Is this trip suitable for beginners?

While the trail is accessible to most with good fitness, some sections may require careful footing due to ice and uneven terrain, so a moderate level of hiking experience is recommended.

How long does the hike typically take?

The hike usually takes between 4 to 6 hours, including breaks and time at Iceberg Lake.

Are permits required for this activity?

No permits are needed for this guided trip, as it is operated within protected areas with guided access.

What should I bring with me?

Participants should bring layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, water, snacks, and any personal gear recommended by your guide.

Is camping allowed near Iceberg Lake?

Yes, overnight camping is permitted with proper Leave No Trace practices, and guides can assist with arrangements.

What wildlife might I see?

Expect to see mountain goats, marmots, and possibly moose or bears in the area, so stay alert and keep a safe distance.

Iceberg Lake mini-Backpacking

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Iceberg Lake mini-Backpacking trip near McCarthy, Alaska, offered by St. Elias Alpine Guides. This hike combines stunning glacial scenery with the thrill of wilderness exploration in one of Alaska's most rugged landscapes. You'll trek through pristine forests, cross icy streams, and marvel at breathtaking views of towering icebergs floating in the lake. The highlight? Reaching Iceberg Lake itself, where massive chunks of ice drift serenely amid crystal-clear waters, creating perfect photo opportunities and a sense of true wilderness. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a day or overnight trip, this adventure offers a chance to experience the raw beauty of Alaska's glaciers and alpine environment. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a capable beginner, this journey provides a rewarding challenge amid breathtaking scenery. Don't forget your camera—each viewpoint presents a picture-perfect moment, and the silence of the alpine wilderness makes every sight even more special. Guided by expert local guides, you'll navigate the terrain safely while immersing yourself in this extraordinary landscape that showcases Alaska's glaciers and rugged mountain terrain at their finest.

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.