AMPHITHEATRE CREEK, AK

Located 17 miles northeast of McCarthy Alaska, this runway sits at the south end of the Nizina Glacier.

The Amphitheatre airstrip is a remote backcountry airstrip located northeast of McCarthy, Alaska, inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve — the largest national park in the United States.

Access & Use - It's a primitive, unimproved strip used primarily by bush pilots supporting backcountry expeditions — hikers, climbers, and hunters accessing the remote Wrangell and St. Elias mountain terrain. No services or facilities exist on-site.

Terrain & Setting - The airstrip sits in a valley surrounded by dramatic alpine amphitheater terrain — steep glacier-carved walls typical of the Wrangells. Elevation and strip condition can vary seasonally, and operations are weather-dependent.

Regulatory Notes Since it's within the national park, landing and use may require coordination with the NPS Wrangell-St. Elias office in Copper Center. Some backcountry airstrips in the park are designated for specific uses or have restrictions.

Practical Tips
Local bush air services out of McCarthy may have more information about the airstrip.  Always verify current strip conditions before flying — snowpack, drainage, and bear activity can affect usability.