 |
| The Glacier Discovery train affords travelers views of alpine meadows and glaciers. |
The Alaska Railroad Corporation has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to roll out a new Whistle Stop service in the Chugach National Forest aimed at offering its riders a variety of eco-friendly adventures. Once complete, the Whistle Stop project will include a series of five stations in the Chugach, complete with restrooms and other amenities, as well as a system of hiking trails connecting the stops.
“This year our tentative start date is June 1, weather permitting,” said Susan Kiger, director, passenger sales and marketing for the Alaska Railroad. “These trips are summer only as there is a lot of snow on the ground, sometimes into early June.”
The Whistle Stops are made possible in part by the new Chugach Explorer railcar. A self-propelled railcar type called a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), it is ideally suited for Whistle Stop service because of its ability to stop and start in a short distance. The DMU operates independently and is capable of pulling and providing electricity for two additional railcars. In addition, the DMU is 50 percent more fuel-efficient, emits 72 percent less pollution, and makes 75 percent less noise than a traditional locomotive.
The first Whistle Stop is at the Spencer Glacier. With packages available this summer for travel from June 1 to September 15, activities at the Spencer Glacier stop include:
* Spencer Glacier Float Tour ($219 from Anchorage or Girdwood, $180 from Whittier or Portage): Chugach Adventures provides a float tour near icebergs on the lake at Spencer Glacier. About 2.5 hours, guests will enjoy a deli-style lakeside lunch before floating across the lake and down the Placer River to the disembarkation point, where they can rejoin the railroad. The guide will row the raft, and boots and rain gear are provided.
* The Chugach Explorer Tour ($219 from Anchorage or Girdwood, $180 from Whittier or Portage): Also from Chugach Adventures, this outing is a guided canoe tour in an Alaska Native-style dugout canoe for up to 10 guests. Travelers will paddle across the lake for a view of the glacier and will also have the opportunity for a glacier walk. This tour includes a deli-style lunch, as well as boots and rain gear.
* Guided Ranger Walk: A Forest Service interpreter guides guests on the 2.6-mile roundtrip Spencer Glacier Trail. The trail is fully accessible, with up close views of the glacier.
* Iceberg Hike with Ascending Path ($279 from Anchorage or Girdwood, $239 from Whittier or Portage): This activity is a four-mile roundtrip with an interpretive guide from Ascending Path. Guests ride in a van to the side of the glacier lake, where they begin their hike. Since this hike extends beyond the range of the Ranger Walks, guests can get even closer views of the glacier.
* Spencer Glacier Hike ($359 from Anchorage or Girdwood only): This activity is the same as the Iceberg Hike described above, except that guests can continue their walk onto the glacier with crampons and helmets. More adventurous travelers can also check out an ice climbing option ($399).
The first three of these activities are combined with the Glacier Discovery train, which arrives at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop at 1:55 p.m. and departs at 4:30 p.m. before picking up rafting guests downriver a few minutes later. This route includes five tunnels, several glaciers, alpine meadows and the opportunity to view several species of Alaskan wildlife. Tour guides onboard tell stories and speak about the historical highlights of the itinerary.
Glacier Discovery begins in Anchorage and travels south along the shore of the Turnagain Arm, where travelers can sometimes catch a glimpse of beluga whales feeding on small fish and salmon headed to their spawning grounds, as well as other wildlife like Dall sheep and bald eagles.
After 40 miles the train travels past Girdwood before leaving the mainline for a 12-mile trip to the port of Whittier, passing by salmon streams and through two tunnels. Whittier offers the opportunity for passengers to view glaciers on a day cruise or embark cruise ships of the Alaska Marine Highway.
 |
| On the Spencer Glacier Float Tour, travelers can take a raft for up close views of icebergs. |
On the train, the journey continues south down the Placer Valley into country only accessible by rail, past several hanging glaciers before arriving at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. After Spencer, the train climbs to Grandview. At an altitude of 1,063 feet, this area offers views of the Kenai mountains and alpine meadows. The U.S. Forest Service plans this area to be the next of the Chugach’s five Whistle Stops. After Grandview, the train returns to Spencer, Portage, Whittier, Girdwood and Anchorage. Spencer and Grandview passengers may select a motorcoach transfer to Anchorage from the Portage stop.
Passengers interested in the glacier hike and ice climbing options can also take the Glacier Discovery, traveling as far as the Spencer Whistle Stop. After their activities at the Spencer Glacier, they can then board the northbound Coastal Classic, which arrives at 8:15 p.m.
Travel agents receive a 10 percent commission on the gross booking value of Alaska Railroad packages. For questions, agents should reach out to Sales Manager Heather Dudick at 907-265-2622. For group reservations, contact Linda Eichleberger at 907-265-2240, and for specific questions call 800-544-0552. Agents can also learn more at www.alaskarailroad.com/traveltrade.