It was almost dark now so Dave and I rode back down to town and across the footbridge, rolling along the McCarthy road until we found a place to camp off the road by some cabins, which looked to be uninhabited. Subscribe to Riding Full Circle: head to our home page, look to the left menu…SUBSCRIBE! We figured there must be another road and were left with our curiosity for the moment. The samples they collected from Bonanza Peak’s magnificent green cliffs of exposed copper revealed up to 70% of pure chalcocite. Trucker’s Tea and Bear Bangers in Bear-less Eastern Russia, Crashing On Gravel Roads And Other Lasting Impressions En Route to Magadan, Hard or soft? Love old mines and really enjoyed both your’s and Dave’s photos of the area. Keep up the good work. The cottages on what is now called Silk Stocking Row were considered very luxurious at the time because they featured indoor plumbing. 0 . Please try again. Photo Contest Categories. Copper Mine- McCarthy, Alaska. Kennecott was a copper mine and is located northeast of Valdez, Ak. 3 . Some items were returned and the area has since turned into an interesting destination for those hearty enough to travel the 90-mile dead-end McCarthy road into McCarthy, Alaska. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, The Kennecott Hospital was typically staffed by one doctor and three nurses. If you have a prob, us our contact form. Tramways connected the 5 Kennecott mines to this mill, transporting up to 1,200 tons of ore every day. Scheduled flights occur between McCarthy and Chitina three-times, daily. Check back under your comment post for our reply, it may take a week or so but we always reply. Loved the photos. 18.19 acres lot Travel on a set itinerary with lodging and tours booked in advance. (Check him out here). St. Elias Alpine Guides: Kennecott Mine Tour - See 770 traveler reviews, 559 candid photos, and great deals for McCarthy, AK, at Tripadvisor. Self-drive vacations. Stannard invented this advanced mining technology, and later became CEO of the Kennecott Corporation. If you want an unforgettable off the beaten track Alaska experience, drive eight hours northeast of Anchorage to one of the coolest towns you have ever been to -- McCarthy, AL. People from all over the Copper River Valley, not just Kennecott, were treated here. We set the timers on our cameras, then rode toward them. Nevertheless, we set up our tent well out of ear and eyeshot from them, made dinner and went to bed exhausted after a long day. In the summer of 1900, prospectors Clarence Warren and Jack Smith were exploring Kennecott Glacier and came across the richest concentration of copper ore ever discovered. We walked across the bridge and into town taking photos on the way. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, Kennecott’s Ammonia Leaching Plant was built in 1916 and was used to process the lower grade copper from the mines. We’d eaten something that in some restaurants costs about $40 per plate. The road to McCarthy from Chitina is 60 miles long and gravel. Dave grabbed his camera and screwed on his zoom lense while walking parallel to the four-legged beast, a few thin trees between him and it. This small hospital was the home of Alaska’s first x‑ray machine. By then we were seemingly the only people up there. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, Originally, National Creek Bunkhouse was used as a bunkhouse as one would assume. Amazingly, the moose walked right past Dave. The school’s recreational facilities were considered very progressive at the time. The Great Kennecott Land Company was formed in 1976 and the town and surrounding land was subdivided and put up for sale to private owners. Edge of Alaska. Copper became an extremely valuable mineral at the turn of the century due to the inventions of electricity, automobiles, and telephones. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? A private bridge has now been built and regular shuttle service provides transport from the small town of McCarthy to the Kennicott mine just 4.5 miles up valley. The samples they collected from Bonanza Peak’s magnificent green cliffs of exposed copper revealed up to 70% of pure chalcocite. Almost all the cottages are now privately owned. Copper was extremely […] Picked two negs to print today, this is one of them... not sure what it is, think its whats left of a table that filtered out the copper or something from the crushed rocks and water... Taken on the Bronica with 80mm lens. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum. I’m very glad Dave and I made the trip into McCarthy and Kennecott on our bikes. Mccarthy - Alaska Real Estate. Aboard a warm and spacious vessel customized for comfort, cruise past alpine and tidewater glaciers among the fjords and take in a bounty of … Very artistic photos, Heather. Thanks Sankar! $98,175. We decided to do a 3 day trip to McCarthy and the Kennecott Mine. We apologized and got off the bridge but the guy came over and offered to take some photos for us. It was built in 1924 after a fire destroyed the original power house. Great post and amazing pictures! The place is magical, from its 14-storey high mine buildings to the beautiful valley in which the charming little town of McCarthy sits. I could hear Dave’s camera clicking away and he was now out on the road, having lost the moose in the trees. At the end of a long dusty dirt road at Wrangell - St. Elias National Park is the town once boom town of McCarthy, and the near-by Kennecott Copper Mine. Profits were used to expand the corporation by investing in mines in Chile and the lower-48. