Anchorage > Girdwood > Portage > Whittier > Portage > Spencer > Grandview
Departing from Anchorage, the Glacier Discovery Train travels much of the same route as the Coastal Classic, with the addition of a turn off the main line to the tiny port town of Whittier and a turnaround point of Grandview. With many more stops than the Coastal – some in areas accessible only by train – the Glacier Discovery opens up a number of unique day trip options, suited for all ages and energy levels.
From Anchorage, the Glacier Discovery stops briefly at the resort town of Girdwood before continuing on to Portage; here, guests may disembark to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to black and brown bears, moose, caribou, wood bison and more. The train then travels through a mountain tunnel to Whittier, providing a perfect connection for a glacier and wildlife cruise in Prince William Sound. The train returns to Portage to pick up Wildlife Center guests and other passengers before continuing south, away from the road system and into the wilds of the Chugach National Forest.
The next stop is the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, a backcountry paradise developed in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service in a remote part of the Chugach National Forest. A well-maintained, 1.3-mile gravel path leads from the tracks to the edge of Spencer Lake and a spectacular view of massive Spencer Glacier. Rafting, hiking, and kayaking around the glacial lake are all available as day trips.
Staying on the train has its appeal, however, as Bartlett Glacier and Trail Glacier come into view. Many consider this the most scenic stretch of track, as the train winds along the Placer River Valley and amid the alpine meadows of Grandview.
On the return journey, Grandview and Spencer passengers have the option to disembark at Portage for a motorcoach transfer to Girdwood or Anchorage, thus saving a return trip to Whittier (and about 2 ½ hours of travel time).
Onboard services: Adventure Class only. Wilderness cafe snack bar, baggage service (Anchorage only), non-smoking cars, wheelchair access.
For schedules information, click here.
For fares information, click here.
For the Glacier Discovery Train route map, click here.
For the Alaska Railroad Terms and Conditions, click here.
Header photo credit Glenn Aronwits.
