Why Mount London Draws Serious Wilderness Travelers
Mount London rises in the heart of Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, part of the largest international park complex in the world. Its remote location delivers unspoiled tundra, hanging glaciers, and sweeping vistas of the St. Elias Mountains without the crowds found farther south. The peak itself is not a technical climb for most visitors; instead, travelers come for multi-day backpacking routes and day hikes that reveal dramatic river valleys and abundant wildlife.
Getting There
Access begins in Haines, Alaska or Whitehorse, Yukon. From Haines, travelers take the Haines Highway north to the Tatshenshini River put-in or arrange a float-plane flight directly to the park boundary. Once on the river, jet-boat shuttles or guided raft trips reach trailheads near the mountain’s southern slopes. Self-sufficient hikers with wilderness permits can continue on foot along established routes that follow old game trails and river benches.
Best Time to Visit
The prime window runs from mid-June through early September when snow has melted from lower passes and river levels allow safe crossings. July and August offer the longest days and most stable weather, though afternoon thunderstorms remain common. Early June and late September bring fewer visitors but require experience with lingering snow and rapidly dropping temperatures.
What to See and Do
Day hikes from base camps lead to alpine ridges offering close views of Mount London’s north face and distant icefields. Wildlife viewing is exceptional: grizzly bears frequent the river flats, while mountain goats and Dall sheep appear on rocky slopes. Photographers favor the golden light of evening on the glaciers. For longer trips, the challenging traverse toward the Alsek River combines hiking with optional rafting sections through Class III rapids.
Wildlife and Safety
Travelers should expect frequent bear activity and carry appropriate deterrents. Staying on established trails minimizes impact on fragile tundra vegetation.
Nearby Destinations
After time at Mount London, many visitors continue down the Tatshenshini or Alsek rivers to Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. On the return journey, the historic town of Haines offers art galleries and ferry connections, while Whitehorse provides full services and the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre.
