We had a good sleep after driving from home to Copper Center. In an effort to make the best of our trip, we left Copper Center at about 9AM with a target of reaching the bridge by about noon. The first hour of the drive takes you to Chitna. As with most roads in Alaska, there are some beautiful views along the way.
Shortly past Chitna, you come upon the McCarthy Road. This road is build on the old rail line which connected the mines with Cordova on the coast. Stop 1 on the road was after crossing the river to check it out. The National Parks Service has an excellent road guide which explains what you’ll see on the drive.
Partway through the drive is the Kuskulana Bridge, a bridge original to the railroad days. It is quite gorgeous, with the stunning background. Its remoteness leaves you in awe. The fact that it’s still standing, strong as ever, is a testament to those who have built and maintained it.
The road winds you through the foothills of the mountains. It is mostly sided with forest, but you get the occasional expanse or peek at a massif.
The road ends abruptly at a footbridge because of damage to its original. There’s a private toll bridge to the south, but for most people bound to the park like us, this is the end of the road! The folks who donated the package for the charity auction were amazingly kind, offering Kayla and I the use of a four-wheeler during our stay.
Over the next few posts, I will show some pictures from us exploring the town, as well as our flightseeing experience!
