Take This Fall Foliage Train Ride Through Alaska For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience
By Courtney|Published September 25, 2016
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Courtney
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Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
The fall season in Alaska starts around the end of August and is generally in full foliage swing by the ‘official’ end of summer. This fascinating journey on the Hurricane Turn Train with the Alaska Railroad is raved about by locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. Not only do you get to experience a little slice of life off the grid as the train stops to pick up locals living and adventurers in the raw, rugged backcountry – but the scenery will literally make your jaw drop from start to finish. Everyone in Alaska should have this renowned experience at least once in their lifetime.
Although it has only "officially" been fall for a handful of days, those that live in Alaska know that the fall foliage colors are generally in full bloom around the first of September. The Alaska Railroad offers a special fall foliage departure of the Hurricane Turn Train around the first week of September which goes from Talkeetna to Hurricane Gulch.
The trip offers several stops along the way including Chase, Curry, Sherman, Gold Creek, Twin Bridges and Chulitna. This laid back train ride serves as a great transportation mode for hunters looking to get to a remote access point in the Talkeetna backcountry as well as a lifeline for those living off the grid in the surrounding area. While on-board you are guaranteed to meet a variety of fun filled characters. At the various stops you'll have locals who live in the backcountry hopping on board as well as those who are spending time out in the woods for camping, hunting and exploring purposes.
Travelers on this wonderful train are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch, snacks and any beverages that they might need. Those that ride the train for this fall foliage experience should be prepared for expert commentary from the one and only Conductor Warren Redfearn. Locals and visitors alike rave that this experience is the very BEST out of all their trips throughout the last frontier. It's impossible not to appreciate the views of Denali (the tallest mountain in North America), the breathtaking vistas in Indian River Valley and the larger than life experience of Hurricane Gulch. It is also quite possible to see wildlife in the distance as the train goes deep through Alaska's backcountry.
We know what you're thinking; "Well, that's nice but the first week of September has already come and gone." Don't worry, the Hurricane Turn Train actually runs all winter long! Beginning in October and lasting through the following May, the Hurricane Turn Train starts in Alaska's largest city of Anchorage and makes the round-trip journey up to Hurricane Gulch and then back into the city. The stunning fall foliage colors are generally vibrant well into the full month of October so consider making this trip on the first Thursday of the month and soaking in lifelong memories.
But wait, it gets better! Any trip you take on the Alaska Railroad between now and the time that the snow really starts to stick (basically all October long), you'll have endless opportunities to view stunningly beautiful fall foliage. Check out the Aurora Winter Train which takes you up past Hurricane Gulf and into Nenana, Healy and Fairbanks. This train is perfect for viewing the late fall foliage colors and makes the perfect weekend getaway underneath the brilliant colors of the Northern Lights.
For a more up-close-and-personal look into a fall foliage experience with the Alaska Railroad, check out this great YouTube video below with captivating footage from on board the train going north towards Denali National Park and Preserve.
