The Hurricane Turn has two different routes: summer and winter. No matter the season, this unique train is one of the last in the nation to provide flagstop service.
SUMMER HURRICANE TURN TRAIN
Talkeetna > Chase > Curry > Sherman > Gold Creek > Twin Bridges > Chulitna > Hurricane
Thursday - Monday, mid-May to Mid-September
It’s a train like no other. Departing from Talkeetna, the Hurricane Turn Train leaves civilization behind and makes a round-trip journey through the wilds of the Indian River Valley. Along the way, passengers may take advantage of the Hurricane’s unique flagstop service to get on or off the train anywhere along this backcountry route (due to the nature of this service, scheduled stop times may vary).
Locals have long loved the Hurricane for access to remote cabins, hunting and fishing, while visitors consider this train the Alaska Railroad’s best-kept secret for a truly authentic Alaskan experience – not to mention the panoramic views at the train’s turnaround point, Hurricane Gulch. On a clear day, Denali towers over the braided Susitna River.
Unlike all other Alaska Railroad trains, there is no dining service on the Hurricane Turn. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own meals aboard; there are a number of tasty restaurants in Talkeetna that provide to-go lunches, as well as a general store.
Passengers may also take advantage of the Hurricane’s flagstop service as part of a guided tour, a memorable way to combine a trip on the train with a scenic float or jetboat excursion.
Onboard services: Adventure Class only. Non-smoking cars, wheelchair access.
WINTER HURRICANE TURN TRAIN
Anchorage > Wasilla > Talkeetna > Chase > Curry > Sherman > Gold Creek > Twin Bridges > Chulitna > Hurricane
1st Thursday of the month, October to May
The winter Hurricane Turn Train makes the round-trip journey from Anchorage north to Wasilla, Talkeetna, and the flagstop area south of Hurricane Gulch, where residents living ‘off-the-grid’ in remote cabins can flag down the train for the return ride south. The once-a-month Thursday schedule allows off-gridders to spend Friday running errands or visiting friends in town before catching the northbound Aurora Winter Train back to their cabins on Saturday.
The winter Hurricane Turn Train is also a good option for a day trip from Anchorage, either to spend a day exploring Talkeetna, or simply to enjoy a full day of winter landscapes by rail.
Onboard services: Adventure Class only. Non-smoking cars, wheelchair access.
For schedules information, click here.
For fares information, click here.
For the Hurricane Turn Train route map, click here.
For the Alaska Railroad Terms and Conditions, click here.
Header photo credit Michael Gerenday.
