For afternoon guests traveling to/from Anchorage, we recommend the Railroad Gold Star add-on to include dinner and drinks on the train. 3900 Arctic Blvd, Ste 304 Click here to accept. We will have a rental car. It took several months to restore full service along the line.[9]. Riding the Rails: An Unforgettable Way to Experience the Last Frontier . The 5 hours spent at Spencer includes iceberg kayaking and trail hiking. An easy day-trip, get away from the roads, and see beautiful scenery and wildlife. For specific advice on what to wear, read ourBe Prepared Document. Day 4. This route carried passengers, freight and mail to the upper Turnagain Arm. at the Alaska Railroad. Also, once a bunch of people got off, we went back to the dining (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? [citation needed]. #budgettravel Round trip train ticket to Spencer Whistle Stop, Catered deli boxed lunch, water, granola bars and snacks, 1 mile shuttle at Spencer Whistle Stop to Spencer Lake, All paddling gear: Necky Looksha Tandem Sea Kayaks, spray skirts, PFDs, gloves, rain jacket and pants, dry bags, kayak safety equipment, Friendly, skilled, naturalist kayak and hiking guides, Small Ratios (min: 4:1 max: 7:1/client:guide). Sign up with your email and we'll keep you posted on what's going on Photos (55) Directions. 800-208-0200 or 907-245-0200. Call or email us your tour questions or to customize your Alaskan vacation. .mw-parser-output .RMbox{box-shadow:0 2px 2px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.14),0 1px 5px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.12),0 3px 1px -2px rgba(0,0,0,.2)}.mw-parser-output .RMinline{float:none;width:100%;margin:0;border:none}.mw-parser-output table.routemap{padding:0;border:0;border-collapse:collapse;background:transparent;white-space:nowrap;line-height:1.2;margin:auto}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMcollapse{margin:0;border-collapse:collapse;vertical-align:middle}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMreplace{margin:0;border-collapse:collapse;vertical-align:middle;position:absolute;bottom:0}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMsi{display:inline;font-size:90%}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMl1{padding:0 3px;text-align:left}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMr1{padding:0 3px;text-align:right}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMl{text-align:right}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMr{text-align:left}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMl4{padding:0 3px 0 0;text-align:left}.mw-parser-output table.routemap .RMr4{padding:0 0 0 3px;text-align:right}.mw-parser-output table.routemap>tbody>tr{line-height:1}.mw-parser-output table.routemap>tbody>tr>td,.mw-parser-output table.RMcollapse>tbody>tr>td,.mw-parser-output table.RMreplace>tbody>tr>td{padding:0;width:auto;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .RMir>div{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;padding:0;height:20px;min-height:20px}.mw-parser-output .RMir img{height:initial!important;max-width:initial!important}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMov{position:relative}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMov .RMic,.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMov .RMtx{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;padding:0}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMtx{line-height:20px;height:20px;min-height:20px;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMsp{height:20px;min-height:20px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMtx>abbr,.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMtx>div{line-height:.975;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMts{font-size:90%;transform:scaleX(.89)}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMf_{height:5px;min-height:5px;width:20px;min-width:20px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMfm{height:100%;min-height:100%;width:4px;min-width:4px;margin:0 auto}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMo{width:2.5px;min-width:2.5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMc{width:5px;min-width:5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMoc{width:7.5px;min-width:7.5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMd{width:10px;min-width:10px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMod{width:12.5px;min-width:12.5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMcd{width:15px;min-width:15px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMocd{width:17.5px;min-width:17.5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_{width:20px;min-width:20px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_o{width:22.5px;min-width:22.5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_c{width:25px;min-width:25px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_oc{width:27.5px;min-width:27.5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_d{width:30px;min-width:30px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_od{width:32.5px;min-width:32.5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_cd{width:35px;min-width:35px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_ocd{width:37.5px;min-width:37.5px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMb{width:40px;min-width:40px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMcb{width:45px;min-width:45px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMdb{width:50px;min-width:50px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMcdb{width:55px;min-width:55px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_b{width:60px;min-width:60px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_cb{width:65px;min-width:65px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_db{width:70px;min-width:70px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_cdb{width:75px;min-width:75px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMs{width:80px;min-width:80px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMds{width:90px;min-width:90px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_s{width:100px;min-width:100px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_ds{width:110px;min-width:110px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMbs{width:120px;min-width:120px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMdbs{width:130px;min-width:130px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_bs{width:140px;min-width:140px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_dbs{width:150px;min-width:150px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMw{width:160px;min-width:160px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_w{width:180px;min-width:180px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMbw{width:200px;min-width:200px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_bw{width:220px;min-width:220px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMsw{width:240px;min-width:240px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_sw{width:260px;min-width:260px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RMbsw{width:280px;min-width:280px}.mw-parser-output .RMir .RM_bsw{width:300px;min-width:300px}, The Alaska Railroad (reporting mark ARR) is a Class II railroad[4][5] that operates freight and passenger trains in the state of Alaska. . Departure Location Departure Time Arrival Time; Anchorage to Girdwood: 9:45 am: 10: . Glaciers are one of Alaskas most treasured natural wonders. M signifies motorcoach transfer from Portage to either Anchorage or Girdwood is included. Trains: Glacier Discovery Ownership of the railroad passed from the federal government, to the state of Alaska on January 6, 1985. Join a guided kayaking tour or hike, and savor incredible coastal views. Alaska Railroad - The MILEPOST Not to worry you will be riding in style and enjoying the large viewing windows and comfortable reclining seats. The scenery between Whittier and Portage was wonderful view of high mountains and waterfalls. [41], After Holm's death in 2006, Jim and Vic Jansen bought 557 from the museum and returned it to the Alaska Railroad on the condition that it be restored to operation and put into service. We will have a rental car. The Portage Glacier Road winds about five miles from the Seward Highway, past a series of campgrounds to the impressiveBegich Boggs Visitor Center. Fueron 10 horas de adrenalina pura, y donde pudimos disfrutar de paisajes alucinantes y lo mejor fue ver el oso con una habilidad sorprendente sobre hielo, piedras y montaa. Spend the day exploring and relaxing at a remote wilderness lodge. Ride the railroad to Whittier and beyond. Learn More >, Return to Anchorage after a trip in Whittier aboard this evening Glacier Discovery train route. To get up close to the glacier, take an hour-long narrated sightseeing boat tour on Portage Lake that cruises out to the face of the glacier. Toll Free 1-800-544-0552Local 1-907-265-2494. An Alaska Railroad passenger excursion train at Spencer Glacier. 8:55PM: Train arrives Girdwood Depot. The Alaska Railroad takes a different. Girdwood. The route links the Prince William Sound port town with Anchorage. [44][full citation needed]. View past newsletters here. Trains x 2 Spencer Lake is not accessible by car, so you'll stick to the rails, including a ride on the Coastal Classic and the Glacier Discovery trains. https://alaskanrafting.com/product/glacier-blue-kayak-scenic-grandview-train-tour/, Okay, so I got on it and got my Grandview pictures up: https://akstafford.blogspot.com/2019/07/grandview-on-alaska-railroad.html. #travelgram Afternoon Anchorage Kayak tour, we recommend the Gold Star add-on. This paddle should be considered a moderate activity. #nature #alaska #night #northernlights #daltonhighway #aurora, Backpacking Portage Lake!!! Ed and Georgia Bennett of Bennett Images traveled from Portage to Spencer Glacier on the Alaska Railroad. Train Fares | Alaska Railroad #naturealaska #onlyinalaska #alaskanadventures #sharingalaska #explorealaska #49thstate #alaskamagazine #thealaskalife #lastfrontiermagazine #fz200 #kayaking #neverstopexploring #goatworthy #exploreanchorage #ourplanetdaily #liveyouradventure #amazingview #inspiredbynature #picturesque #glacier #goneoutdoors #destinationearth #welivetoexplore #ig_alaska #alaska #getoutdoors #humanpoweredadventures, 1000000views! Home Travel Planning Destinations Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop Developed in partnership with the Chugach National Forest Service, the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop is a remote wilderness area that is only accessible by train. