Place · 10.4 mi away
Overview
If you’re driving McCarthy Road, the Gilahina Trestle is a worthy leg‑stretch with big history. This skeletal wooden giant once carried copper ore trains and now looms over the Gilahina River—easy to admire right from the roadside pullout.
What You’ll See
- A towering timber trestle roughly 80–90 feet high and about 880–890 feet long.
- Interpretive panels with archival photos and context.
- A short, informal trail (about 0.5 mile) downriver for fresh angles of the bridge and the river corridor.
Quick History
Built for the Copper River & Northwestern Railway, the trestle famously went up in about eight days in 1911 using roughly half a million board‑feet of lumber. The 196‑mile line required over 85 miles of bridges and trestles—an audacious feat that moved Kennecott copper to the coast. The railroad cost around $25 million to build and supported copper production worth roughly $200 million (at least half of that profit) before operations ceased in 1938.
Visiting Today
You’ll pull into a small dirt wayside around mile 28–29 of McCarthy Road. Expect an NPS‑managed vault toilet, parking, and signage. The short riverside path offers quieter viewpoints and a place to shake out the drive. The Gilahina’s spring‑fed water is icy—often upper‑30s °F—so it’s refreshing to dip a hand, not a place to wade. Treat any water before drinking.
Safety Notes
The trestle is unstable—don’t climb or cross it. You’re in bear country even at roadside pullouts: make noise on the path, keep food secured, and carry spray where legal. McCarthy Road is remote with variable gravel conditions and little to no cell service; travel prepared.
Photography
The pullout frames a classic broadside view; the short trail gives lower, downstream angles. Morning and late‑day light brings out the trestle’s texture and the river valley’s contours.
Best Time to Visit
Anytime you’re driving McCarthy Road, this makes a quick stop. It’s rarely crowded; mid‑morning or late afternoon pairs good light with low traffic. Plan 15–45 minutes unless you linger on the riverside path.
Pros
- Impressive 1911 wooden railway trestle visible right from McCarthy Road
- Handy stop with interpretive signs, vault toilet, and a short riverside trail
Cons
- Small dirt pullout can feel tight when a few cars stop at once
- Do not climb the trestle; it’s in disrepair and off-limits
Tips
- Look for the pullout around mile 28–29 on McCarthy Road.
- Enjoy the view from the wayside but don’t climb the trestle—it's unsafe.
- The riverside path is informal; expect limited trail information on site.
- Carry bear spray and make noise on the short walk to the river.
- Photographers: aim for morning or late‑day light to bring out the wood grain.
