Hiking Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias

National Park and Preserve

by Greg Fensterman

A companion site to the book published by Falcon Guides®

Backcountry Trek: Doubtful Creek

Distance: 10-13 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Approx. hiking time: 2-4 days

Total elevation gain: +2724, -5647

Best season: July - early September

Access: Bush flight from McCarthy to Wolverine Mt.

Maps: USGS McCarthy C-4

Challenges: Routefinding, bushwhacking, boulder fields, stream crossings


A shorter but demanding route that includes some rugged boulder fields, requiring stamina as well as good route finding skills. This is a good route if you don't have the time for a longer trek but don't want to short yourself on adventure. There are two route variations for this trip - one will require only three days and the other at least four. Once you get to the backside of the Wolverine mesa, it's mostly all downhill.

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias  National Park, Bremner Base Camp        
FusionCharts

Even detailed route descriptions such as those found in the book are not a substitute for skills and experience. If you would like to do this route but don't feel that you are ready to tackle the Alaskan wilderness on your own, consider a guided trek.

If you are interested in doing this route as part of a guided trek, click here for more information on guided backpacking treks in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.