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WHISTLE STOP PROJECT

Book a Trip

Making a reservation for this trip is easy! The Whistle Stop is not available for online booking, so just call our toll-free number to speak with a friendly Alaska Railroad Reservations Agent. Call us at 800-544-0552, or if you are in Anchorage, 265-2494. Both numbers will connect you to agents right here in the Historic Anchorage Depot. Give us a call, we'll be happy to help you make your reservation for this fantastic trip.

Tour prices:
Roundtrip from Anchorage or Girdwood with a motorcoach return is $95.
Roundtrip from Portage or Whittier with motorcoach return to Anchorage or Girdwood is $79.
And Roundtrip from Portage or Whittier is $59.

Limited Time Offer! 2-for-1 Whistle Stop Special

What is the 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.

Whistle Stop Update
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 working on a 3.4 mile trail to the glacier that will be completed for next summer. There are also plans for a backcountry campground for 2008.

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 >>>

Know Before You Go

IMPORTANT! DO NOT MISS THE TRAIN AT 4:30 PM!

The Glacier Discovery Train is on a strict schedule and cannot wait for overdue passengers. We cannot emphasize enough to please be aware of the time and ensure that you are back at the Whistle Stop depot in advance of the scheduled 4:30pm departure from Spencer. Plan accordingly and conservatively estimate the time that it will take you to get back to the Spencer station. The Glacier Discovery Train will not be back to Spencer until the following afternoon.

• Passengers who opt for a ticket to the Spencer Whistle Stop, will step off the train with a U.S. Forest Service ranger. The ranger will lead a narrated walk to a viewing platform, about 1.5 miles from the whistle-stop. Unguided and overnight camping is also permitted. Please review the Alaska Railroad Baggage policy prior to travel. See below.
• The Chugach National Forest is brown bear country. We recommend traveling in groups and making noise, especially when traveling near rivers and in heavily vegetated terrain. Additionally, moose are prevalent in the area - be aware of your surroundings and be respectful and cautious around all wildlife.
• During your visit to the Chugach National Forest, please practice the seven "Leave No Trace" principles, www.lnt.org.
• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors
• For more information on the recreation opportunities at the Spencer Whistle Stop and the Chugach National Forest, visit www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach.

Recommended Gear List for All Visitors

• Hiking boots
• Rain jacket and rain pants
• Polypropylene, nylon or wool clothing (avoid cotton)
• Emergency gear such as:
  • a first aid kit
  • knife
  • signaling device such as a whistle
• Map of the Spencer Glacier area
• Insect repellent and/or head net

Alaska Railroad Baggage Policy for Spencer Glacier

The Alaska Railroad offers checked baggage service on the Spencer Whistle Stop Train. For your safety and the safety of others, only one carry-on is allowed per person. Carry-on bags may not exceed 15" x 14" x 6". Please remember to carry on medications, cameras or other items that you will need during you train ride.

Each ticketed passenger may check two (2) pieces of luggage. Checked luggage weight is limited to 50 pounds. The special handling fee for bikes, excess, oversized, and overweight bags is $20.00 for the Spencer Whistle Stop train.

All animals must be in kennels and/or muzzled; animals will be transported in the baggage car. Please provide your own kennels and/or muzzles. There is a $20.00 fee for transporting kennels. Only Seeing Eye dogs will be permitted in the passenger cars.

Firearms, to include rifles or revolvers, are not allowed inside the passenger coaches or depots. Firearms may be transported via baggage car if they are unloaded, stored in a hard sided case, and bolt action is removed, or has a trigger locking guard applied. Concealed weapons are not allowed onboard any train.

During hunting season, game must be cleaned and packed in game bags or coolers before placement in the bag car.

Inflatable kayaks, canoes and rafts must be deflated and packed in a backpack or duffle bag. (Due to space constraints full size non-inflatable kayaks and canoes are not permitted.)

Federal Railroad Administration regulation prohibits the transport of all types of camping stove fuels and/or motor fuels on passenger trains.