Boreal Forest Trail

The feel

This is a flat half mile loop right at the Wrangell St Elias Visitor Center in Copper Center, partly paved and with no elevation change. It runs along the river bluff, then cuts through the forest, with interpretive panels at the bluff overlooks and in the trees.

The loop connects to a short gravel section of the historic Valdez Trail, the first all-American route into interior Alaska. The views take in three volcanoes and the Copper River Valley, and the forest has a good chance of songbirds you can see and hear.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 1/2 mile, easy and flat with no elevation change. Partly paved, with a short gravel segment of the Valdez Trail. Wheelchair-users may need assistance.

Parking

The loop winds around the parking lot and buildings of the visitor center, never far from facilities.

Kids

Rated easy.

Mingo says

The loop also leads to its own overlook and the center's amphitheater. Pair it with the Copper River Bluff Trail if you want a steeper half mile.

Before you go

• Walk the seven interpretive signs along the bluff and through the forest.
• Take the short gravel Valdez Trail segment to touch the old route.
• Call the visitor center for current times for the guided ranger walk.

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