*Skolai Pass: Skolai Pass is the drop-off spot for the popular Goat Trail that takes you to Glacier Creek through unmatched terrain and spectacular views. As you hike along the trail you will be afforded astounding views of the Russell Glacier, 10,926 ft. Mt. Sulzer and the 16,000 foot Twaharpies of the University Range. In addition to the rugged mountain terrain you will have a chance to explore the “Hole-in-the-Wall” glacier, catch a glimpse of the thunderous Chitistone Falls and cross through wildlife country that almost guarantees a large game sighting. The Goat Trail is a challenging 25 miles including steep scree slopes and creek and river crossings. Recommended travel time is 4-7 days or more depending on how many day trips are desired. The Goat Trail terminates at Glacier Creek. Study a map, if you like, and find other awesome destinations such as the Nizina Glacier or the Chitistone Plateau. Skolai Pass is also a recommended spot for base-camping/day-hiking. Easily accessible from the landing strip are Skolai Lake, the Russell Glacier and more challenging and amazing destinations.

*Glacier Creek: As the pick-up spot for the Goat Trail, Glacier Creek offers more than just a terminus for the hike. Equipped with a public-use cabin, Glacier Creek makes a comfortable spot for base- camping/day-hiking, trips to Chitistone Plateau, hikes toward the Twaharpies Glacier or self-tailored trips in a loop. This area offers river bars, alpine meadow, access to steep canyons and glaciers and plenty other side-trips to keep you busy for several days. See, also, our information on the nearby Peavine Bar landing area; similar to the Glacier Creek area and equipped with several cabins (including one with six bunks) and handicap accessible outhouse.

*Goat Trail: The Goat Trail is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  Originating at Skolai Pass, the "trail" takes you through unmatched terrain and astounding views.  As you hike along the trail you will be afforded astounding views of the Russell Glacier, 10,926 ft. Mt. Sulzer and the 16,000 foot Twaharpies of the University Range. In addition to the rugged mountain terrain you will have a chance to explore the “Hole-in-the-Wall” glacier, catch a glimpse of the thunderous Chitistone Falls and cross through wildlife country that almost guarantees a large game sighting. The Goat Trail is a challenging 25 miles including steep scree slopes and creek and river crossings. Recommended travel time is 4-7 days or more depending on how many day trips are desired. The Goat Trail terminates at Glacier Creek. You may wish to try a variation of the Goat Trail by originating at Skolai Pass and terminating at the Chitistone Plateau or starting at the Chitistone Plateau and being picked up at Glacier Creek. 

Goat Trail: $280                  Skolai Pass DO/Chitistone PU: $300        Chitistone DO/Glacier Creek PU: $200

*Peavine Bar: Peavine Bar gets its name from the strong, sweet smelling wild sweetpea that grows in abundance on the surrounding river bars. In the same general area as Glacier Creek, Peavine Bar is the perfect place for a family outing or those looking to experience the Wrangell-St. Elias backcountry a bit more comfortably.  Equipped with a handicap-accessible outhouse and several public-use cabins (including one with six bunks), it is a great place to get out into the backcountry without roughing it too much. Hiking options from Peavine Bar are limited by rivers and steep canyon walls, but it is a great spot for a short day trip or a leisurely base camping escape.

Peavine Bar RT: $200

*Doubtful Creek: After an exciting landing alongside the Nizina Glacier you may step out of the plane to explore the surrounding rocky terrain or head toward the glacier Either way, you are surrounded by the crisp, fresh waters of the area--from rushing creeks to icy-blue pools. You may opt to hike further into the high country by following a creek bed up to explore more mountainous terrain. You may choose to self-tailor a trip to be picked up at a nearby landing area, possibly hiking to the Rohn Glacier or exploring the area from Doubtful Creek to Skolai Pass such as the “Hole-in-the-Wall” glacier. The Doubtful Creek area offers a many opportunities for day-hikes via base camp or backpacking trips.

*Nizina Glacier: Getting dropped off across the glacier from Doubtful Creek offers adventurers several different options. Obviously very similar to the Doubtful Creek area, the Nizina Glacier landing strip also allows access to the Regal Glacier and the West Fork Glacier. These opportunities give you a chance to challenge your skills on high, rough terrain and on glacier ice. You may choose to self-tailor a trip to one of these locations or to set up base-camp for day-hiking options.

*Nikolai Ridge: As you approach this landing perched on the Mile High Cliffs high above the braided Nizina River you witness magnificent waterfalls trundling from steep rocky shoots. The surrounding canyon walls are striated with geological and mining history, just waiting for your eyes to unravel the mysteries. Nikolai Ridge offers amazing views with tons of opportunities to explore the towering rock walls or just gaze in awe at the mountain vistas of Mt. Blackburn and the dramatic University Range skirted by the Nizina River. Enjoy a leisurely day-hiking trip or find your own route for a backpacking excursion.

