Exploring the wilderness is the most time-honored of all Alaskan pastimes. Certainly, the rugged and wild fringes of Alaska are for those willing to go deep into an adventure. Sometimes you may have to jump on a train to get to the wild. For those craving a seriously Alaskan, action-packed adventure, take the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop train on the Alaska Railroad to the go glacier camping in the wild for a night or two. This amazing adventure is actually pretty comfortable with an overnight cabin, a train depot, and of course, beautiful views of Spencer Glacier.
The Spencer Glacier and the surrounding backcountry are only accessible by train. Ride the rails to reach this exclusive paradise of the Alaskan wilderness.
The Glacier Discovery Express is the train you want to take to get to the whistle stop. The ride takes about an hour from Anchorage. The train leaves Anchorage daily at 9:45 a.m. and returns to the Whistle Stop at 4:30 p.m.
Developed in partnership with the Chugach National Forest Service, the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop is developed for visitors to take a day trip to explore the area. The sheets of ice cascade into the Spencer Lake below, making for a beautiful site.
The recent addition of the Placer River Trail Bridge makes the trek even more appealing. National Forest Service Rangers greet the train and offer a complimentary interpretive nature walk along the trail to the overlook.
Hike the 1.3 miles from the trailhead up to the overlook and Spencer Lake. There are miles and miles of more difficult hikes if you want an additional challenge.
You can also explore the area on your own, go glacier hiking or bring a packraft to explore the glacial lake. Most will spend the day checking out the scenery and head back to town on the afternoon train.
Camp in the backcountry if you are well-equipped, at the group campground near the glacier, or reserve the Spencer Bench Cabin for a more luxurious outing. The cabin is accessed via a 5.4-mile hike with a beautiful view of the valley.
Take a float down the Placer River, a guided hike on the glacier itself, a wild animal viewing tour, go kayaking in the lake, ice climb on the glacier or dine at the salmon bake.
Take the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop train and camp at the cabin on Spencer Glacier for a thrilling Alaskan adventure. The scenery, the fresh air, and the wildflowers on the hillside are the perfect location for relaxing in nature.
