Backcountry Trek: The Seven Pass Route (Iceberg Lake to Bremner)
Distance: 27-32 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Approx. hiking time: 7-9 days
Total elevation gain: +6722, -7386
Best season: July - early September
Access: Bush flight - McCarthy to Iceberg Lake
Maps: USGS Bering Glacier D-6, D-7; McCarthy A-6,
A-7
Challenges: Glacier crossings, difficult moraine, streams, steep scree, boulder fields, route finding
This route travels through dramatic and ever-changing country – from lush, verdant valleys, to glacial landscapes, to barren, rock-strewn mountain passes. There are two glacier crossings on the route, neither of which should present any great difficulties if you are prepared with crampons, a dose of common sense and some experience or training in how to cross glaciers. Both glaciers are flat, valley glaciers so there is no steep ice. There is one stream crossing that may be challenging, depending on water levels
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 the Seven Pass Route in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.