Return To:
 Homepage
Quick Links:
Contact Us
e-mail this page
|
|
WHISTLE STOP PROJECT
This is a partnership between the Chugach National Forest and the Alaska Railroad to provide access to the spectacular backcountry of the Chugach National Forest between Anchorage and Seward.
The completed project will include a series of 5 Whistle Stop Stations with restrooms and other amenities where visitors can disembark the train to take a day or overnight trip into the heart of the Chugach National Forest.
Plans call for a connected system of trails linking the different recreation sites and allowing visitors access to lakes, glaciers and high mountain passes. Along the trail system visitors will also find campsites and public-use cabins. Other recreation opportunities include guided interpretive hikes along the more developed trail segments as well as opportunities to engage in a variety of outfitted/guided recreation opportunities.
The Chugach Whistle Stop service to Spencer Glacier officially opened August 2007. The Spencer Glacier stop is the first of 5 whistle-stops planned for the future. The whistle-stop service to Spencer Glacier will be offered on the existing Glacier Discovery Train schedule.
Passengers can hop off the train at the Spencer Whistle Stop for a narrated 1.3-mile hike with a U.S. Forest Service ranger. The trail leads to Spencer Lake for spectacular glacier viewing. The area is now open to unguided and overnight use. Hikers can now explore the Spencer Lake area on their own.
The U.S. Forest Service is currently working on a 2.1 mile trail that extends from Spencer Lake to Spencer Glacier. Dispersed, non-fee, camping opportunities are available along this trail. Within the Developed Recreation area, camping is available for reservation and fee at a group campsite. The group campsite has two pods, one accommodating 10 people for $35, the other accommodating 15 people for $65. The entire site can be reserved for $100. Firewood and camp fuel are available on site, for a fee. Currently, there is no potable water, but a well is planned for July 2008. Please contact the Glacier Ranger District for current status, 783-3242.
The adult fare from Anchorage or Girdwood is $95 and includes rail to Spencer and return to the Portage stop and motorcoach transfer from Portage to Anchorage. The round trip fare from Portage or Whittier is $59. Future fees for overnight use are to be determined.
Guided rafting and canoes tours are offered by Chugach Adventure Guides. More information >>>
| |
