A combination of basecamping, hiking and backpacking, this trip is perfect for those more interested in a vacation than an arduous hike. We fly in a small Alaskan bush plane up to the ridge, set up a base camp, and explore the surrounding area. W e will backpack to the far end of the ridge, set up camp again, and explore that region and it’s vast open plateaus. A unique and interesting trip to a region of the park few people visit, this one is not to be missed.
This expansive network of ridges and escarpments provide numerous opportunities to explore and wander the tundra. A basecamp up here can provide more than a few days of hiking and poking around. It’s also possible to backpack from one end of the ridge to another, or go out and back. It’s a great place for photographers interested in trying their luck with the wildlife, with massive landscape images or with closer intimate macro photography of flowers that bloom here.
The walking here is easier than in many of the other places in Wrangell-St. Elias, as there is no moraine or talus slopes to negotiate, and no bushwhacking – unless you venture down lower to the brush line.
Where Are We?
Trip FAQs
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How buggy is it?
MacColl Ridge sits pretty high and the bugs aren’t too bad.
That can vary year to year though, so bring a headnet and repellent.
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Is there a basecamp option available?
There certainly is.
Avoid the hassles of carrying a heavy backpack. As an example, travel to our jumping-off destination, overnight, fly into the backcountry, camp and explore the area via day hikes and packrafts (* option on some trips), fly back, overnight and return travel to Fairbanks/Anchorage. Trip logistics and itinerary will vary with the specific trip. Fully-outfitted or do it yourself.
These trips are extremely flexible, wonderfully fun and a whole lot easier on your body than a backpacking trip is.
Looking for something “in the middle”? Sure, we can do that too. Fly in and out of the same location, and make a smaller backpacking loop or out and back, combining a few days camping and a few days of backpacking. Contact me via email or call 1-770-952-4549 and we’ll set it up.
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Can we book a basecamp trip if we don’t own any camping gear?
You sure can.
Fully outfitting your trip is a small additional fee. The exact amount will depend on your trip length, as well as what stuff you need.
For single individual items, contact me and we’ll see what you need and work that out.
A tent (1, 2 or 3 person) is $50.00 per person for the trip. If you just want us to handle food and you have all your own gear (tent, etc) we can do that as well.
Longer trips (5+ days) the food costs go up. But most basecamps are not longer.
We do provide sleeping bags or sleeping pads or backpacks (except for the scheduled photo tours we include sleeping pad).
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Do you have a Gear Check List?
Oh yeah. Right here
Upon your reservation I’ll also send out a detailed Trip Information Packet with more than enough information on gear to keep you busy. Until then the above check list is a good outline of what you need.
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What’s Included – MXY trips?
All multi-day trips (backpacking, basecamping, packrafting, photo tours) out of McCarthy include transport to/from Anchorage/McCarthy, 2 nights accommodations in McCarthy, air taxi flights McCarthy/The Backcountry, group gear such as cook tents, fuel, BRFCs, bear spray, etc. Hiking poles are included if you don’t have your own.
We include a satellite phone for emergencies and one backup emergency contact device, such as PLB or Garmin InReach. First aid kits, map and compass included. All guides are Wilderness First Responder Certified.
Storage of your overnight travel gear is limited but available (keep it small).
Outfitting of equipment such as tents is available. Expeditions Alaska can either fully outfit your trip (all food, tents, etc) or adjust things a la carte if needed.
Guide gratuities are not included but most appreciated.
We do NOT cover the cost of your travel meals, such as meals along the road to/from McCarthy, or in McCarthy pre/post your backpacking trip.
Trip insurance is not included. I strongly urge you to purchase it on your own. Our recommendation is Travelex.
For a full outline of What’s included/not included, please see this page.
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I Have More Questions
I know you do. I do as well.
I recommend starting with the General Trip FAQ page
More questions? Email me or call me and we’ll go through them.
Upon your reservation I’ll also send out a comprehensive trip information packet that covers just about everything and more you might imagine about your trip.
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Steamboat Hills
Hike in the Heart of the Park. Camp Above the Clouds.
Mild
On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, two hiking boots is at the easier end of the spectrum.
1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy
2 boots = easier backpacking trip
3 boots = intermediate level trip
4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking
5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?
Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.
Realize that backpacking is never “easy”. You’re carrying from 35-50+ pounds on your back day after day. You’ll be hiking for a number of hours each day (varies trip to trip, day to day), and that’s not “easy” for most people.
That said, our “2 hiking boots” level should meet the need for most novice backpackers, and are generally what I recommend for families with younger kids, etc as well. Terrain challenges aren’t usually a problem, and the walking is somewhat more orthodox. You won’t be traversing 1 mile of steep sidehill covered in slippery rocks, or snaking through dense thickets of alder and willow.
A fun family hike. Fly in, camp and hike, and enjoy the solitude of Alaska's largest National Park. Awesome views of the grand Wrangell Mountains. Easy walking. The perfect family vacation.
