Spencer Bench Cabin

SPENCER BENCH CABIN UPDATE: 

The Alaska Railroad and U.S. Forest Service are announcing a change in the booking process for the popular Spencer Bench public use cabin and nearby campsites. Starting January 15, 2024, reservations for the summer 2024 season will be managed by the U.S. Forest Service and available to book through Recreation.gov. As part of the new process, summer visitors to the Spencer Bench public use cabin will need to purchase train tickets directly from the Alaska Railroad to access the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. From early June through mid-September the Whistle Stop is served daily by the Glacier Discovery Train. Passengers may book online or by calling Alaska Railroad reservations at 800.544.0552. The change in the booking process brings the Spencer Bench cabin in line with other public use cabins managed by the U.S. Forest Service. 

Booking Train Tickets:

Glacier Discovery Train 

Cabin Reservations:

For cabin stays from year-round, reservations can be made at www.Recreation.gov.

 

On Site Facilities
The cabin is a 15x17-foot, trapper style cabin made entirely out of Alaskan yellow cedar.  The cabin can accommodate 6-8 people and offers wooden bunks, a table with benches, fire extinguisher, snow shovel, a broom and an outhouse. Electricity, water and fuel for the heater are not provided. Guests are responsible for supplying their own drinking water, kerosene for heater (1 liter will last about 4 hours), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils.  A creek is located near the cabin site but water must be treated before consumption.

Accessing the Cabin
The Glacier Discovery Train provides daily service to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop from late-May through mid-September. From the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, cabin users will hike 2.4 miles along the Spencer Glacier Trail around the north side of the lake to reach the signed trailhead for the Spencer Bench Trail. The Spencer Bench trail is an arduous 3 mile switchback trail that climbs 1800 vertical feet and terminates at a foot bridge.  Follow signs that direct you the last 300 yards to the cabin site. Hiking to the cabin from the Whistle Stop usually takes between 2-5 hours. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails.

Recreation Opportunities
Spencer Bench provides a picturesque view into the heart of the Chugach National Forest.  Although the Spencer Bench Trail currently ends at the cabin, the open alpine areas just above the cabin offer excellent off-trail hiking and sightseeing opportunities. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure. Hunting is possible, but the activity is tightly regulated in this area with limited permits available. Check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for more information on species and hunting seasons. The area offers a myriad of recreational opportunities including hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, boating and fishing during the summer months.  In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.

Other Information to Know Before You Go

  • This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, users should be aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
  • Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays in the event of poor weather
  • Inclement weather may cause an unexpected extension of the trip; It is recommended that users bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days
  • Access to Spencer Bench cabin crosses several potentially hazardous avalanche paths.  Winter users must access the Cabin with this in mind and plan accordingly.  The Spencer Bench hiking  trail is usually, but not always, snow-free by mid-June
  • Pack it in Pack it out!  Please pack out ALL trash, food and supplies!
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.


Contact the Forest Service for more information:

Glacier Ranger District
145 Forest Station Road
Girdwood, AK 99587
907-783-3242