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Or the more adventurous can bring their camping gear and camp out overnight, within earshot of the calving glacier. The return train departs Whittier at 6:45 PM, leaving plenty of time for a day cruise into Prince William Sound. Portage elevation dropped 12 feet. It is not open to the public, but cruise lines can charter trains to the airport to bring passengers to cruise ships. . This part is simple, though: It's a beautifully scenic route with glaciers galore. Chugach Adventures has as trip where you start on the Coastal Classic train from Anchorage. Overwhelmed by choices? Glacier Discovery A variety of destinations and a convenient round-trip schedule make the Glacier Discovery Train ideally suited for day trips from Anchorage. Day 2 It has stops in Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer, and ultimately Grandview. Note this tour operates in ALL weather. From the Portage Station, ride a brief shuttle to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Alaskas premier rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned animals: see brown and black bears, moose, caribou, wood bison and more. It is the longest highway tunnel in North America. The train offers Adventure Class seating and caf car with grab-and-go snacks. Package prices may vary from the published rates with hotel and tour selections. Learn More >, Discover train adventures perfect for visitors with an extra day or two in Anchorage. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Well, after all said and done, it was worthwhile. Portage Glacier is located in theChugach National Forestand is one of Alaskas most visited attractions. (Link in bio) Spencer Glacier Day Tours on the Alaska Railroad - Alaska train - Q: Where can I find Alaska Railroad schedule and rates? The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Day 3. A catered deli boxed lunch, snack and water is provided. Ride the Glacier Discovery Train to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, where youll disembark to explore this backcountry paradise only accessible by rail. This 5-mile paved trail is fully accessible and popular with bikers and hikers. Reconstruct a failing 32' trail bridge at approximately Mile 3 of the Spencer Bench Trail. . To travel on the railroad between Portage and Spencer Glacier is just $64. 2:00PM: Arrive to Weatherport/Yurt and Kayak Cove. You can see those pictures here: http://akstafford.blogspot.com/2017/08/spencer-glacier-via-alaska-railroad.html. 10:15PM: Arrive back at Anchorage Train Depot. After getting back on the train, we continued south towards Seward for a just a bit to get off on a siding to allow a southbound train go by. Portage 2 Inbound: On the ride back from Grandview and Spencer Glacier, many guests will choose to disembark at Portage for a complimentary motorcoach transfer to Girdwood or Anchorage. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. The train takes passengers to the Spencer Whistle Stop, a remote wilderness area offering access to a short hiking trail with stunning views of Spencer Glacier on Spencer Lake. On March 12, 1914, the U.S. Congress agreed to fund construction and operation of an all-weather railroad from Seward to Fairbanks and purchased the rail line from the financially struggling Alaska Northern.[7]. . craving an adventure badly, who else ? I am thinking of driving to Portage, take the Portage 2nd stop train to either Spencer Glacier Whistle stop or Grandview stop. The President, William Howard Taft, authorized a commission to survey a route in 1912. It is entirely off the road system, so we ride the scenic Alaska Railroad from Anchorage or Girdwood with breathtaking views of glaciers and towering alpine peaks. It owned a small 45-mile (72km) 3ft (914mm) (narrow gauge) line that serviced the towns of Fairbanks and the mining communities in the area as well as the boat docks on the Tanana River near Fairbanks. Here are the departure times for the classic journeys of the Alaska Railroad, departing from the train depot in Anchorage. This rail journey takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the Railbelt: enjoy exceptional views of Trail Glacier, Bartlett Glacier and Spencer Glacier. Also, many passengers choose to board the train now for a direct ride to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and Grandview. , ? . All Ascending Path clients disembark Glacier Discovery train. Sharing about the Alaska Railroad including experiences on a Boy Scout trip to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and a visit to an Alaska Railroad open house in Anchorage. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. BetweenGirdwoodand the road toWhittier, just off the scenic Seward Highway about 50 miles south ofAnchorage, is the stunning Portage Valley. 9:00-9:30am: Intro, gear up, Kayak and safety briefing. 12:30PM: Leave for Portage Train depot via AP sprinter shuttle. Thank you for your interest in this tour! The first two hours run right along the waters of the Arm. Despus del miedo y tranquilizarnos, comenzamos el camino de descenso, el cual implic volver a escalar, buscar el camino entre la maleza y llegar a un ro ms crecido y con el agua ms fra que nunca. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of Exit Glacier as well as an Iditarod champion sled dog kennel. The yard and trackage around Seward buckled and the trackage along Turnagain Arm was damaged by floodwaters and landslides.