Why I Always Return to This Remote Alaska Getaway Spot

As Alaskans, we all have our favorite spots in the state, and McCarthy is one of mine.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a place where the wilderness feels endless and time slows down. My husband, our five-year-old daughter, and I decided to fully embrace that experience last fall with a stay at the Blackburn Cabins in McCarthy, Alaska. It wasn’t our first trip there, and it definitely won’t be our last. There is something about this place that keeps calling us back.

Arriving at McCarthy can feel like stepping into your very own adventure. After parking in the small parking area outside town, we crossed the iconic metal footbridge that stretches over the turbulent Kennicott River. We carted our bags across the bridge and then biked a couple of miles up to the cabin. If you arrive early enough and make arrangements, the lovely owners of Blackburn Cabins will pick you up, but we arrived late and decided to head there ourselves.

Blackburn Cabins are the epitome of rustic charm. The cabins are simple but sweet, with cold running water, a propane heater, and two cozy beds. One of my husband’s favorite parts? The rain tapping a soothing rhythm on the metal roof during our stay.

There is limited Wi-Fi, no TV, and no distractions — just pure, unplugged, delicious family time. We spent hours reading books, piecing together puzzles, and laughing over nothing in particular. It's our favorite lodging in Wrangell-St Elias National Park.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting with kids, bring plenty of snacks, games, and books to enjoy during the downtime. The cabins have everything you need for a comfortable stay, but packing a few favorite items can make it even more special.

Exploring Kennicott

One of the best things about staying at Blackburn Cabins is how close you are to some of Alaska’s most stunning landscapes. We hopped on a shuttle to the famous historic mining town of Kennicott, a couple of miles up the mountain, where the remnants of a copper mining boom still stand. The old buildings are interesting to check out, and the surrounding views of mountains and glaciers are breathtaking. Despite the rain soaking us through, we had a great time hiking, exploring, and enjoying how blue that glacier looks on a cloudy day.

Pro Tip: The shuttle to Kennicott is affordable and saves you a long walk. Make sure to dress for the weather and bring layers, especially if rain is in the forecast.

Root Glacier Right at Your Doorstep

The Root Glacier trailhead is practically in Blackburn Cabins’s front yard, making it easy to head out for a day of exploring. This trail offers a chance to walk alongside one of Alaska’s most incredible glaciers. The trail is flat and easy and we took our time, letting our daughter splash in puddles and climb over rocks. The glacier is accessible with proper gear, but even sticking to the trail as we did provides plenty of adventure. There are old antique trucks along the way that showcase some of the history of this area.

Pro Tip: If you plan to explore the glacier, consider booking a guided tour for safety and access to important ice-climbing equipment. For families, sticking to the main trail is a great way to experience the area without extra risk.

Dining in McCarthy

If we wanted a night out, we headed to The Potato, a fun little spot in McCarthy. The food is hearty and comforting, especially after a day of hiking. There aren’t many dining options in the area, but the ones that are there are delicious.

You can also grab groceries at McCarthy General Store and cook in the cabin. It’s quite cozy heating up soup over the burner, and there is a large grill for you to use in the yard if you want to cook something a bit more ambitious.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Blackburn Cabins (and McCarthy) are special for a number of reasons, but the simplicity of life here is paramount. There’s no rush, no pressure to check your phone or stick to a schedule. Instead, there’s time to explore, to sit and watch the rain, to savor a warm cup of coffee while your child plays outside the door. It feels like old Alaska.

Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in America, and you can feel its vastness. If you’re looking for a place to reset and recharge, this is it. Cabins in Alaska's national parks don’t get better than this!

Don’t forget to make your reservations at Blackburn Cabins early, especially during the summer months. The cabins book up quickly, and the experience is worth planning ahead for. It’s one of the best cabins in Wrangell-St Elias National Park!