Copper River Bluff Trail

The feel

This is a short gravel loop beside the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center in Copper Center. It climbs a little, with a few steep sections, to an overlook of the Copper River.

The visitor center sits just outside the park boundary. The Boreal Forest Trail starts from the same place, an easy half mile loop that is partly paved with no elevation change.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of 1/2 mile with about 50 ft of gain. Gravel, with a few steep sections, to an overlook of the Copper River.

Time

About 0.5 hour.

Parking

Beside the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center at Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway, Copper Center.

Hazards

A few steep sections; moderately strenuous for its length.

Mingo says

Pair this loop with a second one that starts at the same visitor center. Pick that one if you want no elevation change.

Before you go

• Call the visitor center at 907 822-5234 for trail information.
• Expect a gravel surface with a few steep sections.
• To enter the park from Copper Center, plan a one hour drive (one way) to Chitina, then the McCarthy Road.

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