VOLUNTEERS CLEAR GLACIER CREEK WITH HAND TOOLS

Nestled in among awe-inspiring mountains, Glacier Creek (KGZ) airstrip is 15 nm east of McCarthy in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. On July 11, a work party drawing 25 volunteers was held there, led by RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza, her husband Randy, and Alaska Ambassador Bri Norby. They were joined by a group of National Park Service maintenance crew members who’d been flown in the night before and cleared the trail from the airstrip to the cabin before volunteers arrived.

Goza said 13 to 14 airplanes flew supporters in, and all worked on the airstrip, clearing brush and alders that hadn’t been cleared in the last few years. The airstrip is on “Wilderness-eligible” land, so the NPS authorized only non-powered hand tools for the brush work.


 Alaska Liaison Al Clayton's Fireweed (0AK8) airstrip, located about 17 nm from Glacier Creek, served as the crew's basecamp.


"It was great to see some new supporter participation at this event. We also had several of our long-time supporters, including local McCarthy residents and pilots,” Goza said. 


 There is a rustic hike- or fly-in Glacier Creek cabin up a short trail from the airstrip that is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some people use this cabin when hiking the Goat Trail, a popular backpacking route in the park. 


 To learn more about Glacier Creek, visit the Airfield Guide.

Submitted August 25, 2026

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