A Tale of Two Wrangells
Exploring Wrangell, Alaska & Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Are you planning an Alaskan adventure but confused about the difference between Wrangell, Alaska and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park? You’re not alone! These two spectacular destinations share a name but offer vastly different experiences. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, explain why they’re often mixed up, and share fun facts and travel tips to help you in your travels to Wrangell Island!
Aerial view of the town of Wrangell, Alaska
Wrangell, Alaska: A Historic Coastal Town in Southeast Alaska
The City & Borough of Wrangell, Alaska is a small coastal community tucked into the Inside Passage on Wrangell Island, where the Stikine River meets the sea. It’s known for its unfiltered Alaska authenticity, a place where you can spot eagles from the grocery store parking lot, hike right from town into the Tongass National Forest, and take a boat to Anan Bear & Wildlife Observatory to see black and brown bears fishing the same salmon stream. Here, “downtown” means family-run shops, working harbors, and neighbors who wave as they pass. Wrangell isn’t polished or packed with cruise crowds, it’s raw, real, and just the way we like it.
Photo of Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve taken by the National Park Service
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: America’s Largest National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is massive, 13.2 million acres of glaciers, mountains, and untamed backcountry in Southcentral Alaska. It's the largest national park in the United States. It's home to some of the highest peaks in North America, sprawling glaciers, and remote ghost towns like Kennecott, where copper once fueled dreams. It’s the kind of place where “trail” might mean a riverbed or a glacier moraine, and where backcountry permits are more common than visitor centers. Mount Wrangell, an active shield volcano, dominates the landscape. It is surrounded by towering peaks, crevasse-laced icefields, and silence you can feel. While there are a few entry points, most of the park is roadless and wild. This is the Alaska that doesn’t come with turn-down service, but does come with stories you’ll never forget.
Why People Confuse the Two Wrangells
The confusion comes down to two factors:
Shared Name – Both are named after Baron Ferdinand von Wrangel, a Russian explorer and colonial governor.
Search Confusion – When travelers google “Wrangell, Alaska,” they may see photos or content from either destination.
Though they’re over 500 miles apart, the overlap in naming and sheer Alaskan beauty often leads to mix-ups, especially for first-time visitors.
Fun Facts – Wrangell vs. Wrangell-St. Elias
Wrangell-St. Elias
Southcentral Alaska
13.2-million-acre National Park
Moose, bears, caribou
Road, plane, hike
Glaciers, mountains
Mining, geology
Wrangell, Alaska
Southeast Alaska
Small island town
Eagles, bears, seals
Ferry, commercial plane, boat
Petroglyphs, culture, river
Tlingit, Russian era
Why Should You Visit Wrangell, Alaska?
Because we’re partial to the small island town, we want to provide some reasons for why people should come and visit Wrangell, Alaska. Wrangell is not only a small, remote town, but offers some iconic locations that are perfect for independent travelers!
You don’t need a helicopter to get to wild here. You can kayak the coast, hike a rainforest trail, or boat into the Stikine River wilderness all from town. Concerned about heading into the Alaska wilderness? No problem. Local guides and operators have you covered. Wrangell is one of the only places in North America where you can watch black and brown bears fishing together in the same creek. The Anan Bear & Wildlife Observatory is legendary and crowd-free.
This isn’t a typical Alaska Cruiseship destination. Wrangell has a working waterfront, active marine trades, and commercial fishing. You’ll see fishing boats unloaded and people living their everyday lives, not putting on a show. Wrangell sits on the homeland of the Shtax’héen Kwáan people from Shtax’heen (Stikine River) Tlingit people, and that culture is still vibrant today. You can visit Chief Shakes Tribal House, explore ancient petroglyphs, and connect with the layered stories of this land. Whether it’s halibut and salmon fishing, a day trip to LeConte Glacier, or a stroll up Mt. Dewey Trail, Wrangell offers classic Alaska experiences without the lines, crowds, or tour buses.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're wandering the peaceful shores of Wrangell, Alaska or scaling a glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, both offer something unforgettable. Don't let the name fool you. Exploring either Wrangell means stepping into a truly unique Alaskan experience. But, we’re also biased. We think you should come to Wrangell Island and experience authentic Alaska first!
The town of Wrangell photo taken from Mt. Dewey trail