MCCARTHY HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Five Days to Iceberg Lake: A Compact Trek through the Chugach's Icy Teeth
A 5-day, moderate backpacking route run by St. Elias Alpine Guides from McCarthy that delivers icy-mountain views and backcountry photography opportunities — this guide orients you to what to expect and how to book.
Five Days to Iceberg Lake: A Compact Trek through the Chugach's Icy Teeth.
Iceberg Lake mini-Backpacking is a five-day, moderate backpacking course into the icy mountains of Alaska’s Chugach Range. Operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides out of McCarthy, the itinerary threads glacier-carved valleys and berg-strewn basins, and is offered as both scheduled group trips and private/custom departures, with dedicated options for backcountry photography training.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Icy peaks and glacial basins
The route emphasizes close encounters with the Chugach Range’s icy mountains and open alpine basins around Iceberg Lake, offering expansive high-country views framed by rock and ice.
Compact, five-day backpacking window
Packaged as a five-day mini-backpacking trip, this itinerary compresses a classic backcountry arc—approach, camp, explore, and return—into a single long weekend in the field.
Planned options for photographers and private groups
Alongside scheduled group departures, the trip offers private and custom bookings and an optional backcountry photography course for participants who want focused instruction in shooting in remote alpine environments.
What the day feels like
What the five days feel like
Over five days you move from the McCarthy gateway into the Chugach’s uplands in a rhythm of load-up, day hikes from camp, and deliberate photographic stops. The trip is rated moderate and is built to give trekkers sustained time in the high country without committing to a prolonged expedition — the operator runs both group departures and tailored private trips to suit different needs.
THE LANDSCAPE
Icy peaks and glacial basins
The route emphasizes close encounters with the Chugach Range’s icy mountains and open alpine basins around Iceberg Lake, offering expansive high-country views framed by rock and ice.
THE EXPERIENCE
Compact, five-day backpacking window
Packaged as a five-day mini-backpacking trip, this itinerary compresses a classic backcountry arc—approach, camp, explore, and return—into a single long weekend in the field.
THE PURPOSE
Planned options for photographers and private groups
Alongside scheduled group departures, the trip offers private and custom bookings and an optional backcountry photography course for participants who want focused instruction in shooting in remote alpine environments.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this mini-backpack suits — and who will want a different product.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
See the operator’s detailed equipment list for required and recommended gear for multi-day alpine backpacking; the trip page links to a full packing list for this course.
A backcountry photography course is offered as an add-on for participants; inquire with the operator for dates and pricing for that instruction.
Private trips with custom dates are available—contact the operator’s expedition coordinator to plan a private departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Iceberg Lake mini-Backpacking trip?
The trip is a five-day backpacking itinerary.
Who operates this trip?
St. Elias Alpine Guides operates the Iceberg Lake mini-Backpacking trip.
Are there set group trip dates?
Yes — one scheduled group trip listed is August 17–21, 2026.
What are the group and private rates?
The listed group rate is $2,850 per person; private-trip pricing is tiered (for example, $6,025 for 1 participant; $3,525 per person for 2 participants; $3,040 per person for 3–6 participants; groups of 7–8 fall under the group rate).
Is there a photography course available?
Yes — the operator offers a backcountry photography course; inquire for details and current pricing.
Can I book a private or custom-dated trip?
Private trips with custom dates are available; the operator provides a scheduling link to arrange a planning call with their Expedition Coordinator.
Where can I find the equipment list and more trip details?
The operator’s trip page includes a full equipment list and additional trip details; consult that page for required gear and pre-departure information.