Glennallen, Alaska

This town of about 500 people is the bustling service hub for the interior Copper River Basin. Glennallen sits on the "X" formed by the Richardson Highway (Valdez to Fairbanks) and the Glenn Highway/Slana-Tok Cutoff (Anchorage to Tok). It is not unusual to wait in line to buy gas at this busy hub in the summer.

Wrangell Mountains

Though not actually visible from Glennallen, the wide braided floodplain of the Copper River is not far away. Across the river are the volcanic Wrangell Mountains and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest National Park in the United States. The park includes Mt. St. Elias (18,009 feet), once thought to be the highest peak in North America. Other tall peaks abound, including Mt. Sanford (16,237 feet) and Mt. Drum (12,010 feet). The photo at the top of the page was taken driving into Glennallen from Anchorage on the Glenn Highway with Sanford at the left and Drum on the right.

Fishing

The Glennallen area is a mecca for fishermen in the summer. Copper River sockeye are among the most highly prized salmon caught in Alaska.