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, Even though the Kennecott Corporation was built on the edge of a glacier, they used the most advanced refrigeration technology available. Photo: Dave SearsKennecott Mine. Still high on our moose experience, Dave and I packed up the bikes and rode back toward McCarthy’s footbridge to take advantage of the weather for shots of the Kennicott glacier up-valley. A chemist named E.T. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Bear prints near McCarthy. We hiked toward a tarn nearby and I found some bear tracks in the sand, quite close to the campground located right beside the footbridge. Picture taken on a trip to Alaska in 2008. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. And Preserve, McCarthy, Alaska June 10-14, 2017 Johnny and Dawn Johnsson Dick And Elna Hauck PHOTO GALLERY 3 OF 6 Narrative continues from Gallery 2… The mill was fed by two aerial tramways bringing copper ore from 4-5 interconnected mines some 4,000 feet above on Bonanza Ridge. Photo: Heather Lea, We were under the impression vehicles were not allowed in town but once we started walking around, we noticed cars and trucks parked along the streets and in people’s driveways. Photo: Heather Lea McCarthy townsite. We have reviews of the best places to see in McCarthy. This fall, Edge of Alaska will return for one final journey as the fate of McCarthy hangs in the balance with local businessman Neil Darish ready to sell off the town to the highest bidder. Love to you both, Neil and Linda. Kennecott Mine, McCarthy Alaska. Brad Meiklejohn of the Conservation Fund helped the Park Service acquire the property in June, 1998. Bull moose near our camp. With the creation of the Kennecott Mines Company six years later, the town quickly grew to over 500 people. 7-10 days is the most common. The Kennecott Post Office was located in a corner of the store. Jumbo Mine, near McCarthy, Alaska See Alaska's highlights by railroad or motorcoach in a group of up to 50, Travel in small groups, stay at exclusive wilderness lodges, and spend more time outdoors, All-inclusive multi-day vacation packages at a remote wilderness lodge, Travel with a professional photographer to the best photo locations around the state, Trips range from backpacking, rafting, to upscale remote lodge retreats, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Copper became an extremely valuable mineral at the turn of the century due to the inventions of electricity, automobiles, and telephones. He reassembled them on the Copper River, and used them, as well as horses and dog sleds, to bring in equipment and begin mining before the railroad was even finished. The Cordova Chamber of Commerce built this road back in 1914 to promote access into the gold-rich interior of Alaska. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). McCarthy Kennicot mine is in the St Elias Mountain range. Ever the doting girlfriend, I ran back toward the safety of a nearby outhouse, ready to duck inside should there be any blood and gore or the moose decide to come after me. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Stop by to browse our collection. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, These cottages were used to house management and a few long-term employees who were allowed to bring their families with them to Kennecott. We did and were on our way up to the mine for round two, this time with props. Dave and I spent the rest of the day utilizing the dry weather to our advantage to get a few miles under our wheels. I couldn’t believe how close he was. In 1923, a floatation plant was added to the building where the “fines”, ore less than 2 mm in diameter, were processed. “Sure,” he said, “so long as you can get by the barriers, you can get’em up here.”. Photo: Dave Sears. McCarthy is so quiet with hardly any tourists or locals but there’s enough of a buzz to suggest things are happening around town. During winter, the only access to Kennecott is via foot or skiing the 5 mile road from McCarthy. It was way too hot to sit in a car :o) The first time I visited the only way to access the town of McCarthy was by using a hand tram to cross the river. Despite all the initial success, the low price of copper during the Great Depression took it’s toll on the Kennecott Mines. I was enjoying it, however. Love the black and white’s of the mining town. Lucky the moose was in a laid back mood. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, Community gathering place for events, Owned and operated by the National Park Service, this hall often hosts speakers, movies, potlucks, yoga, music, weddings, and other community events. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Kennecott Copper Mine in McCarthy, Alaska. Kennecott or Kennicott (also known as Kennecott Mines) is a former mining camp, now completely abandoned, situated in the Valdez-Cordova Cenzus Area in Alaska, United States of America. The town was founded around 1900 when copper ore was discovered in the area. Visiting the old world of Alaska mines. Image of blue, gold, historical - 130220496 Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. The valley of moraine and ice that spills from the glacier’s tongue is grandiose and foreboding. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. PACRIM PROPERTIES. As the name suggests, it was a five townhouse complex used to house management families and couples. