10 Epic Reasons Visit Kennecott McCarthy Alaska Ghost Town

Introduction: Kennecott McCarthy Alaska — Ghost Town Meets Adventure

Kennecott McCarthy Alaska is not your typical tourist stop. Nestled deep within Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, America’s largest national park, this pair of communities offers a one-of-a-kind mix of history, wilderness, and off-the-grid adventure.

Kennecott is an abandoned copper mining camp, now a ghost town frozen in time, while McCarthy — just five miles away — is a quirky, vibrant frontier town where less than 100 residents live year-round. Together, they form one of the most fascinating travel destinations in Alaska.

For ghost-town seekers, history lovers, and adventure travelers, Kennecott McCarthy Alaska is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

1. The Rise and Fall of Kennecott — Alaska’s Copper Empire

At the start of the 20th century, prospectors discovered rich copper deposits in the mountains of Alaska. By 1911, the Kennecott Copper Corporation had set up mining operations, building a sprawling industrial town at 6,000 feet elevation.

The Kennecott Mill Building, a towering red structure, became the centerpiece.
Workers extracted over $200 million worth of copper by 1938.
By 1939, the mines were depleted, and Kennecott was abandoned almost overnight.

The Rise and Fall of Kennecott — Alaska’s Copper Empire

Today, the ruins — massive wooden mills, tram lines, worker barracks, and company buildings — stand as haunting reminders of Alaska’s mining past.

2. Life in McCarthy — Alaska’s Quirkiest Frontier Town

While Kennecott turned into a ghost town, nearby McCarthy survived. Once a lively outpost where miners sought entertainment, it transformed into a near-abandoned settlement after the mine closure.

But in recent decades, McCarthy reinvented itself:

Artists, adventurers, and homesteaders settled here.
Small lodges, cafés, and guiding companies opened.
Summer brings visitors, but winters are still harsh and lonely.

Walking McCarthy’s unpaved streets today feels like stepping back to the Wild West.

3. 10 Epic Reasons to Visit Kennecott McCarthy Alaska

Kennecott McCarthy Alaska ghost town with historic red mill building and Alaskan wilderness backdrop.

1. Explore the Ghostly Kennecott Mill

The 14-story Kennecott Mill Building is one of the tallest wooden structures in North America. Guided tours take you through collapsing staircases, rusty equipment, and eerie conveyor belts.

2. Feel the Ghost Town Vibes

From abandoned train cars to deserted homes, every corner whispers stories of miners, families, and fortune seekers. It’s like walking through an open-air museum.

3. Hike the Root Glacier

Just a short trek from Kennecott lies Root Glacier — a stunning ice field where you can hike, climb, or even drink fresh glacier water.

Hike the Root Glacier, Kennecott lies Root Glacier

4. Flightseeing Over Wrangell–St. Elias

Small aircraft tours reveal breathtaking views of jagged peaks, giant glaciers, and endless wilderness — Alaska at its rawest.

5. Kayak and Raft the Kennicott River

Adventure travelers can paddle near glacial rivers with icebergs floating around them.

Kayak and Raft the Kennicott River, Adventure travelers

6. Spot Alaskan Wildlife

Bears, moose, mountain goats, and bald eagles roam freely here. It’s a photographer’s dream.

Spot Alaskan Wildlife, Bears, moose, mountain goats

7. Discover Wrangell–St. Elias National Park

Bigger than Switzerland, this park holds nine of North America’s tallest peaks. Yet, unlike Denali, it’s nearly empty of tourists.

8. Experience Local Culture in McCarthy

Live music nights, tiny cafés, and chats with locals who live off-the-grid bring an authentic Alaskan vibe.

9. Stay in Rustic Lodges or Cabins

From renovated mining buildings to cozy riverside cabins, overnight stays are unforgettable.

10. The Ultimate “End of the Road” Feeling

McCarthy lies at the end of a 60-mile gravel road. Reaching it feels like a real expedition — rewarding travelers with bragging rights and epic memories.

4. How to Get to Kennecott & McCarthy

Drive: From Anchorage or Fairbanks, drive to Chitina, then take the McCarthy Road (60 miles of gravel).
By Air: Small planes fly directly from Chitina into McCarthy.
Final Access: Cars stop before McCarthy. Cross a footbridge, then take a shuttle or hike to Kennecott.

5. Best Time to Visit Kennecott McCarthy Alaska

Summer (June–August): Best for tours, hiking, and long daylight hours.
Fall (September): Stunning autumn colors and fewer crowds.
Winter: Harsh, isolated, and nearly inaccessible (but magical for extreme adventurers).

6. Travel Tips for Ghost Town Seekers

Wear sturdy boots — expect mud, uneven planks, and ice patches.
Bring layers — weather changes fast in Alaska.
Take a guided tour — the mill and tunnels can be dangerous alone.
Book early — summer accommodations in McCarthy fill up fast.

7. Nearby Hidden Wonders in Wrangell–St. Elias

Bonanza Mine Trail: A steep but rewarding hike to abandoned mine shafts with panoramic views.
Erie Mine Ruins: Another eerie site perched high in the mountains.
Jumbo Mine: Offers rustic remnants and killer scenery.
Kuskulana Bridge: A 238-foot-high railroad bridge — a thrill to cross.

FAQs About Kennecott McCarthy Alaska

Q1: Is Kennecott McCarthy Alaska really haunted?
Many say yes — with eerie noises and cold drafts in abandoned buildings, ghost stories abound.

Q2: How long should I spend here?
At least 2–3 days to explore the ghost town, hike glaciers, and soak up McCarthy’s atmosphere.

Q3: Can I visit without a guide?
Yes, but guided tours are recommended for history insights and safety.

Q4: Is the McCarthy Road safe to drive?
Yes, but it’s rough. A spare tire is a must. Drive slowly.

Q5: What makes Kennecott McCarthy Alaska unique compared to other ghost towns?
Its scale, preserved architecture, and backdrop of massive glaciers make it unlike any ghost town in the U.S.