Mining camps and old factories make for a ghostly glimpse of times passed, while the snow-capped peaks of Alaska beckon.
Visit the eerie former mining camp region of Kennicott in the scenic midst of glaciers and forests. The copper mines and abandoned warehouses have become fascinating attractions. While the mining town has an antiquated charm, the outskirts are ripe for adventure around glaciers and lakes.
Take a guided tour of the mill town to see its old buildings and mines. Copper was found here in 1900, leading to the construction of the Kennecott Copper Company. Note the difference in spelling between the mining company and the town, which was due to an error.
See the rare whitewashed hospital that stands out amid the red painted buildings. Peruse the small rooms and rickety staircases of the 14-story concentration mill. Forests appear to be reclaiming the town, which is full of dilapidated structures.
Enjoy spectacular views of the snowy mountains and valleys. Tour operators offer glacier trekking and ice climbing trips. Get lowered into a deep crevasse. Trek through diverse terrain in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. It is the country’s largest national park, containing its second-highest point, Mount St. Elias.
Travel along the iconic McCarthy Road, which is made of gravel and passes picturesque lakes and mountains. Encounter its rough patches and sharp bends. The road was built in the early 1900s to carry copper to the coastal town of Cordova, before the metal was shipped to other parts of the country.
Learn about the intriguing history of this town, which was never repopulated after the mines had been exhausted. The last train departed in 1938. Although many people work as guides and tour operators, they mostly live in the nearby town of McCarthy.
The region endures freezing winters with heavy snowfall. Enjoy the pleasant temperature that is ideal for trekking in summer.
The town is near the U.S. border with Canada in the southeastern region of Alaska. Fly 300 miles (480 kilometers) east from Anchorage to reach McCarthy Airport in 2 hours.
The abandoned buildings of Kennicott exemplify the madness of the 20th-century mining boom, while the gorgeous mountain backdrop is a reminder of Alaskan serenity.
