Is prior hiking experience required?

While no technical skills are needed, participants should be comfortable with long, strenuous hikes and elevation changes.

What should I bring for this trip?

Bring layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, water, snacks, sun protection, and any personal safety gear.

Are there restroom facilities along the trail?

Facilities are limited; plan to carry toilet paper and waste bags, and use designated spots when available.

Is this adventure suitable for children?

This challenging hike is best suited for experienced adult hikers. Children should be accompanied by an adult and be prepared for the terrain.

What if weather conditions are poor?

Weather can change rapidly; guides will assess conditions and may adjust or postpone the trip for safety.

How physically demanding is this hike?

The hike is challenging due to elevation gain and length but is rewarding with its stunning vistas and diverse scenery.

Berg to Beaches | Hiking in McCarthy, Alaska

Embark on the 'Berg to Beaches' hike with St. Elias Alpine Guides in McCarthy, Alaska, and experience an extraordinary journey through diverse landscapes. Starting high in rugged mountain terrain, you'll ascend through lush alpine meadows and rocky outcroppings offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. As you descend toward the coast, the scenery shifts to coastal forests and sandy beaches where the wilderness feels untouched. This private guided adventure combines thrilling elevation gains with rewarding vistas and quiet shoreline moments, making it perfect for those craving a comprehensive Alaskan outdoor experience. The trek showcases the remarkable contrast between mountain grandeur and coastal serenity, providing explorers with a deeper appreciation of Alaska’s raw beauty. Expert guides ensure a safe and personalized experience, sharing local stories and environmental insights along the way. Whether you're an avid hiker or seeking a unique Alaska adventure, 'Berg to Beaches' offers a captivating escape into nature that’s both challenging and inspiring, leaving you with unforgettable memories and stellar photo opportunities.

About St. Elias Alpine Guides

St. Elias Alpine Guides is a guiding company based in McCarthy, Alaska, offering guided adventures throughout Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and surrounding wilderness. The company leads a range of trips including packrafting, multi-day rafting, glacier hiking, ice climbing, fly-in hiking, and private basecamp expeditions. Popular itineraries include Doubtful–Nizina Packrafting, Tebay Lakes Basecamp Packrafting, Chitina River trips, Western Copper River rafting, Raft and Flightsee, Full-Day Glacier Hike on Root Glacier, Skolai Pass fly-in hiking, Bremner Mine basecamp hiking, and multi-day Ice Climbing and Ice Climbing Camp programs.

Trips are available as scheduled group departures or fully private, customizable experiences with options for day trips and multi-day expeditions. Many itineraries accommodate families and groups; for example, Chitina River trips welcome guests ages eight and up and Western Copper River trips can include children as young as three. Several trips conclude with scenic bush plane flights or operate from remote fly-in access points.

St. Elias Alpine Guides emphasizes small-group guiding, route planning, and trip customization to match client skill levels and objectives. Guides provide logistics, gear guidance, and route choices appropriate to each itinerary. Booking information lists fixed departures for some trips and private-date options for others, with clear descriptions of duration and difficulty. The company’s offerings focus on authentic wilderness experiences in McCarthy, Root Glacier, Tebay Lakes, the Copper River corridor, and surrounding Alaskan river systems.

Clients can select multi-day basecamps, day hikes, guided ice-climbing instruction, or combined raft-and-flightsee itineraries to tailor pace, challenges, and family needs. Booking details and gear lists.