Wrangell/Katmai

“Anyone here ever hiked the Wwrangell or Katmai areas? Planning a trip this summer to do possibly the Pyramid Pass Traverse or the standard Skolai/Wolverine route in Wrangell. Still looking over Katmai for potential areas/routs to hike.”

“Went on a climbing trip to Mt. Sanford, at the northern end of the Wrangell/St Elias National Park in 1985 (yeah, I'm middle-age now). I'd would highly recommend a hiking trip to the area. Compared to Denali National Park, Wrangell/St Elias is very remote and doesn't get many visitors, so its an unspoiled outdoor paradise. Its got lots of wildlife and some jaw-dropping scenery. Bear, moose, deer, smaller animals galore, fishing you can't believe and its backed by snow capped peaks. The inland (northeast) side of the Wrangell/St Elias Mtns are more of a "tundra" environment, while the southwest-facing coastal areas are forested and get a lot of rain.

Not familiar with the area you'd be going to, but I can't forget the helicopter ride from the town of Glennallen into the backcoutry; we kept our noses glued to the windows for the whole flight and easily burned through a roll of film (pre-digital camera days).

Haven't been to Katami, but I'm sure its scenic too. I know its a more popular tourist destination, especially for fishing.”

“I was there in the mid-70's (yeah, I'm still young)on a Coast Guard buoy tender. We fished the area a lot but I doubt if anyone hiked a solitary step.”

“I was in Wranglell-St. Elias last year. We did a terrific six day hike in the area north of Skolai - the Nutzotin Range. Easy cross-country without having to deal with scree, glaciers or difficult river crossings.”

“Sounds like a really cool trip!”

“Thanks for the scoop, I'm booked end of July for Wrangell. Now my hiking buddy just has to get a rental car that will let us take it to Mcarthy..”