Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop allows hikers to reach the backcountry via a self-propelled train

Photos courtesy of Alaska Railroad Hikers walk towards a look-out point at Spencer Glacier (above) during a Whistle Stop tour on the Alaska Railroad. Passengers of the Alaska Railroad can ride the double-deck self-propelled commuter railcar (below) with service to Whistle Stops at five sites between Portage and Moose Pass.

By Susie Kiger
Special to the Turnagain Times

Hiking into the backcountry of Alaska can be an intimidating experience for many weekend hikers and visitors to the Greatland. But now there’s an opportunity through the Alaska Railroad to easily reach wilderness in the Turnagain Arm area.
The Glacier Discovery Train into the Kenai Mountains and the Chugach National Forest takes hikers to the playground for Southcentral Alaska’s residents, and it contains some of the most breathtaking, wild landscapes found anywhere.
This spectacular area is home to abundant wildlife, including moose, black and grizzly bears. So bring your binoculars and camera, and come prepared to get a true taste of wild Alaska.
Depart from Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier or Portage. The train skirts along the highly scenic Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, and makes a quick stop at Girdwood and Portage before it takes a turn to Whittier, where passengers may disembark for a day cruise in the Prince William Sound. The train then makes its way back the 12.5 miles to the main line and heads south into the Kenai Mountains.
The next stop is the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, accessible through a unique partnership with the Chugach National Forest Service.
The adventure begins here and you can only get there by train.
Take a guided hike with a Forest Service interpreter, or choose to hike on your own. The 2.6-mile round-trip Spencer Glacier Trail is fully accessible and meanders through patches of alder, willow and cottonwood, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of Spencer Glacier. Along the trail, you will learn about the landforms the glacier has left in its wake, and take note of the glacier’s location over time.
For the more adventurous types, take a self-guided hike to the face of Spencer Glacier (6.8 miles round-trip). The well- established gravel trail makes for easy walking, and you’ll find benches with scenic views along the way. Bring your mountain bike, and explore on your own. You can purchase lunch on the train, or pack your own.
Reserve a group campsite for an overnight experience. Unguided hikers and campers need to come prepared for hiking in Alaska’s backcountry.
In addition to the trail, the site contains well-maintained historically themed waiting shelters, interpretive kiosks, a campsite and restroom facilities.
Go rafting, or paddle a canoe among the icebergs with Chugach Adventure Guides. If you opt for rafting or canoeing, your lunch is included. Advance reservations are required for these tours.
The train continues south to Grandview through some of the most breathtaking landscapes along the entire railbelt. So, if you just need a day of relaxation and fabulous scenery, this is the trip for you. When the train reaches Grandview, after a peek at Trail Glacier, it reverses direction to the Spencer Whistle Stop, picks up hikers, bikers and canoers, then makes a quick stop downriver to pick up rafters.
Next stop, Portage. Whistle Stop passengers who opt for motor coach transfer to Anchorage will disembark here. The train then heads back into Whittier before returning to Anchorage.
The newest addition to the Alaska Railroad fleet is the upper-level Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) that will be used for the Spencer Whistle Stop when service commences.

For more information contact Alaska Railroad at 800-544-0552 or 907-265-2494 or visit us online at AlaskaRailroad.com.