Stairway Icefall/ Erie Lake Trail

Overview

This is a big, raw Alaska outing that starts easy and turns rugged. The route begins on the maintained Root Glacier Trail out of Kennecott, then leaves the path for rough moraine travel to reach Erie Lake and the base area of the Stairway Icefall—a colossal wall of ice dropping thousands of feet from the high Wrangells. Expect a 7-mile round trip with about 1,640 feet of gain if you turn around at the typical viewpoint. The farther you explore around the lake and ice blocks, the more the mileage and effort balloon.

Route Experience

From Kennecott, follow the Root Glacier Trail past the glacier’s toe and a rockslide to a popular camping area with a bear-proof food storage box. From there the character changes: descend carefully onto the moraine, then head north off-trail with steep cliffs on your right. You’ll curve around a point to reach Erie Lake and an up-close perspective on the Stairway Icefall. Travel here is slow—think loose rock, uneven footing, and cold glacial streams. Depending on line and conditions, short glacier or snow/ice crossings may be involved. Waterproof boots and traction (microspikes/crampons) are recommended.

Conditions and Seasonality

Summer into early fall is the norm. Erie Lake’s state changes with the season: later in the year it can partially or fully drain, exposing massive ice blocks and allowing closer approaches; earlier season generally means more water and trickier crossings. Warm afternoons can also swell streams, so earlier starts can help with water levels. This is bear country; use the bear box if you camp and carry spray.

Logistics and Access

You’ll park at the end of the McCarthy Road before the Kennecott River, cross the footbridge on foot or bike, then either walk or catch the seasonal private shuttle about 5 miles up to Kennecott to start the hike. Note that some shuttles don’t allow dogs. The McCarthy Road itself is a slow 60-mile gravel drive with potholes and washboards, typically passable in summer. It features historic highlights like the Kuskulana Bridge and Gilahina Trestle and generally runs June–September when conditions allow.

Difficulty and Safety

On paper it’s “moderate,” but the off-trail moraine and water/ice hazards make this more committing than a typical 7-miler. Footing is the crux. Don’t step onto active glacier surfaces, moats, or thin bridges without proper skills and gear, and consider a local guide if glacier travel is new to you. Registering your backcountry plans and checking current conditions with rangers is strongly recommended.

Is It Worth It?

If you love glacial landscapes and don’t mind rough, off-trail travel, this is a gem—far less crowded than the Root Glacier toe and with outsized payoff. If you want a straightforward day with great views and a real path, stick to the Root Glacier Trail and turn around at the toe; it’s the friendlier, still-beautiful alternative.

Best Time to Hike

Aim for mid-summer to early fall. Weekdays see fewer people on the maintained segment. Mornings bring firmer snow/ice and lower stream flows, plus softer light on the icefall. Late-season drainage of Erie Lake often improves access to the ice blocks and shoreline.