Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve covers an immense expanse where raw landscapes challenge and beckon hikers beyond the popular day routes around McCarthy. The multi-day treks here demand respect for nature's fierce independence — glacier-carved valleys dare your footing, and rivers push forward with relentless energy. Here are some top scenic multi-day adventures that plunge deeper into Alaska’s wild heart.

1. The Skolai Pass Trek (Approx. 25 miles, Elevation gain ~3,500 ft) Start at Chitistone Pass Road and head north through dense spruce forests, where shifting light filters down like nature’s own signal. The trail climbs steadily towards Skolai Pass, unspooling wide views of jagged peaks and glacier tongues. Camp by alpine lakes where the air cools sharply at night. The footing ranges from rocky scree to soft meadows. Water sources are plentiful but always test for safety.

2. The Kennicott Glacier Traverse (Approx. 30 miles, Elevation gain ~4,000 ft) Push beyond McCarthy by tackling this glacier and moraine journey. Expect a varied terrain: shifting gravel, slippery ice patches, and narrow ridge lines. The glacier creaks and sighs like a living thing beneath your boots. Navigation demands care – maps and GPS are essential. The reward: stunning vistas of the vast glacier and the remote peaks beyond. Summer offers the safest travel window.

3. The Cataract Creek Loop (Approx. 18 miles, Elevation gain ~2,200 ft) Follow Cataract Creek’s aggressive flow as it tears through steep valleys. The trek angles uphill through thick spruce and birch groves, then opens to tundra where wildflowers nod in alpine breezes. Bridges across creeks might be washed out, so wading skills come into play. Wildlife is around—moose tracks and occasional Dall sheep keep you alert.

**Preparing for these expeditions means packing smart. Layering is key, as conditions shift quickly from sun-drenched trails to cold winds. Robust boots with solid ankle support tackle uneven terrain without complaint. Hydration systems must filter water, and bear safety gear is non-negotiable here in Alaska’s backcountry."

The seasons pulse differently in Wrangell-St. Elias: summer grants extended daylight and softer trails but can bring sudden storms; fall strips color fast and chills the air, changing the nature of the trek. Each step is a negotiation with wilderness that is fiercely itself—unyielding, compelling, and rewarding those willing to meet it on its terms.

Whether you choose the Skolai Pass or the Kennicott Glacier Traverse, entering these trails means entering a dialogue with a landscape that commands both awe and preparation. Wrangell-St. Elias is not a place to conquer but a place where every mile hiked reveals new layers of adventure.