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I highly recommend this cruise experience to anyone who wants to see, hear, and feel Alaska at its finest. The captain is concerned about the individual. Those who charter with Alaska Custom Cruises will not be disappointed.



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ANCHORAGE TO WHITTIER

Anchorage

The Glacier Discovery begins in Anchorage. The train picks up the shore of Turnagain Arm, where beluga whales feed on small fish and salmon heading to spawning grounds. This area is part of the Chugach National Forest, at six million acres, the second largest national forest in the U.S. Dall sheep come down from the peaks of the Chugach Mountains and eagles cruise the shoreline looking for an easy meal.

Whittier

After traveling past Girdwood, 40 miles from Anchorage, the train leaves the mainline for the 12-mile trip into the port of Whittier. Watch for salmon in the streams along the way before you enter the first of two tunnels. Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound, where some passengers board day cruisers or fishing charters.

SEWARD TO ANCHORAGE

Seward

Your journey starts in Seward, the southern terminus of the railroad. It quickly begins its climb through primeval forests of Sitka spruce. After crossing Snowy River, Kenai Lake comes into view, set off with its stunning aqua color and surrounded by soaring mountains.

Moose Pass

Thirty miles into the trip, the track winds through Moose Pass, a former railroad construction camp on the shores of Trail Lake. As the rail ascends into the Kenai Mountains, it leaves behind the forests and reveals mountain meadows and streams of gin-clear glacial waters. Trail Glacier appears on the right and soon after, the summit of Grandview at 1,063 feet and the historic Loop District - named for a complex series of trestles built to handle the steep grade in the age of steam engines. In the same stretch, Bartlett Glacier crowds the track just 800 feet away.

Placer River Valley

After passing through a series of short tunnels, the track descends to the Placer River Valley near Spencer Glacier. Moose, bear and wolves populate the valley among the willow and alder trees. Trumpeter swans migrate through in spring and fall and arctic terns hover above the ponds and river looking for small fish and insects. Twelve miles later Turnagain Arm appears, where 40-foot tides rush into the narrow confines of the Chugach Mountains. Beluga whales pursue salmon and other schooling fish. Next comes Girdwood, home to Alaska's premier ski resort, a 40-mile commute from Anchorage.

Chugach National Forest

The Chugach National Forest borders Turnagain Arm, some six million acres, the second largest in the U.S. Bald eagles cruise the thermals above and Dall sheep come to feed on the low plants growing on the cliffs bordering the track. Next comes Potter Marsh in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Anchorage is the final stop, 114 miles out of Seward.

This trip can be done in the reverse order!