Adapting to Isolation: How McCarthy, Alaska Thrives

We had finally arrived in McCarthy.  It was a crisp late summer Alaskan day.  It might as well have been autumn compared to the climate in the lower forty-eight.  As we prepared to leave basecamp on foot to walk through the small town, I was struck by its rich history. Founded during the Copper River gold rush of the late 1800s, McCarthy was once a bustling hub of activity.

In fact, where we set up camp was smack on the location of a former mining camp that has been transformed to accommodate tourism. Leaving camp, one of the first things I noticed was the foot bridge that spans the Kennicott River, connecting McCarthy to the nearby ghost town of Kennicott. The bridge is a popular spot for tourists to take photos, and I was no exception. As I walked across the bridge, I couldn't help but think about the history of this place and the people who had come before me.

The foot bridge was a relative recent addition, in the years prior, locals crossed the frigid river via a rope and pulley contraction that I found remnants of along the shoreline. After crossing the bridge, we made our way into town and stopped at the New Golden Saloon, a local watering hole that was filled with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. The saloon has a rich history, having been built in the early 1900s during the height of the copper mining boom in the area. I struck up a conversation with some of the young progressive residents who lived in McCarthy and was intrigued by their passion for their community and their desire to preserve its history.

As I walked through the town, I noticed that many of the residents had old automobiles from the 1940s, a testament to McCarthy's isolated location and the practicality of maintaining older vehicles. One of the highlights was visiting the McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum. The museum is housed in a former school building and contains a wealth of information about the history of the area. I was particularly interested in the exhibits about the native Athabascan people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

Because McCarthy is so isolated, residents must also be prepared to live without many of the modern conveniences that most of us take for granted. There is no grocery store in town, so residents must either grow their own food or purchase it from a small general store that carries a limited selection of items. Prices are high, as everything must be shipped or flown in.  Despite the challenges, most residents in McCarthy are able to make do with what is available and find creative ways to stretch their food budgets. For example, many people in the community participate in a local food co-op, which allows them to purchase bulk items at a discounted price. Others supplement their groceries by hunting and fishing in the surrounding wilderness. Despite these challenges, the residents of McCarthy are a tight-knit community who support and rely on each other. The community has found ways to adapt and make the most of their limited resources. They are very deeply connected to the land and the natural environment. 

Examples of high prices and limited availability of goods in McCarthy

McCarthy is also home to a vibrant arts scene. Many local artists and craftsmen create works inspired by the landscape and the way of life in McCarthy. There are also several galleries and studios in town where visitors can view and purchase these works. Despite its remote location, McCarthy is a place that has a lot to offer visitors who are looking for a unique and authentic travel experience

Overall, my visit to McCarthy was an unforgettable experience. It's a place that has managed to maintain its small-town charm and authenticity despite the influx of tourists and outside influences. I left feeling grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about this special place and its rich history.