Boreal Forest Trail

The Boreal Forest Trail is a one-half mile loop trail near the Wrangell St. Elias Visitors Center in Copper Center, Alaska. If you're driving down to Valdez from Anchorage or Fairbanks, the Boreal Forest Trail offers a great chance to get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy some easy hiking with amazing views before continuing down the Richardson Highway. 

The trail leads to the trailheads for the Copper River Bluff Trail and the Valdez Trail. 

How To Get There

Take the Richardson Highway to the turn-off for the Wrangell St. Elias Visitors Center, about nine miles north of Copper Center. The Boreal Forest Trail is starts from the Visitors Center. 

Trail History

Part of the trail travels past two depressions in the ground which are believed to have been part of an Ahtna homesite from 300 to 500 years ago. Interpretive panels on the Ahtna cultural heritage of the area are provided along the trail by the National Park Service.

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