Copper River Highway
Dead-end highway through Alaska's largest wetland delta
The Copper River Highway stretches 48 miles from the fishing town of Cordova across one of North America’s largest wetland deltas before ending abruptly at the Million Dollar Bridge, a railroad bridge damaged in the 1964 earthquake. This paved road cuts through prime moose and brown bear habitat, passing numerous fishing spots and offering views of three major glaciers – Childs, Miles, and Sherman. The road follows the old Copper River & Northwestern Railway grade, built in the early 1900s to haul copper ore from the Kennecott mines.
This is an easy scenic drive suitable for any vehicle, though the bridge at the end requires caution due to earthquake damage. The road is typically open May through October, weather permitting. No permits needed, but bring bear spray – this is serious brown bear country. Cell service is decent near Cordova but fades quickly. The highway offers world-class salmon fishing at various creek crossings, abundant wildlife viewing, and access to some of Alaska’s most pristine wilderness. The dead-end nature means you’ll see the same spectacular scenery twice, but few complain about that problem.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 48 mi / 77.2 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock vehicle |
| Nearest town | Cordova, Alaska |
| Land manager | Alaska Department of Transportation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a regular car handle the Copper River Highway, or do I need 4WD?
A stock 2WD vehicle handles this fine in dry conditions — it's a maintained gravel road with minimal technical challenge. High clearance helps on rougher sections but isn't required.
When is the Copper River Highway open and what's the road like in winter?
The road is generally accessible May through October. Winter brings snow, ice, and severely degraded conditions — some sections become impassable and services in Cordova are extremely limited off-season.
Are there any permits or fees to drive the Copper River Highway?
No permits or fees required — it's a public state highway managed by Alaska DOT. Drive it freely, but respect any posted closures around the bridge or delta.
What's the hardest part of this drive and what should I actually expect?
Nothing on this road qualifies as technically difficult — the challenge is the remoteness, not the terrain. The road ends at the Million Dollar Bridge, a partially collapsed historic railroad structure over glacial water, which is worth the trip on its own.
Is there gas or any services along the Copper River Highway once I leave Cordova?
Zero services once you leave Cordova — no gas, no stores, nothing for 48 miles to a dead end. Fill up in Cordova before you go and carry what you need.
Trail track
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