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Kennecott Mill town is located 5 miles from McCarthy, with no vehicle access or shuttle service during the winter. Car, train, or group tour. He then said, “But if it fits, you can bring it across the foot bridge.”. With 4 adults and a dog in a Eagle Cap cab over camper. Travelling through the trees mere metres from us was a huge bull moose, awkwardly negotiating tree trunks with his ginormous rack. In 1987 it was rebuilt as Kennecott Glacier Lodge. In the morning we were lucky to see an amazing nature moment; we started hearing something a little like a dull axe hitting chunks of wood off in the distance. Took a few pictures of the inside of the old ruined building in Kennecott. So much cool stuff lying around so one can speculate about what the heck they were used for. Photo: Dave Sears. Located in the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, McCarthy and Kennicott have a colorful past. We always reply. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, Along with some other buildings, the National Park Service has finished renovating the Power Plant, and has opened it up for public viewing. I hadn’t seen many moose on our trip throughout the Yukon and Alaska, maybe two, so seeing this male so close up, I was spellbound. Contact us for any part of the trip you’d like to ride along with us or to suggest a place we should ride. Kennecott Mine, McCarthy Alaska. The site was center of activity of 5 copper mines. There was also a small community garden outside where some fruits and vegetables were grown. Latest Entries Winners. Thoughts went through my head like moose could be more volatile than a grizzly. Great segment here. McCarthy Road ends at the Kennicott River (not a spelling error—it’s Kennecott Mine but Kennicott River and Glacier) and is replaced with a footbridge to allow visitors access to the town site of McCarthy. Little did we know we’d see them all again the very next day. Which one is right for you? Not only had we paid $20 for the shuttle but we were killing our chances of getting some sweet shots of the bikes at the mine. Sort by: Newest. Today, Kennecott is a popular tourist attraction and the National Park Service is currently stabilizing and rehabilitating many of the mill and town buildings. Photo: Heather Lea, Exploring Kennecott Mine. Dave and I had a grey day riding along the Edgerton Highway to the fairly unmaintained gravel McCarthy Road but that didn’t deter much from photo ops. The mine has been abandoned since the mid-1950s and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Copper brought people to Kennicott/ McCarthy, and gold kept them coming, usually via Dan Creek Road. They were really nice guys from the area and we got a photo with them to add to our collection of great people we’ve met on the road. There was a problem with your submission. Photo: Heather Lea Photo: Dave Sears Kennecott Mine. Happy this one was cooperative. My camera was set on time lapse as the most my camera would time was 10 seconds, which wasn’t enough to straddle a bike and get it rolling unless I wanted time lapse shots of me falling off my bike. That mine site looks like a fabulous place to explore. In the 1960’s the Kennecott Copper Corporation sold its land, structures, and surface mining rights to Consolidated Wrangell Mining Co. Washing and lockers were located on the first floor, and sleeping quarters were on the upper levels. There is pay-parking right at the bridge for those who don’t want to walk so far. All the Kennecott bunkhouses had cooking, dining, and recreational facilities. McCarthy, Kennicott and Wrangell-St. Elias are undoubtedly one of the most unique, adventurous and diverse Alaska destinations. We love comments! Guests also enjoy glacier adventure or historic themed day trips to McCarthy and Kennicott. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, The log cabin section of General Managers Office was the first permanent building in Kennecott. J.P. Morgan and several other wealthy families collaborated to form the Alaska Syndicate and capitalize on this rich mineral source. Kennecott was a copper mine and is located northeast of Valdez, Ak. Although most of Kennecott’s food was imported, the Dairy Barn was used to keep small cows that provided milk for the town. The iconic view in Kennicott is the giant red mill building from the old Kennecott Copper Company, which stands 14 stories above the Kennicott glacier (the different spellings are due to clerical mistakes on official paperwork a century ago). Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, Construction of this 14-story state-of-the-art mill began in 1908 and took 10 years to complete. In the summer of 1900, prospectors Clarence Warren and Jack Smith were exploring Kennecott Glacier and came across the richest concentration of copper ore ever discovered. A stellar view of the Copper River area along the McCarthy Road. 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 … 2-5 day small ship explorations. We stopped and talked with them for a while. By 1938, Kennecott was a ghost town. I ran quietly along behind, filming. He used dog sleds to haul entire steamships, piece by piece, from Valdez. These two historic communities are right in the middle of America’s largest national park and surrounded by 13 million acres (5.25 m … Dave was able to remotely set his Canon from his phone. Kennicott and McCarthy sit five miles apart at the end of the McCarthy Road, about 90 miles from the turnoff from the Richardson Highway. Login | Join. Source: McCarthy Kennicott… Photo: Dave Sears. Agent listings. The railroad was completed in 1911 and the Kennecott Mines quickly established itself as a model of state-of-the-art technology and progressive management. Please check your email to verify your subscription. