USA Gilahina Trestle

McCarthy Road is one of two roads leading into the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. It is only open in summer, usually from mid-May to mid-September. Officially it is not paved, but in fact it is up to the Kuskulana Bridge. However, the tarmac is in poor condition and is obviously not maintained. Beyond the bridge, the road becomes much worse as a "dirt road" with many potholes. The entire road follows a former railway line that was built for the Kennecott copper mines at the beginning of the 20th century. After it was no longer needed, it fell into disrepair in places and was later converted into a road. Remains of railway ties and their nails can occasionally be seen.
At the Gilahina River, the somewhat dilapidated railway trestle above it can be seen.