McCarthy Lodge & Cabins - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Located in the quirky gateway town of McCarthy, this historic lodge provides comfortable accommodations and a lively atmosphere. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the park, with easy access to guided hikes, rafting trips, and flightseeing tours. Wildlife sightings in the area include moose, bears, and eagles, often seen on excursions into the surrounding wilderness.
- Location
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska Wilderness, United States, North America
- Type
- hotel
- Coordinates
- 61.428000, -142.928000
- Price range
- budget
- Phone
- +1-907-554-4402
- Website
- https://mccarthylodge.com/
- Activities
- Spa
- Amenities
- Spa, Restaurant, Dining, Bar
- Tank Filling
- luxury
PlnrScore: 30/100
Best Time to Visit McCarthy Lodge & Cabins
The best months to visit McCarthy Lodge & Cabins are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Poor, temperature -14.02°C, rainfall 102.3mm, sunshine 2.5 hrs, humidity 64.2%
- February: Poor, temperature -13.91°C, rainfall 76mm, sunshine 4 hrs, humidity 65.8%
- March: Good, temperature -13.25°C, rainfall 61.8mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 63.1%
- April: Good, temperature -8.76°C, rainfall 31.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 63.4%
- May: Good, temperature -3.09°C, rainfall 33.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 72.4%
- June: Good, temperature 3.39°C, rainfall 44.7mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 73%
- July: Good, temperature 6.61°C, rainfall 67.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.5%
- August: Poor, temperature 4.93°C, rainfall 121.3mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 76.7%
- September: Poor, temperature -0.68°C, rainfall 154.9mm, sunshine 6.3 hrs, humidity 77.6%
- October: Poor, temperature -7.28°C, rainfall 138.4mm, sunshine 4.3 hrs, humidity 72.8%
- November: Poor, temperature -13.11°C, rainfall 82.4mm, sunshine 3.1 hrs, humidity 67%
- December: Poor, temperature -13.11°C, rainfall 116.9mm, sunshine 1.7 hrs, humidity 66.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real vibe at McCarthy Lodge & Cabins, and is it truly a good base for Wrangell-St. Elias?
We love the unpretentious, lively atmosphere here. It feels like a genuine hub for adventure, not just a place to sleep. You're right on the edge of Wrangell-St. Elias, making it incredibly convenient for those guided hikes and flightseeing tours we always recommend.
We're on a budget, so what can we realistically expect in terms of comfort and amenities at McCarthy Lodge?
For a budget friendly option in such a wild location, McCarthy Lodge & Cabins offers surprisingly comfortable rooms and a warm welcome. Don't expect five-star luxury, but do expect clean, cozy spaces and a communal feel that's part of its charm. The spa is a nice touch for unwinding after a day of exploring.
What's the best time of year to visit McCarthy Lodge to maximize our chances of seeing wildlife and enjoying activities?
We find late spring through early fall, roughly May to September, offers the best balance. The days are long, the weather is generally cooperative for rafting and hiking, and you have a good shot at spotting moose and other park inhabitants. The lodge is fully operational during these months.
Beyond the lodge itself, what are the must-do activities directly accessible from McCarthy Lodge?
You absolutely must take a guided hike into the national park – the scale is breathtaking. We also highly recommend a flightseeing tour for a perspective you simply can't get from the ground. The rafting trips are exhilarating, and the lodge staff are fantastic at helping you arrange everything.
Given its remote location, are there any safety considerations or specific things we should know before arriving at McCarthy Lodge?
McCarthy is quirky and remote, so embrace that! Cell service can be spotty, and you'll likely be walking or using the lodge's shuttle. Wildlife is present, so always be bear aware and store food properly. The lodge staff are incredibly knowledgeable and will give you all the essential safety tips upon arrival.
Other Safari Lodges in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Parks in Alaska Wilderness
- Denali National Park and Preserve - 24464 km²
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve - 34287 km²
- Katmai National Park and Preserve - 16564 km²
- Kenai Fjords National Park - 2711 km²
- Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge - 8054 km²