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Exploring around heritage buildings isn’t really my thing but Dave had been to McCarthy before and missed a chance at getting up to the mine, so I acquiesced. 02:31. Ammonia cooling and a mechanically cooled meat locker were used to keep meat and other perishables fresh for the mining town. Overwhelmed by choices? He walked to position himself where he thought the moose would emerge from the forest then got a big surprise when the moose came out nearly at his elbow from the trees. McCarthy was once the largest city in Alaska when a billion dollars of … The mine has been abandoned since the mid-1950s and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Hiking Site. Be sure to follow through with the confirmation e-mail that will be sent your way, which you’ll likely find in your spam folder. Photo: Heather Lea. Later on, parts of the bunkhouse were used as a place to bottle dairy and as a temporary dentist’s office. Another thought that flashed through my mind: this is how my boyfriend meets his demise. Photo: Dave Sears, Kennicott Glacier from the footbridge near McCarthy, Alaska. The 42 residents of McCarthy, Alaska enjoy complete freedom- at a steep price. Those grizzly tracks were pretty close to a couple of tents. Time: 2-6 hours (or longer, if desired) You’ll likely see flyers around town about these events, which are usually held for no charge (though they may request donations). Photo: Heather Lea, The Kennecott Glacier valley. Along the way we passed the Copper River, famously known in certain circles for its production of some of the best Sockeye salmon in the world. Wanna join us for a leg? Dave and I spent some time rolling the bikes into position for their photo shoot. Accommodations, amenities, activities, the area, photo galleries, and contact information. Explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Photo: Heather Lea. Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, West Bunkhouse was built in 1917, making it Kennecott’s third bunkhouse. I’m very glad Dave and I made the trip into … A quick and dirty review on motorcycle luggage. If there is something going on during your visit to town, don’t be shy; it’s worth your while to find out what’s happening. Between their hard work and the ingenuity of the founders, Kennecott Copper Corporation produced at least $200 million worth of ore, making it one of the world’s largest mineral companies. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? You sure do have your dad’s great photographer’s eye. Though the Kennecott copper mine was suddenly abandoned years ago, a strange presence lingers in the empty buildings. Natural World People Travel The American Experience Altered Images Mobile. McCarthy a city in Alaska. Kim and Joseph we’d planned to meet up with a few weeks later to do some off-road riding in Northern B.C. Watch the Alaskan wilderness awaken on this 6-hour morning cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park from Seward. From McCarthy, it is about 7 km (4 mi) to Kennecott mine and shuttles are available. This was almost as great as the fact we’d woken up to a completely blue sky. Saved from static.seattletimes.com. 0 Mccarthy Rd, Copper Center, AK 99573. Today, this old mill town is a National Historic Landmark, and has become one of Alaska’s most popular destinations. Pretty special to see one so close. Its breathtakingly beautiful to see the old mining town overlooking a glacier. You feel the challenges and courage of the people who made America what it is now. This abandoned copper mining camp is a National Historic Landmark District. After taking the shuttle back into town, we walked quickly back to our bikes and got aboard to see if we could squeeze them past the barriers on the footbridge. It creates a very ominous but exciting feel for the area. About 30 miles after Glennallen, after to reach Pippin Lake, turn left on to AK-10/Edgerton Hwy. We parked our bikes in a big gravel lot about a kilometre down the road. We’d left our friends Kim, Joseph, Ronetta, Frank and Kate the morning of Sept. 9 as they were heading along a route that would eventually bring them to Whitehorse, Yukon. Photo: Dave Sears. Some structures were destroyed but most of the job was left undone and many structures remained, tempting nearby residents and visitors to pillage what they could find of old relics and artefacts from the area. Other listings. We rode down onto the river bed, feeling quite lucky we’d shared some of this mouth-watering salmon with our friends Ed and Jill back in Fairbanks, AK after Ed and his son, Tomas, had caught 21 Sockeye in one weekend. Abandoned old copper mine in McCarthy in Alaska -1 - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock He said resident’s pay about $300/year and get a key that accesses a trunk road bridge downriver. This trail does NOT access the Erie Mine. It makes for an interesting tour. And check in at the NPS visitor center to see Most worked here for 6 months, 7 days a week. Dave snapped away and got some great shots. