We made reservations for the Chugach Adventures Alaska Railroad Spenser Glacier Iceberg Float before leaving home. We boarded the train in Girdwood and spent (approximately) three hours riding the train - entirely too long for us. You must have a picture ID to get on the train. The train seats are assigned and if you get a seat on the right side you are on the more scenic side.
Rubber boots were given to us during the train ride. I put on two pairs of socks and removed the outer layer immediately after taking the borrowed boots off. We also wore wicking long underwear, Merlino wool socks, nylon pants, long sleeve wicking type material shirt, wicking heavy hooded fleece and waterproof gloves.
After finally arriving at Spenser, we boarded a bus for a short ride to the rafts. Once by the water we were given safety instructions, life preservers and long rubber rain coats.
Our guide was Gus Beck – a college graduate who just loves his job on the water and it shows in his attitude. Guests are provided water and a variety of snacks while on the raft. Spenser Glacier is spectacular! We got up close to the icebergs on a gentle raft float that went across Spenser Lake and then down Placer River. We saw freshly fallen (called calving) pieces of the glacier.
On the way back we hopped on a motor coach in Whittier instead of sitting through the Whittier lay-over and taking the slow train back to Girdwood. We save ourselves a couple of hours this way.
A less expensive and time consuming way to do this trip is to take the train from Portage or Whittier. There is a coupon in the Northern Lights coupon book that will save about $100 for two people no matter where you pick up the train from.
Spenser Glacier is in Chugach National Forest and is only accessible by train. Chugach Adventures is the only tour company that offers this tour. They conduct the tours in conjunction with the railroad. What you see on the train ride is just about what can be seen in your car. If you take the train in Girdwood there is a 45-minute layover in Whittier – we felt the train ride was a waste of our limited time; however, the rafting trip was spectacular! The four stars is for the rafting trip, we would rate the train ride portion a two or three stars. For the folks who do not have a car, the train is convenient. The train can pick passengers up from Anchorage or other places; however, the price and time it takes goes up.