— Iceberg Lake mini-Backpacking —

The Details

Trip Length: 5 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Mileage: 20mi
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,400′
Rates:
- Private Solo – $5,375
- Private 2 Participant – $3,550/person
- Private 3-6 Participant – $3,090/person
- Group – $2,820/person
Group Trip Dates:
July 18-22, 2023
Aug 6-10, 2023
Private Trips with custom dates are available.
Trip Itinerary / Download PDF
Equipment List
Photo Gallery

Having been to Alaska once previously on a family trip, I looked forward to experiencing the remoteness, vastness, and beauty of the Alaskan wilderness that lies beyond the usual tourist routes. Wrangell-St. Elias NP is, in my experience, one of the best places to find Read More >

Tom W Backpacking Iceberg Lake Basecamp 2009

My husband, Jay and I were looking for a unique way to explore Alaska and end up having the experience of a lifetime thanks to St. Elias Alpine Guides. Amongst our adventures we experienced the thrill of being flown into a remote section of the Read More >

Judith B Hiking Iceberg Lake Basecamp 2010

Upon meeting Ben we instantly knew we were in good hands. We immediately felt he was a perfect match for us as we discussed what type of experience we were looking for and some of the adventures we had had in the past. He gave Read More >

Judith B Hiking Iceberg Lake Basecamp 2010

I've done lots of camping and travelling and I can honestly say that this trip was one of the best I've done. This is truly what you picture when you think of the Alaskan peaks you see in the movies. Beautiful hikes, perfectly cooked meals, Read More >

Alexis P Hiking Iceberg Lake Basecamp 2015

McCarthy and the St. Elias Alpine Guides are an absolute gem! The area is so wild and beautiful, and yet they are a pretty large and organized group with the experience to provide all sorts of adventures. We have been hiking in New Zealand, Patagonia, Read More >

Grant and Melissa S Hiking Iceberg Lake Basecamp 2017

Remote Alaska hiking in the Chugach Mountains

Many consider the old lakebed of Iceberg Lake, deep in the Chugach Mountains, a hiker’s paradise. The veiws are impressive right from the airstrip, and they just keep getting better the further you hike! Surrounded by rugged and pointy peaks draped in hanging glaciers, the landscape can seem almost lunar – all rock and ice. Head down to the creek for a stark contrast of the brightly colored vegetation that grows along it’s banks. Bright pink Dwarf Fireweed flowers and Alaska Cotton dot this dreamy landscape as you move up and down the valley. With plenty of opportunities for scrambling, bagging a peak on this trip is not a problem! Moving camp every other night allows you to gain new views, access to a glacier (we’ll provide the crampons!), and an opportunity to explore the backcountry to your heart’s delight!

Trip Highlights:

Dramatic glaciated scenery
Opportunity for glacial exploration and peak-bagging
Don’t need to wear the heavy backpack every day
Opportunities for wildlife sightings
Perfect for beginner backpackers

What’s Included?

Professional guide(s) – 4:1 ratio
Roundtrip 40min bush flights in and out of the backcountry
All the food on the trip
Group gear (bear canisters, cookware, fuel, tents*)
Crampons

*We recommend that you bring your own tent, if possible.

What’s not Included?

Gratuities
Personal camping and hiking gear (see Equipment List)
Logistics surrounding your trip

Logistics

You’ll need to be in McCarthy the day before your trip begins for an Orientation and Gear Shakedown. You’ll meet your guide, grab group gear and make sure you are fully prepared to go into the backcountry.

Please account for a full day for travel both to and from McCarthy and the next Alaskan destination. We don’t recommend leaving McCarthy the last day of your trip as this cuts significantly into your last backcountry day and usually makes for a very hectic drive.

Check out our Transportation Page to learn how to get to and from McCarthy.
Check out our Lodging Page for lodging recommendations in the area.
Contact us if you have questions about logistics.

Trip Package

If you are planning your trip +2 months before your trip start date, upgrade to a Trip Package! A Trip Package will include transportation to/from McCarthy, local lodging, and any other local activities you’re interested in. We charge a non-refundable $50 Trip Package fee per person for this service.

Get in Touch!

Looking to book a Private Trip or not sure if this is the right trip for you? Schedule a call with our Expedition Coordinator – she’ll help you narrow down which trip is best for you and answer any questions you have about our trips, the local area, or surrounding logistics!
CLICK HERE to schedule a call at a time that works well for you.