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Photo about Kennicott Mine in McCarthy Alaska is an abandoned copper mine and UNESCO world heritage site. The day’s goal is ride to McCarthy and the Kennicott copper mine. The Kennecott Copper Corporation lured workers to this isolated Alaskan mining camp with higher salaries than any mine in the lower 48 offered. Equipment that needed to be repaired was then sent to the Machine Shop. Driving you if starting from Anchorage you will need to take the Glenn Highway to Glennallen and then south on Richardson Highway. About this time of year, bull moose can get “cranky” as they have the ladies on their minds. We made it to about 60 miles before Tok and fell asleep talking about our friends Kim, Joseph, Frank and Kate and how we probably wouldn’t see Kate and Frank again as they were in go-mode for trying to get down to Jasper, Alberta before the snow. Wrangell Mountain Air flies visitors of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park on flightsees over glaciers, peaks, and varied terrain providing an unforgettable Alaska experience. Most of the machinary is still intact today. Visit the Trek Alaska website >>. The ore was 70% copper whereas other mines at the time were 4%. Established in 1903, Kennecott Mining Corporation operated 5 mines in the area. ...more, The Machine Shop at Kennecott Mines was used to house large inventories of spare equipment so that any broken machinary at the mines or mill could quickly be replaced. Dave got him all set up with his Canon on the guys’ tripod. Getting There. While we were playing around at the mine thinking we were the only two people up there, we noticed a guy standing patiently waiting for us to get over ourselves and leave the scene so he could get his own photos. You need a guide to explore inside the actual building. You were so close to that Moose! Natural disasters and hazards along the train route often prevented the railroad from running. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, The majority of the workers in the Kennecott mines and mill were temporary. Hold up now… so we could ride our bikes across the bridge? Stay on the for 33 miles until you reach Chitina. Free personal GPS–driven travel guide to Alaska. By 1938, all known ore deposits had been depleted. Photo: Dave Sears. Other riders we passed heading into McCarthy. Sort by options. The cities began around 1900 when copper ore was discovered in the area. Dah! Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. In the bunkhouses, two to four men shared a room. From Fairbanks head south on the Richardson Highway. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, The Electrical Shop was used as a workspace for Kennecott’s electrians, and as storage space for spare electrical parts. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. We found The Potato and tucked into a late lunch around 4:00 p.m. then caught a shuttle up to the mine around 5:00 p.m. We were the only two people in the van and I asked the driver how people get their cars over the river. If you guys are planning a trip here, message me and I’ll give you some tips on making this trip, its a little tricky with shuttles and places to park, etc. But something about this one suggested it was just trying to get by us peacefully. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. i. They hired Michael J. Heney, who had previously built the White Pass & Yukon Railroad. Over a Century of Living in the Wrangells – and counting … Join your local guide for a 2.5 hour introduction to life in McCarthy. Mill workers and miners lived in bunkhouses, worked 7 days a week and sent money home to their families. The mine is in an incredible location right beside Kennicott Glacier. Today, Kennicott is a ghost town and McCarthy has a year-round population of just a couple of dozen people. As we ate breakfast we noticed the sound coming closer. The bikes make it up to Kennecott. A group of doctors and lawyers from Anchorage purchased the property (including Jim Harrower, an Anchorage dentist who ran a wilderness lodge deep in the Alaska Range on the Stony River--where Alaska.org founder Bob Kaufman spent his first winter in Alaska in 1988). You can access Kennecott from McCarthy - walk the road between McCarthy and Kennecott (an extra 4.5 miles), take the commercial shuttle, or ride a bike. Like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram, where we post more stuff more often. Source: McCarthy Kennicott Historical Museum, Kennecott’s company store carried everything residence would need, from dynamite to christmas decorations and everything inbetween. On our ride out we passed three other riders heading in. And I’ll have it all on camera. About Kennicott and McCarthy. Exploring Kennecott Mine. McCarthy in Detail. Distance: 4 miles round-trip from Kennecott to the glacier or 8 miles round-trip to the Erie Mine tram cables. Dave photographing the Kennecott Glacier valley. The comment field is below but you need to click into the first ‘comment’ field, then TAB (don’t click) to the other fields. In the late 1960s, a company with land rights ordered that the abandoned Kennecott Mine, located near McCarthy, Alaska, and the surrounding town site be destroyed because of the hazard of its deteriorating buildings. Things to Do in McCarthy, Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve: See Tripadvisor's 2,486 traveler reviews and photos of McCarthy tourist attractions. Additions were added to provide more space for the office, safe, payroll, and drafting.