Eastern Alaska's Protected Remote Treasures

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve are among the most remote and least visited protected areas in the United States. Located in Alaska, these vast wilderness areas are difficult to access, with few roads leading into them and most visitors relying on small aircraft or long, rugged hikes to reach the interior. The sheer size of Wrangell-St. Elias—the largest national park in the U.S. at over 13 million acres—means that even those who do visit often see only a tiny fraction of its rugged mountains, massive glaciers, and untamed rivers. Similarly, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, located along the Yukon River, is an expanse of untouched wilderness rarely explored by tourists due to its isolation and challenging terrain.

One of the most extraordinary sights in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the Malaspina Glacier, the largest piedmont glacier in North America. This massive ice formation spreads across more than 1,500 square miles, unlike anything else on the continent. The park is also home to the Wrangell Mountains, a range of towering volcanic peaks, including Mount Wrangell, an active shield volcano that occasionally emits steam. Visitors may also come across the historic Kennecott Mines, a relic of early 20th-century copper mining, where abandoned mill buildings and equipment still stand against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and glaciers.

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve offers an entirely different but equally rare experience. The preserve encompasses 2.5 million acres of pristine boreal forest and protects the entire Charley River watershed. What makes it unique is the ability to float down the Charley River, one of the most untouched, wild rivers in North America, offering a chance to see landscapes that have remained unchanged for centuries. The preserve is also home to remnants of Alaska’s gold rush era, with historic cabins, mining equipment, and ghost town sites scattered throughout. Here, adventurers can experience true solitude, as the lack of roads and developed trails means that only the most dedicated travelers make the journey.

Wildlife viewing in these parks is unparalleled, with species that thrive in these remote environments and are rarely seen elsewhere. Wrangell-St. Elias is home to Dall sheep, moose, grizzly bears, and an abundance of bird species that migrate through the area. In Yukon-Charley Rivers, one of the most unique sights is the migration of the Fortymile caribou herd, one of the largest caribou herds in North America. Wolves, lynx, and wolverines also roam the preserve, making it a prime location for those seeking to observe Alaska’s most elusive predators in their natural habitat.

What truly sets these places apart is their sense of isolation and untouched beauty. Unlike many national parks, where visitor centers, roads, and developed trails shape the experience, Wrangell-St. Elias and Yukon-Charley Rivers remain almost entirely wild. The experience of traveling through these landscapes is one of raw adventure—whether it’s crossing glaciers, paddling down wild rivers, or stepping inside abandoned gold rush cabins. Those who make the journey to these remote corners of Alaska are rewarded with sights and experiences that exist nowhere else in the world, making these parks some of the last true frontiers of wilderness exploration.