Alaska Part 4: The Remote Wilderness of McCarthy
After hearing about the issues Matt and Danielle were having with their van, we got on a call to go over the symptoms. They had already decided to call a tow truck through Mercedes to take the van all the way to Anchorage. Unfortunately, help was still two hours away. Not wanting them to be stuck alone, we decided to head toward their location in the remote town of McCarthy, one of the most isolated places in Alaska.
We were about halfway there when we got service again and received a text from them: problem solved! They had discovered a rock stuck in their brake pads and canceled the tow. Now they were headed toward Valdez instead. With a quick change of plans, we decided to stick with our route and continue on to McCarthy, with the intention of meeting back up with them later.
Alaska Part 4: The Remote Wilderness of McCarthy and the Road Less Traveled
The road to McCarthy is infamous—partially dirt, riddled with potholes, and known for taking a toll on vehicles. Many travelers bring spare tires just in case, but despite the road’s reputation and the steady drizzle of rain, we powered ahead. After a few hours of jostling in the van, we found a pull-off for the night, just an hour shy of McCarthy. Though not the most scenic place we’ve parked, it worked for a night’s rest.
The next morning greeted us with more rain. We made our way into McCarthy, hoping to hike the glacier overlook trail. However, as soon as we stepped out of the van, we were swarmed by mosquitoes. With the combination of thick clouds, constant rain, and relentless mosquitoes, we decided to skip the hike. Instead, we opted to explore the town of McCarthy itself.
McCarthy, Alaska
One thing to note: you can’t drive directly into McCarthy.
At the end of McCarthy Road, there’s paid parking, but we opted to park a couple of miles outside the town and walk in, saving ourselves the parking fee.
Walking into McCarthy was like stepping back in time. The town has a uniquely old-world feel with dirt roads, historic buildings, and even sled dogs running freely. At one point, a local passed us in a Model T car, adding to the feeling that we had traveled to a different era.
Soaked from the constant rain, we sought refuge at The Potato for lunch. Despite being cold and muddy, the food was surprisingly delicious, which lifted our spirits. From there, we wandered through the town, checking out the McCarthy Center Store, the old-west-style Ma Johnson’s Historical Hotel, and admiring the charming, rustic homes.
We had hoped to spend more time exploring McCarthy, especially Kennicott Mines, but the weather just wasn’t on our side. With the rain not letting up and our dogs getting colder by the minute, we decided to cut our visit short and head back to the van. We made our way back up the road toward Valdez, a town that would soon become one of the most beautiful places we’d visit on this entire trip.
Though our time in McCarthy was brief, it was a truly unique experience. The town’s charm and remote beauty left a lasting impression, and we’d highly recommend it to anyone making a road trip through Alaska. If you ever find yourself in the area, plan for a few days to explore the trails, historic sites, and natural beauty that this hidden gem has to offer.
Up Next Valdez, Alaska- a destination that took our breath away!
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