The McCarthy Road

Scenery on McCarthy Road Unless you're flying into the area, travel to McCarthy and Kennicott requires driving the 60 mile McCarthy Road. This road is essentially built on the old Northwest-Copper River Railroad bed right of way. Its had a bad reputation in the past but has been designated a scenic corridor and major upgrading began in 2006. Alaska's Department of Transportation ha McCarthy Road Bridge s made enormous progress in keeping the road in excellent shape through the summer months.

What used to take 5 or more hours, now takes two. While flat tires used to be common, in the past 3 years the state has improved conditions to where flats are now uncommon. (Like any dirt or gravel road, be prepared with a good spare tire just in case.) More substantial upgrades are scheduled to begin in the next few years as Wrangell-St. Elias National Park gains increased world wide exposure.

While most of the guidebooks have older descriptions of the roads, the road conditions can be verified by contacting either the Alaska Department of Transportation or the Convention & Visitors Center in Glennallen at (907) 822-5555. Driving speeds of no more than 30MPH are recommended. Be prepared as there are no vehicle repair services on many of Alaska's rural roads. Below are some items we suggest for all travelers on long road trips in Alaska.

Stream on McCarthy Road Some towing and tire repair service is available from Chitina (at the beginning of the McCarthy Road). Contact:

Daniel Boone at (907) 823-2251

Also some tire repair service is available in the McCarthy area during the summer months.

Many more improvements are slated to occur along the McCarthy Road. Over the next few years service islands will begin to appear as major upgrades are begun on the highway.