In Alaska, bigger is always better. As you’ll soon discover, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve stays true to that motto by delivering a mean punch of breathtaking views and unlimited outdoor activities. With the nation’s largest glacial system and 16 of the highest mountain peaks in the entire U.S., visitors are able to create lifelong memories from sea level to summit. Read on to learn more about why this national park to visit in Alaska is one of the most stunning in the country.

Flickr - CheWei Chang
It's hard to imagine that there is a place that is so large that it encompasses a vast array of jolting mountains, winding rivers, epic glaciers, large lakes, and beautiful beaches with world-class surfing waves. All of these things to do outside in Alaska can be found within Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Take all those amazing adventures and add in all of the virtually unlimited outdoor activities that are available at your fingertips, and you'll realize that you're visiting one of the best parks in Alaska.
Flickr - Richard Droker
Four major mountain ranges all collide inside the park; Wrangells, Chugach, Saint Elias, and the Alaska Range. On top of that, 16 of the highest peaks in the United States are located within these mountain ranges that are inside of Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Flickr - National Park Service, Alaska Region
Inside the park is the nation's largest glacial system as glaciers cover 25% or 5,000 square miles of the entire park.
Flickr - Philip Morton
The glaciers inside the park attract some of the most adventurous outdoorsmen and women in the world who come to enjoy ice hiking in Alaska. We always advise going with a guide and never attempting this alone or without having the proper amount of experience.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Braided rivers and streams give way to some of the most opportunistic fisheries in the world. Within the park boundaries is the Copper River drainage which drains into the Gulf of Alaska and the Yukon River drainage which empties into the Bering Sea.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
If you're a sports fisherman you can find species such as arctic grayling, dolly varden, lake trout, rainbow trout, steelhead, cutthroat trout, sockeye, coho, chinook salmon, and even northern pike throughout the 13.9 acres.
Flickr - Jeffrey L. Cohen
Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark is located inside the park. This special spot is filled with history and it attracts a plethora of visitors each year who come to enjoy exploring remnants from the past as well as embarking on the ghost town walking tour.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Visitors to Wrangell - St. Elias National Park can take a small float plane to enjoy many of the different lakes and secluded destinations. With 13.9 million acres, you'll always be able to escape the crowds. The park is also accessible via road and you can take a shuttle or your personal vehicle.

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Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Although there are millions of reasons to visit any portion of Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve, many come to enjoy epic hiking trails in Alaska and backcountry adventures.
Flickr - Katie (alaskahokie)
Stay in a public use cabin and sleep peacefully knowing that you have a nice barrier between you and the bears that roam the park.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Or if you're someone who prefers to go at your own pace and doesn't like to be tied down by a cabin reservation, pack a tent and sleep just about anywhere that your heart desires (even on a snow field, if you don't mind the cold - brrr!).
Flickr - National Park Service, Alaska Region
A great family-friendly thing to do outside in Alaska is rafting on river floats. This is a great way to have a little adventure while soaking in phenomenal mountain views in the distance.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
If you like coastal beaches with epic mountain scenery, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve has that too! Surf the waves off Yakutat Beach and enjoy dipping your toes in the sandy beaches while you gaze at the tall spruce and hemlock trees surrounding you as you have a blast at one of the best parks in Alaska.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Of course, we can't forget to mention the incredible wildlife viewing that can be done within the park. From moose, bear, dall sheep, and even stellar sea lions!
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Small mammals inside the park include lynx, wolverine, beaver, marten, porcupine, fox, coyotes, marmots, river otters, ground squirrels, pikas, and voles.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Many are surprised to learn that subsistence hunting by qualified, local rural residents is authorized in certain parts of the park.
Flickr - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Although this amazing park is an incredible place to enjoy all summer long, it is especially stunning during the fall months as the seasonal colors light up the mountainsides as far as the eyes can see.

Now that you know that Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the ultimate national park to visit in Alaska, there’s still plenty to explore throughout the state. To learn more, take a look at these things to do outside in Alaska if you visit during the summer

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Now that you know about one of the best parks in Alaska, you might be wondering where to find some of the most scenic lakes in the state too. It might not come as a surprise to learn that there are over 3,000 lakes in Alaska. Since there's far from a shortage of lakes throughout the state, the hardest part is deciding which one (or two) to check off your list of things to do outside in Alaska in the summer. As you’ll learn, they’re all situated with stunning backgrounds which are ideal settings for kayaking or taking a dip. So, how about planning to visit a few?

What are the best waterfall hikes in Alaska? If you’re a fan of waterfalls and exploring new trails, you’ll be thrilled to learn there are plenty of options for hikes to visit. While some of these hiking trails in Alaska leading to waterfalls are in national parks, others stand on their own. Regardless, plan to have your breath taken away when you check out some of the waterfall hikes in the state.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Alaska?

Some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Alaska are short, sweet, and scenic. You’ll also find more options for hikes and other things to do outside in Alaska if you consider taking a hike that’s a bit longer too. Even though there are plenty of hikes to choose from, they’ll all provide you with memorable views and opportunities to see wildlife too.

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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska, USA