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: Sanford River to Dadina  River


Distance: 16 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Approx. hiking time: 4-6 days

Total elevation gain: +2713, -2904

Best season: July - early September

Access: Bush flight from Gulkana to Sandford River

Maps: USGS Gulkana A-1, A-2

Challenges: Route finding, steep side-hilling, moraine, stream crossings


4 to 6 day trip across a plateau and down the Dadina River with dramatic views of Mount Drum (12,010’) Mount Sanford (16,237’) and Mount Wrangell (14,163’). This is a wild and remote area with unsurpassed scenery, alpine tundra, and solitude. Watch for sign of caribou, Dall sheep, moose, bison, and ptarmigan.

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse
Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse Alaska Wrangell-St. Elias National Park,Sanford Dadina River Traverse  
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 or one like it as a guided trek, click here for more information on guided treks in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.