O'Brien to Haley Creek Trail

This is one of those trails that technically isn't even in Wrangell-St. Elias, but it's the kind of backcountry ramble that draws people to this corner of Alaska in the first place. Starting near Chitina off the Edgerton Highway, the route follows old mining paths through boreal forest — think spruce, birch, and the quiet hum of a landscape that hasn't seen a trail crew in a long time. The path traces its way toward Haley Creek through terrain that alternates between overgrown stretches and surprisingly open riverside walking. Don't expect signage, groomed tread, or bridges — this is unmaintained trail in the truest sense, and route-finding skills are part of the deal. The payoff is the raw, unfiltered Wrangell backcountry: creek crossings, mountain views that unfold without fanfare, and the near-certainty that you won't see another soul. This one's for hikers who prefer adventure over amenities.