*Chitistone Plateau: Also known as Wolverine Mountain, this area offers a twist to the Goat Trail with an opportunity to hike from Skolai Pass to a more north-western location than Glacier Creek. You will traverse high mountain terrain with views of Chitistone Gorge, “Hole-in-the-Wall” glacier, 16, 420 ft. Mt. Bona and 15,600 ft. Mt. Churchill. Wildlife viewing possibilities are abundant as well as fossil and geode hunting opportunities. Chitistone Plateau is also a wonderful area for day-hikes. The trip from Skolai to Chitistone is a challenging traverse through steep scree, wet areas and involves stream crossings. The 20 mile hike will take you 3-8 days dependent on day trips desired. Trips between Chitistone Plateau and Glacier Creek are also an option.

*Mile High Cliffs: Landing at the base of the towering, folded- striated citadels of natural history offers a trekker access to the Nizina River and a whole world of exploration. Feast on the rich geological history of the area as you let your sense of adventure take you where you want to go--day- tripping or overnight.

*Chimney Mountain: Chimney Mt. sits at the head of the Nizina Glacier between the Rohn and Regal glaciers. Test your skills with an extended trip high into the mountains or set up a base-camp and enjoy the surrounding views while you explore what this stunning area has to offer.

*Kennicott-Fosse: With ready glacier access and awesome views, the Fosse has an abundant offering. Day-trip options allow exploration and ever amazing views of the Kennicott Glacier and Mt. Blackburn. Terrain varies from rocky alpine slopes to glacial ice. Explore on your own or contact Kennicott Wilderness Guides for information on a guided trip from “the Fosse” to Kennicott.

*Lakina River: An impressively rushing river in itself, the Lakina offers hiking and stunning views of one of the areas most prominent buttresses, 10,000 ft. Castle Peak. With a public-use cabin along the river the hike up the Lakina River to the Lakina Glacier will not disappoint you and its views will astound you. Day-hiking opportunities offer exploration of the surrounding woods, the river bed or the nearby bluffs. Be on the lookout for moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. This area offers a number of challenging extended trips with astounding views of some of the park’s most dramatic peaks to destinations such as Kuskulana Pass, Hidden Creek, Mill Creek and beyond. If you are interested in a more challenging trip please ask at our office for more information. 10 to 30 or more miles.

*Hubert‘s Landing (Chitina Glacier): Paired with Jake’s Bar or more distant destinations, this area is a river rafter’s dream. Alone it is an explorer’s paradise; offering high rocky cliffs, low-lying river gorges, waterfalls, extensive views of surrounding unnamed peaks (sometimes a peek at the complex icy expanse of Mt. Logan, the park’s tallest) and access to the Ram glacier. To tie up this package, there is a public-use cabin near the strip. If rafting, you will begin at the head waters of the Chitina river and head toward Jake’s Bar through 40+ miles of some of the area’s most stunning views. From the Hawkins and Barnard glaciers; to the surrounding mountains; to the river itself, whose braids can reach a width of up to 6 miles; to Gibraltar Hill, an impressive rock standing tall in the middle of the river: you will be amazed! Look for bison along the river. You choose if you want to continue beyond the cabin at Jake’s Bar. Hikers may tailor your own style of trip--from moderate to strenuous day exploration to challenging overnight destinations (Ram Glacier and more).

*Ram Glacier: This small but impressive and accessible glacier is situated just 12 or so miles east of Hubert’s Landing and offers ready access to glacial moraine and hiking on rocky terrain in the same general area as Hubert’s Landing. Ram Glacier is perfect for day hiking or an awesome 12+ mile trip to or from Hubert’s. Allow 2-6 days and plenty of energy for playing in and around everything that the area offers.

Ram Glacier RT: $420                               Hubert’s DO/Ram Glacier PU: $385

*Jake’s Bar: Jake’s Bar landing strip and public-use cabins perch next to the braided Chitina River and offer river rafters a drop-off or pick-up spot. Hikers gain comfortable access for day and loop trips from the cabins to the Chitina River or you may want to “rough-it” and venture toward the slopes of MacColl Ridge or find your own trip through the surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for large game!

*Tebay Lakes: Fishing has never been quite like this! The blue- green waters are home to fish and host a variety of wildlife as well. With access to day-hiking, take a leisurely trip into this wilderness for relaxing fishing and exploration of you surroundings. Check out nearby Gillam Falls and other hidden jewels and explore the seemingly never-ending lake shore or bask in the towering views.

*Solo Creek: Are you looking for a rugged outdoors trip with challenging terrain or do you want a relaxing stay in a bed and breakfast with horse-riding and fishing? Maybe you want both… Solo Creek drop- offs offer all of the above and more. An expansive area along the White River, you will catch views of 11,000 ft. Mt. Sulzer, the Russell Glacier, Mt. Churchill and 16,400 ft. Mt. Bona. Solo Creek bed and breakfast--The Forest--offers accommodations as well as horse-riding and other tailored trips (stop by our office for more information on The Forest). Otherwise, you may opt to spend your time in Solo Creek camping and exploring the surrounding lakes and rivers. Solo Creek area offers a generous amount of opportunities for longer backpacking trips. You can head 25 miles or so by trail toward the old mining settlement of Chisana, with cabins to stay in along the way and a chance to catch another pampered night in a bed and breakfast. Keep an eye out for caribou and other large game. Horsefeld is also accessible via Solo Cr. and a pick-up there may be arranged. Or, you may opt to continue on from Horsefeld to Chisana via the Beaver Creek Trail.

