Maybe the cliffs aren’t a full mile high, but this area in Wrangell-St. Elias offers lofty scenery and a nice spot to hike or camp. Near the Nizina River and Nizina Glacier, the vertical cliffs are about 400-500 feet high and comprised of exposed limestone, with some beautiful waterfalls flowing off of it.
You can get dropped off by a bush plane or air taxi nearby so that you can go hiking along the riverbed or even on the end-moraine of the glacier. The glacier has been calving into the lake for about 25 to 30 years, so you'll see lots of floating icebergs—some as large as a house—surrounded by chimney-shaped mountains. Keep your eyes and binoculars out for black and brown bear, eagles, Dall sheep, mountain bison, moose and even wolves. There are campsites along the river, too.
Season
Summer
What to Bring
If you're going to be dropped off for hiking, you'll need to be prepared for serious wilderness: emergency food and water, and extra layers such as warm hat, gloves and waterproof rain gear. If you're going to camp, you'll want a sleeping bag good to 20 degrees and a lightweight stove.
