A vast glacial-fed river system known for powerful flows, expansive wetlands, and abundant salmon runs surrounded by rugged mountains and remote wilderness.
General Information
How to Get There
From Anchorage (180 mi): Take Glenn Hwy (AK-1 E) northeast toward Glennallen, then connect to Richardson Hwy (AK-4 S) and follow signs toward the Copper River basin and viewpoints along the highway.
Overview
The Copper River is a 290-mile river in south-central Alaska that rises in the Wrangell Mountains and cuts through the Chugach Mountains to the Gulf of Alaska. More than 2 million salmon spawn in its watershed each year, and the Copper River king and sockeye salmon are famous. Its delta, 700,000 acres, is the largest contiguous wetland on the Pacific coast of North America, a stop for millions of migrating shorebirds. Rafting is available on the Chitina River and the upper river.
Things to Do
Explore Alaska's Famous Copper River Region
The Copper River is one of Alaska's most iconic waterways, stretching through vast wilderness landscapes between the Wrangell Mountains, Chugach Mountains, and Prince William Sound. The region is known for world-famous salmon runs, scenic river valleys, cultural history, outdoor recreation, and access to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
Experience the Copper River Watershed
The Copper River watershed encompasses rivers, glaciers, mountains, forests, historic communities, and some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Visitors can spend several days exploring scenic drives, recreational areas, museums, historic sites, and outdoor adventures throughout the basin.
Go Rafting on the Copper River
The Copper River and its tributaries offer a variety of rafting opportunities ranging from scenic floats to more adventurous whitewater trips. Rafting provides an excellent way to experience the remote wilderness, wildlife, and dramatic mountain landscapes of the region.
Visit Historic Copper Center
Copper Center serves as a gateway community for exploring the Copper River region. Visitors can tour local museums, learn about the area's mining and pioneer history, and access nearby recreational opportunities throughout the valley.
Discover the Copper River Delta
Near the Gulf of Alaska, the Copper River Delta is one of North America's most significant wildlife habitats. The area is renowned for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, salmon fishing, and spectacular scenery where mountains, wetlands, rivers, and coastal environments converge.
Explore Nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
The Copper River basin provides access to America's largest national park. Many visitors use the region as a base for visiting Kennecott, McCarthy, Nabesna Road, scenic flightseeing tours, hiking trails, and glacier adventures within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
Top Trails
Copper River Delta Boardwalk Trail
Length: Approximately 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Located near Cordova, this accessible boardwalk provides opportunities to view wetlands, migratory birds, and the unique ecosystems of the Copper River Delta.
Trail of '98 Historic Route
Length: Multiple segments and distances
Elevation Gain: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
This historic trail system follows routes used by prospectors during the Alaska Gold Rush. Sections of the trail showcase the region's history while providing mountain and wilderness scenery.
Local Copper Center Area Trails
Length: Varies
Elevation Gain: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Several trail systems throughout the Copper River Valley provide access to scenic viewpoints, rivers, wildlife habitats, and views of the surrounding Wrangell and Chugach mountain ranges.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for Alaska.org - Guide to the Copper River Watershed, U.S. Forest Service - Copper River Delta, Copper River (Alaska), released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
