Mark Wacht Edge of Alaska Bio: Age, Wife, Cabins, Net Worth & Life in McCarthy

While many viewers were introduced to Mark Wacht through Discovery Channel’s Edge of Alaska, his story begins long before the cameras arrived—and continues well beyond the show’s final episode. From national television exposure to a glacier-front wedding, his life captures the realities of living—and thriving—on Alaska’s frontier. Born in Illinois, Mark has spent decades restoring historic structures, operating a guest cabin business, and contributing to a self-reliant community in McCarthy. His path reflects a commitment to preservation, resilience, and independent living in one of the most remote areas of the United States.

From Illinois Roots to Alaskan Ventures

Mark Wacht was born on March 19, 1964, and grew up in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He spent his school years between Evergreen Park High and Brother Rice High School, setting the foundation for a life that would eventually take a big turn north. Later, he went on to study at Oklahoma State University.
In 1996, Mark packed up for McCarthy, Alaska—drawn by the wilderness and the chance to live differently. He found work with the National Park Service, spending 16 years helping restore historic buildings in the Kennicott area. That experience gave him a strong knowledge of the Copper Valley, its history, and its landscape.

By 2012, he’d bought a plot of land along the old Kennicott Wagon Road and started dreaming bigger. He and his partner Livvi Lantry launched Blackburn Cabins, building their first two guest cabins by 2015. More followed in 2016 and again in 2019. Mark eventually left his long-time job with the park service to run the business full-time with Livvi, offering visitors a chance to experience Wrangell-St. Elias National Park up close.

Edge of Alaska: Life on Screen

Mark’s life in McCarthy was prominently featured in the Discovery Channel’s Edge of Alaska, which aired from 2014 to 2017. He was part of the cast from the very first season and appeared throughout the series. The show followed McCarthy residents as they navigated life in one of America’s most remote towns, balancing isolation with efforts toward growth and tourism. Mark’s role offered insight into the life of a longtime resident working to maintain his livelihood and contribute to the town’s sustainability.

In the Season 4 premiere, “Frost and Found” (aired October 8, 2017), Mark was shown preparing a snowmachine trip with his fiancée Livvi, which ended in a minor crash—highlighting the risks of everyday travel in the Alaskan backcountry. He was also seen attempting to jump-start a dead battery by shooting at it, a moment that reflected his hands-on, improvisational mindset. In Episode 3 of the same season, titled “Uprooted,” Mark took part in clearing storm-damaged trees from the property—demonstrating his ongoing involvement in maintaining local infrastructure.

Throughout the show, Mark’s appearances portrayed him as a committed builder and business owner, expanding Blackburn Cabins while weighing the impacts of tourism and modernization on McCarthy. His storyline contributed to the broader theme of the show: the tension between preserving tradition and adapting to economic opportunity.

Marriage and Community Roots

On September 2, 2018, Mark and Livvi tied the knot in a ceremony held at the toe of the Kennicott Glacier. It was a fitting location for a couple so closely tied to the land. Mark wore a flat cap, vest, and vintage-style shirt, while Livvi dressed in a simple white gown with a fur shawl, blending rustic charm with elegance. Their dogs were part of the ceremony, and a classic car added a timeless touch. The wedding, which drew a crowd from McCarthy, was followed by a celebration at the Tony Zac Community Center. Livvi later updated her name to Livvi Lantry-Wacht.

Where He Is Today

After their wedding, Mark and Livvi continued to embrace their shared love of nature and exploration. In 2020, the couple traveled together to Peru, visiting historic landmarks such as Machu Picchu. The trip reflected their appreciation for history, culture, and outdoor adventure—values that also define their life in McCarthy.

These days, Mark still calls McCarthy home. He’s busy running Blackburn Cabins, LLC and Blackburn Enterprises, LLC—both listed in Glennallen, Alaska. He also shares glimpses of McCarthy life online, often highlighting public service events and life in Alaska’s remote interior.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Mark Wacht’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, estimates based on his long tenure with the National Park Service, income from his appearance on the Discovery Channel’s Edge of Alaska, and his continued operation of Blackburn Cabins and Blackburn Enterprises suggest that his assets may fall in the range of $500,000 to $1 million. The success of Blackburn Cabins, particularly during Alaska’s summer tourism season, contributes significantly to his ongoing income.

Mark Wacht Wiki/Bio

Field	Details
Full Name	Mark Wacht
Date of Birth	March 19, 1964
Age (as of 2025)	61 years old
Place of Birth	Evergreen Park, Illinois, USA
Current Residence	McCarthy, Alaska
Nationality	American
Occupation	Cabin Proprietor, Former National Park Service Employee
Known For	Edge of Alaska (2014–2017)
Spouse	Livvi Lantry-Wacht
Wedding Date	September 2, 2018
Wedding Location	Kennicott Glacier, Alaska
Education	Oklahoma State University; Brother Rice High School; Evergreen Park High School
Businesses	Blackburn Cabins, LLC; Blackburn Enterprises, LLC
Net Worth (Est.)	$500,000–$1 million