Mount Blackburn

Mount Blackburn is a shield volcano in the Wrangell Mountains, rising to 16,391 feet with steep terrain draped in ice. Glaciers cover much of its slopes, with the Kennicott Glacier being the most prominent feature descending from the peak.

Lieutenant Henry Allen named the mountain after Senator Joseph Clay Stiles Blackburn in 1885 during territorial exploration. This naming marked a significant moment in mapping Alaska's remote regions during the expansionist era.

The Ahtna people call this mountain K'ats'i Tl'aadi, and this name reflects their long relationship with the landscape. Visitors walking near the base encounter a place deeply rooted in indigenous tradition.

Climbers access the standard route via the north side through Nabesna Glacier, a path that requires serious mountaineering experience and gear designed for harsh cold. Weather conditions shift dramatically with seasons, so timing your visit carefully is crucial for safety.

This peak stands as the second-highest volcano in the nation, with its west face dropping dramatically over 11,000 feet in less than 4 miles horizontally. This extreme steepness creates one of the country's most dramatic volcanic escarpments.

GPS coordinates: 61.73167,-143.43306

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:32