A trip to Wrangell St. Elias National Park and its Kennicott Mine National Historic Landmark is a highlight for both visitors and residents of Alaska. Currant Ridge Cabins is a perfect base of operations for a visit. Wrangell St. Elias National Park is the largest Park in the National Park System of the United States and is part of a 24 million acre World Heritage Site that includes Kluane National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and Canada’s Tatshenshini-Alsek Park.
The Kennicott Mine National Historic Landmark is located near McCarthy, Alaska and is the site of company town established by the Kennecott Copper Company. The mine was named after nearby Kennicott Glacier, but a clerical error lead to the town and mine being called Kennecott. You will see both versions of the spelling in Alaska.
Activities for Visitors to the McCarthy and Kennecott Region
Visitors can enjoy a number of exciting and rewarding experiences during their visit to McCarthy and Kennecott. It is worth scheduling several days for a trip into this part of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Some activities to consider during a visit:
- Flightseeing – A number of air taxi companies in the area offer flightseeing trips over the rugged Wrangell Mountains and Copper River Valley
- Glacier Hiking and Climbing – Experienced guides are available in the area that conduct hikes and climbs on nearby Root Glacier
- River Rafting – One and multi-day wilderness rafting trips are launched from McCarthy with trips down the Kennicott, Nizina, Chitina, and Copper Rivers that can reach all the way to Cordova, Alaska and Prince William Sound
- Kennecott Copper Mill Tours – Walking tours are available that take visitors through the historic Kennecott Copper Corporation town site and its copper milling facilities
Currant Ridge Cabins in McCarthy
Visitors to the McCarthy-Kennecott region need a good home base for their adventures. One recommended place to stay are the Currant Ridge Cabins owned and operated by Cynthia and Andy Shidner. The cabins are located at 56.7 mile on the McCarthy Road, about three miles from the end of the McCarthy Road.
The cabins offered at Currant Ridge are spacious, warm and comfortable. They are sited to offer great views of the Wrangell Mountains. Each cabin is fully furnished and has a full kitchen, making the guesthouses a perfect base for an extended stay within the Park. The Shidners operate Currant Ridge on a sustainable basis with emphasis on green waste disposal practices and off the grid power generation.
Rates for a cabin at Currant Ridge start at $189 per night. Prospective guests can complete a Reservation Inquiry Form to check on available dates. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 647-2442.
Currant Ridge Cabins Owner Andy Shidner speaks of the visitor experience saying,
“I think that the McCarthy area of Alaska offers unprecedented access into the backcountry of the world’s largest national park – the Wrangell St. Elias National Park. The mountain views from our private guesthouses are tremendous – literally right out the front door! Combine the ease of access to the wilderness with the cultural history of the Kennicott Mine National Historic Site and every visitor will find something wonderful to enjoy. Our private, Alaskan-log guest houses provide the luxuries that will coddle and pamper the weary traveler after a day’s outing on the glacier, hiking to one of the numerous mine sites, touring the mill town of Kennicott or any of many other activities available here. Currant Ridge Cabins is family owned and we are committed to providing the travelling public the most comfortable, spacious, and contemporary private lodging available in McCarthy or Kennicott.”
Consider a trip to the McCarthy – Kennecott region for your next Alaskan vacation. Choosing Currant Ridge Cabins to provide your accommodations will only enhance what will be an amazing experience in the wilderness of Alaska.
Copyright © 2013 by Alan Sorum