Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Kennecott Copper Mill, Root Glacier, McCarthy, AK
What looked like a simple day trip to McCarthy became a lesson in Alaska logistics, mining history, and glacier landscapes. After navigating the infamous McCarthy Road, I toured the massive Kennecott Copper Mill, learned how one of the richest copper mines in history operated, and then hiked toward Root Glacier under gathering storm clouds before making the long journey back.
Kuskulana Bridge
A ranger's warning about a contaminated mining site sent me in a different direction through Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. The drive south led through Chitina, across the Copper River, past fish wheels and salmon fishermen, and over the dramatic Kuskulana Bridge before ending at a quiet overnight stop along the historic McCarthy Road.