Mount Drum

The feel

Mount Drum is 12,010 ft and the most visible peak on approaching Glennallen from the Richardson and Glenn highways. It rises about 37 miles due east of Glennallen in a cone with a snowy crown. It is the first Wrangell volcano to come into view driving east from Anchorage toward Glennallen on the Glenn Highway.

The western face rises 9,000 feet in less than 10 miles from a valley floor at about 1,500 feet. At least 11 alpine glaciers extend from the icefield that covers most of the mountain above about 8,000 ft.

What to expect

What it is

A 12,010 ft volcano with a snowy crown, about 37 miles due east of Glennallen. Scientists believe it has not erupted in about 800,000 years.

Parking

Many pullouts along the Glenn Highway and the Tok Cutoff give different views. Excellent viewpoints are at mile 1 on the Tok Cutoff and at Willow Lake (mile 87) on the Richardson Highway.

Season and access

Drum is readily visible from the Glenn Highway as far east as Chistochina and along the Richardson Highway from Tonsina north to Sourdough.

Mingo says

Cloud cover is the only way to miss Drum, so wait for a clear day. From outside Glennallen it stands straight ahead, with Sanford on the left and Wrangell on the right.

Before you go

• Drive the last 10 miles east into Glennallen on the Glenn Highway for the view that fills the windshield.
• Stop at the Wrangell-St. Elias visitor center, mile 106.8 on the Richardson Highway, for more views.
• Call the park at (907) 822-5234 with questions.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.