Mount Root: Wilderness Adventures in British Columbia’s St. Elias Mountains

Why Visit Mount Root

Mount Root rises in the remote St. Elias Mountains within Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska. The peak itself is not a technical climb for most visitors; instead, travelers come for the surrounding wilderness of icefields, braided rivers, and old-growth valleys that feel untouched by modern development.

What to See and Do

River and Glacier Travel

Most journeys to Mount Root begin on the Tatshenshini or Alsek rivers. Multi-day rafting trips pass beneath the mountain, with stops for short hikes onto side glaciers and moraines. The landscape shifts from dense coastal forest to alpine tundra within a single day of travel.

Wildlife Viewing

Grizzly bears, black bears, and wolves frequent the river corridors. Dall sheep and mountain goats are visible on higher slopes around Mount Root. Birders often spot golden eagles and gyrfalcons near the icefields. All viewing should be done from a respectful distance with binoculars.

Day Hikes and Photography

From established camps along the lower slopes, hikers can follow game trails and moraine ridges for views of Mount Root’s north face and the massive icefields beyond. These outings require no technical gear but demand strong navigation skills.

How to Get There

Access is by float plane from Haines, Alaska, or by joining a guided river expedition that launches near Dalton Post in Yukon. There are no roads or maintained trails to the mountain. Independent travelers must arrange air charters and secure necessary park permits well in advance.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal window runs from mid-June through early September when river levels are manageable and snow has receded from lower elevations. July and August offer the longest daylight and warmest temperatures, though rain is common. Shoulder months bring fewer people but higher chances of cold nights and river ice.

Nearby Destinations

Many itineraries continue down the Alsek River into Glacier Bay National Park. Other nearby highlights include the massive Lowell Glacier and the historic mining town of Haines Junction. Travelers often combine a Mount Root trip with time in Kluane National Park to the north.