Spencer Glacier
Spencer Glacier
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5.0
19 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
1
Average
0
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0
Terrible
0
TXRJ53
Fort Worth, TX58 contributions
June 2021
We rode the train to the whistle stop, where our tour company provided lunch, then a bus took us to the spot where we put in. In our raft were three couples plus two crew, who did a great job rowing and providing commentary. We were there in early June so it was still cold, but the scenery was so worth it!
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T man
24 contributions
July 2021
We took the train from Portage 2 to the Spencer whistle stop. Then took the free walking tour with Ranger Marty. We were originally disappointed the kayak tour was sold out, but the walking tour turned out great. Ranger Marty was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He clearly enjoyed what he does for a living and it made for a really great trip. I would highly recommend this trip whether you go by kayak or just do the walking tour. Be sure to take advantage of the services offered by the park ranger and do go beyond the first glacier lookout. The farther you go, the more outstanding the views.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob S
Boise, ID740 contributions
July 2022
We took a kayaking tour across the lake with Chugach Adventures. Was great kayaking through the icebergs and getting out on the other end of the lake and hiking up towards the glacier. Afterwards we had lunch. We took the train from Girdwood to the whistle stop and after lunch took the train up to Grandview and back to Girdwood. Was nice relaxing in the vista car with a cocktail enjoying the scenery afterwards.
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine R
San Diego, CA130 contributions
July 2023
The train trip was lovely. I recommend the upper car on the right side going up, seats 2C and D for some of the best views.
Take the hike to the lake. The views of the glacier and mini glaciers are fantastic from the edge of the lake. We hiked the additional 2 miles to the "viewpoint" and it was not a very good viewpoint. Great hike and a chance to stretch your legs but you have to walk at 15-18 minute/mile pace to make it to the viewpoint and then back to the train stop in time. The signage to get back to the train stop is not very good at the end of the trail so pay attention as you head out.
Kudos to Tristan who was our wonderful guide/announcer on the train trip. So informed, kind, helpful, attentive, and wonderful, especially for his young age. Also kudos to Kerri in the gift shop who really helped us with sizes, products, recommendations.
Take the hike to the lake. The views of the glacier and mini glaciers are fantastic from the edge of the lake. We hiked the additional 2 miles to the "viewpoint" and it was not a very good viewpoint. Great hike and a chance to stretch your legs but you have to walk at 15-18 minute/mile pace to make it to the viewpoint and then back to the train stop in time. The signage to get back to the train stop is not very good at the end of the trail so pay attention as you head out.
Kudos to Tristan who was our wonderful guide/announcer on the train trip. So informed, kind, helpful, attentive, and wonderful, especially for his young age. Also kudos to Kerri in the gift shop who really helped us with sizes, products, recommendations.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
859TK
Cincinnati, OH900 contributions
Aug 2021
Booked the Spencer glacier float w/ train via “Alaskanrafting(dot)com” and it was amazing. The trip was very well organized and carefree.
We picked up the train in Girdwood, met a rep from the tour company who stayed with us all day. The train conductor had our tickets with assigned seats. We opted to stay on the train to Whitter vs the side trip the animal rescue. At Whitter we had about 40 mins to get off the train and picked up lunch at Wild Catch Café, just steps from the train. Got our lunch to go and ate on the train as we made our way to Spencer Glacier. Right before the stop you are given rain boots, you will need them. You can leave your shoes and stuff on the train at your assigned seats. Once at the stop we off loaded, if you are not part of the float, you can still hop off the train for a 2 mile walk to the glacier or take a ranger lead walk. Those on the float trip hopped on a school bus for a 10 min ride and it was a high energy ride.
Once at the lake we got our life jackets and safety talk, then boarded our float. We had 8 folks plus our guide in the raft. The guide did all the work, so it was a true float down the river. We paddled around the icebergs and picked up some ice along the way. Once on the river, it was 7 miles downstream to catch the train. The ride down the river had some small rapids due to the recent rains, got a little wet, but then calmed. Near the end of our time on the river, we had hot chocolate and a small snack, perfect way to end the float.
We board the train and made our way back to Portage and took a shuttle back to the Girdwood Train Depot.
This was an all-day activity; we boarded the train around 10 and returned around 6. We saw some amazing scenery and had a memorial and unique experience. The only way to see Spencer glacier is via the train, no other way to reach it. It’s truly remote.
Highly recommend making this a part of your vacation. You won’t be disappointed
We picked up the train in Girdwood, met a rep from the tour company who stayed with us all day. The train conductor had our tickets with assigned seats. We opted to stay on the train to Whitter vs the side trip the animal rescue. At Whitter we had about 40 mins to get off the train and picked up lunch at Wild Catch Café, just steps from the train. Got our lunch to go and ate on the train as we made our way to Spencer Glacier. Right before the stop you are given rain boots, you will need them. You can leave your shoes and stuff on the train at your assigned seats. Once at the stop we off loaded, if you are not part of the float, you can still hop off the train for a 2 mile walk to the glacier or take a ranger lead walk. Those on the float trip hopped on a school bus for a 10 min ride and it was a high energy ride.
Once at the lake we got our life jackets and safety talk, then boarded our float. We had 8 folks plus our guide in the raft. The guide did all the work, so it was a true float down the river. We paddled around the icebergs and picked up some ice along the way. Once on the river, it was 7 miles downstream to catch the train. The ride down the river had some small rapids due to the recent rains, got a little wet, but then calmed. Near the end of our time on the river, we had hot chocolate and a small snack, perfect way to end the float.
We board the train and made our way back to Portage and took a shuttle back to the Girdwood Train Depot.
This was an all-day activity; we boarded the train around 10 and returned around 6. We saw some amazing scenery and had a memorial and unique experience. The only way to see Spencer glacier is via the train, no other way to reach it. It’s truly remote.
Highly recommend making this a part of your vacation. You won’t be disappointed
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vickie L
6 contributions
July 2022 • Family
We took the train from Anchorage to Spencer Glacier which included a trip through 2 tunnels. We saw Dall Sheep by Rainbow. The 1mile hike the the glacier was on a great path that is very well maintained. The staff on the train was very friendly.
Written 13 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine F
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We road the Railroad from Anchorage to Spencer Whistle Stop and did a short easy gravel road 1.2 mile walk to Spencer Glacier. The Ranger with us shared most of interesting information about the area and its history. We even saw a bear! I would definitely recommend this.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kari J
Las Vegas, NV289 contributions
June 2021
Great trip. We took the train to Spencer Whistle stop. Transported by van to office & then to the glacier. Well organized and great staff. Our guide did all the work rowing. We sat back & enjoyed the scenery. We were rafting among icebergs! The trip down the river was spectacular "did not get wet" afterwords lunch was provided.
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vacation12385
New York City, NY19 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
The train ride is smooth with fantastic views. Stops in towns are also pretty. Spencer glacier is beautiful. Placer river is a very easy float with great guides. The bus ride back was smooth also.
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy A
30 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
We took the Spencer Iceberg & Placer River Float with animal conservation stop. Alex our guide was phenomenal. We had a magical experience floating among the glaciers. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Don’t hesitate- book it!
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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