*Chisana (Shushana): Enjoy this historic mining town from the comfort of a bed and breakfast or a public use cabin or venture out into the surrounding areas for day-hiking or overnight trips to explore the mining artifacts and history of the area and the challenging terrain surrounding the area. Check out an overnight loop through the Gold Hills. Chisana drop-offs with Solo Cr. or Horsefeld pick-ups are available.

*Horsefeld: Expansive country with relatively easy travel even through low-lying regions makes a trip to Horsefeld an opportunity that remains unmatched. You may choose to set up a base-camp and revel in the expanse of land before you; possibly hiking to one of a few nearby lakes to take advantage of fishing in Braye Lakes or revel in the expanse of Rock Lake. Or, travel deeper into the surrounding terrain. Trips from Horsefeld to the historic mining town of Chisana (where public use cabins or the accommodations of a bed and breakfast are available) or the unpopulated Chicken City offer an experience similar to those of the old mining days. Hike along the historic Beaver Creek Trail through impressive terrain with intriguing history. The trail to Chisana is approximately 18-20 miles and can be expected to take about 4-7 days depending on speed of travel and day-trips desired.

*Chicken City: Chicken City offers day-hiking in an area relatively near Chisana above tree-line at an elevation of 5,000 feet. A longer hike for the ambitious could lead you through varying terrain and past fishing areas to Chisana, Horsefeld, Solo Cr. or a loop trip to another destination.

*Tana-Cross Strip: A notoriously windy area, accented by sand dunes and the braids of the Tana River, this trip will test your abilities as you day-hike through the surrounding lands or as you set off down the Tana River in a raft. The trip down-river will take you through Tana Canyon rapids to the Tana’s confluence with the Chitina River near Jake’s Bar, which is equipped with public-use cabins. A hiker’s trip starts at the Tana-Cross air-strip and may continue in any direction. Hike downriver toward Willow Creek and maybe up Willow Creek--the possibilities are yours from there. Check your map or ask us for more details on longer hikes in the area--trips filled with strenuous and challenging terrain from glacial travel to difficult river crossings to serious bushwhacking, but with rewarding views of the expansive realm of the scattered towering peaks of the Bagley Icefield and other nearby glaciated areas.

*Ross Green Lake: Your trip begins at a milky green glacial lake near Granite Creek. You choose which direction to go from the jewel inset in a surrounding of the Granite Range and Thompson Ridge. You may choose to revel in the stunning views and icy-green waters of Ross Green Lake or maybe you are looking for a little more adventure. Try a hike north up Twelvemile Creek into unnamed peaks of the Granite Range. Head south toward the Thompson Ridge or, if your skills permit, venture on a longer trip down into the impressive expanses of the Jefferies Glacier, the Tana Glacier or even the Bagley Icefield for immense views of surrounding towering peaks. Another possibility would be to cross the Tana Glacier and head toward Ross Green’s sister lake: Iceberg Lake. This is an 18 or so mile trip with glacial travel. You may accomplish this feat in anywhere between 3-6 days, depending on trip itinerary. Study a map or ask us and find the trip that’s right for you.

*Iceberg Lake: Another sparkling jewel in the midst of an icy kingdom, Iceberg Lake lives up to its name. Spend a wonderful day or two hiking around the area exploring and discovering the lake before you set off for an adventurous trip into the wilds of the area. Ross Green Lake is a destination/travel option from this landing strip. (see above for information). Landing at Iceberg Lake also allows access via challenging glacier travel to the Bagley Icefield and many surrounding peaks. Lengths and times for travel depend on your experience and adventuresome spirit…but the possibilities are virtually endless! If the Bagley Icefield isn’t your style, maybe you could hike west toward the Bremner Glacier, with an ultimate destination being the Bremner mine with its alluring history and cache of artifacts along with a public-use cabin. The trip is a strenuous and challenging 35+ miles over varying terrain and glacial conditions. You can expect a longer trip from this option: 8-15 days; being generous with time.

*Bremner: The allure of this drop-off location extends well beyond the intrigue of exploring the old mining settlement and other surrounding artifacts. With a public-use cabin in the area, this is a perfect spot to plan a relaxing trip. Day-hikes and short trips may take you down Golconda Creek toward the North Fork River and possibly all the way to the North Fork Glacier or scrambling in exploration through one of the many pockets in the surrounding landscape. Take a look at the terrain and plan your own overnight trip. If distance and excitement is in your schedule look towards the Fan Glacier for a destination trip that will definitely impress and stun you! A 22 mile challenging hike south will take you over high land, past glaciers and through stunning country to the Fan Glacier airstrip in 3-7+ days.

*Fan Glacier: Landing smack in the middle of glacier central leaves endless opportunities for the ice-loving person. The choices are yours, the access is at your hands. Have a blast--and don’t forget to look up.