixed schedule with two trips in each direction per week
https://overflowtransit.com/
Email: overflowtransit@gmail.com
Phone: (907)-707-9921
Copper Spike Transport
Operates “on demand” rather than set schedule
https://www.copperspiketransport.com/
jamie@copperspiketransport.com
Phone: 907.406.9599
Ride n Fly
The last 60 miles from Chitina to McCarthy is on the McCarthy road most of which is gravel. It's usualy in good shape and any vehicle can easily drive it. But some folks prefer not to.
An alternative is to drive to Chitina and from there take the Wrangell Mountain Air shuttle that flies three times daily to McCarthy.
Wrangell Mt. Air - http://www.wrangellmountainair.com/getting_to_alaska.htm
Wrangell Mt. Air can also arrange a charter flight just for your group. Contact them about current rates.
Mail Plane
There is a mail plane that flies between Anchorage and McCarthy twice a week - on Mondays and Thursdays. This is a good way for one or two people to get to and from McCarthy. Beautiful flight and no long drive in the car. With only two flights weekly you would likely need to arrive a few days early in McCarthy.
https://www.coppervalleyairservice.com/flights/flights-anchorage-gulkana-mccarthy
Where Do We Meet in McCarthy?
The shuttle vans usually arrives in McCarthy by 5:30 pm. If you are flying you will arrive earlier. The meeting begins when the whole group has arrived which is usually around 5:30-6:00 pm/ At this time you will meet your guide and the rest of the group in McCarthy for an orientation meeting the evening before the trip begins. We will meet up in front of Ma Johnsons Hotel in the middle of McCarthy. McCarthy is a very small town so don't worry, you'll have no problems finding your way around. We make every effort to be on hand with everyone upon arrival in McCarthy. You will be contacted approximately 2-3 weeks before your trip and we will confirm the exact location of the orientation meeting. The morning of departure it's a short walk down the street to Wrangell Mt. Air where we catch a shuttle van to the airstrip for our departure into the backcountry.
If you're on the Donoho trip the van to Kennicott departs right by Ma Johnsons. All those details will be covered at the meeting with the guide on arrival.
Drop Off/PickupTimes
We like to get an early start on the first day as it might take two flights to get everyone into the backcountry. Departure times of 8:30 a.m. are common. Our pickups on the last day are usualy around mid-day to allow us time to get back to McCarthy and get cleaned up and relax before dinner.
Safety Considerations
Your safety is our top priority. Our treks are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are certified wilderness first responders, each with years of wilderness experience. The guide carries a satellite phone on all trips. If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 907.795.5252 or trips@trekalaska.com for more information.
Guides
Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Forms/Policies
Here is a link to forms that you will need to complete and return to us before the trip. These include medical history, dietary restrictions, conditioning information as well as policies such as cancellations and refunds.
Group Size
We prefer to run small groups and our clients like it that way too. The standard group size on backpacking trips is 5 guests and 1 guide. Larger groups are possible for private trips. If you have more questions about group size, please give us a call at 907.795.5252 and we'll answer all your questions.
Weather in the Wrangells
Alaska is pretty far north and like any mountain environment we are prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures in Wrangell-St. Elias. July is especialy variable and we have had temps hit the low 80s some summers. Mid August is when things start to cool down a bit but still great hiking weather.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Meals: What To Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We try to accomodate restricted diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. It depends on the severity of the restrictions. Vegetarian diets are easy to accomodate but gluten-free for example is more challenging. Contact us to discuss your situation and needs.
