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No roads lead to Spencer Glacier.
Fortunately, the Alaska Railroad does.
Combine a scenic rail trip with a gentle
float tour led by Chugach
Adventure Guides.
They'll guide you through the iceberg-choked
Spencer Lake and down the Placer River,
which shoots out from under the glacier.
For those who depart by rail from
Anchorage on the Coastal Classic, you'll
travel south along Turnagain Arm for
50 miles, paralleling the Seward Highway-a
national scenic byway. The train then
heads up Turnagain Pass into the Kenai
Mountains, where it hits one of the
highest peaks on the way to Seward.
Instead of the highway, you'll see
glaciers, alpine meadows, wildflowers,
and wildlife-really pristine wilderness.
A 5 - 10 minutes bus ride from the
train drop-off puts you at the base
of the Spencer Lake, where you'll enjoy
a deli-style lunch.
Your rafting trip starts with a great
view of the huge Spencer Glacier. Your
guide will row a close (yet safe) distance
from the icebergs floating in the lake
before getting you on the river. The
Placer offers Class I and II water,
so this is a great alternative to wild
whitewater rafting, perfect for children
and older folks. You shouldn't get
wet except for an occasional small
splash.
With no road anywhere around, you'll
enjoy the feel of a remote, wilderness
experience. Watch for eagles, bear,
wolves, beavers, moose, porcupines,
ducks, and fish when they're running.
Tours departing from Anchorage include
one-way rail and a motorcoach return
transfer from the Portage stop-allowing
you to get back hours earlier than
if you went by train. Other departures
are available; please contact the railroad
if interested.
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