Comet Heli Hiking & Rafting
Get lifted up into the beautiful Alpine of the Chugach National Forest in an Alpine Air R44 Helicopter.
This will be your best full-day Adventure in Alaska! Get lifted up into the beautiful Alpine of the Chugach National Forest in an Alpine Air R44 Helicopter. View Cirque Glaciers, Hanging Glaciers, Rock Glaciers, Retreating Mountain Glaciers & more. Land 2,000 feet high next to Comet Glacier & work your way hiking downhill to Spencer Glacier Lake for a Rafting Iceberg Tour. Jump on the AK Railroad – Glacier Discovery Train at the end of the day for a return to Girdwood at 5:45 PM. This trip is Guaranteed PRIVATE per booking party for the Helicopter and Hiking Portion of the Tour – Just you and a guide to lead you on your journey.
- PRIVATE Trip – Customized for your Adventure Level
- 9 Hour Full-Day Adventure
- 20+ Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight
- 3 to 7 Mile Chugach Hike
- 4 Mile Glacier Rafting Trip
- Alaska Railroad Train Ride on Glacier Discovery Train
A minimum of 2 Guests per booking party is required to book this Heli Hiking & Rafting Adventure.
Tour start location is dependent upon winter snowpack and spring weather.
Tour Details
- Minimum of 2 Guests per booking party.
- This trip is Guaranteed PRIVATE per booking party for the Helicopter and Hiking Portion of the Tour.
- The Rafting portion of this tour may be a shared experience if fewer than 3 guests book this trip. We keep the Rafting portion Private for groups with more than 4 Guests.
- A 20-minute unforgettable scenic flight of the surrounding Chugach Mountains to Comet Glacier. Additional Scenic Flight Time is available for an additional cost — please let us know if you’d like a longer scenic helicopter ride.
- Catered sack lunch, drinks, and snacks are provided. Please let us know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available).
- Rain ponchos, rubber boots, and personal flotation devices/life jackets are provided for the rafting portion of the tour. We have a base camp at Spencer Lake with this equipment.
- Placer River is a Class I & II (With High Water) braided river, with no big rapids. Most guests will not get splashed with water.
- If you are concerned about getting splashed you can request a spot in the raft that is NOT “splashy” when speaking to your guide. This trip is suitable for ages 12 & up.
- Alpine Air Helicopter max weight per seat is 290 lbs. An additional $200 charge may apply for the party if an R66 Helicopter is required.
Typical Schedule
- 8:00 AM – Girdwood Arrival (Transportation from Anchorage available for an additional $125/person)
- 8:40 AM – Alpine Air Helicopter Departure
- 9:10 AM – Comet Glacier Landing into Spencer Bench Alpine (Dependent on time of year; helicopter landing zone dependent on weather and snow pack conditions)
- 9:15 AM – 1:30 PM – Comet Heli Hiking to Spencer Lake (6+ Miles, Mostly Downhill)
- 3-Mile Alpine Hike through Snow (in June/July), Alpine Lakes & Creeks, No Trails
- 3-Mile Hike Down US Forest Service Spencer Bench Cabin Trail
- For a shorter hike, we can land closer to the Spencer Bench Trail and Spencer Glacier Overlook
- Catered Lunch & Hot Drinks provided along the hike
- 2:00 – 4:30 PM – Explore the Icebergs on Spencer Lake and Raft up to the Spencer Glacier Terminus Face
- 4:45 PM – Board the AK Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to Portage Station
- 5:15 PM – De-board Train at Portage Station for Chugach Adventures Shuttle to Girdwood
- 5:45 PM – Return Arrival to Girdwood
What to Bring
- Hiking Boots with good tread
- Warm clothes (synthetic or layers)
- Rain Jacket
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Trekking Poles and Snowshoes (provided if needed)
Please let us know what you have and what you will need to get fully outfitted and prepared for the trip.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are 90% refundable. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.
AK Railroad Cancellation Policy & Change Fee: All paid bookings are subject to a 10% change fee for the Railroad portion of the trip cost if a date change is requested within 30 days.
“This is my absolute dream day, and I love sharing it with people visiting Alaska. The incredible aspect of the surrounding glacier valleys and stellar views of Spencer Glacier, along with the rafting trip floating around icebergs, make this an extremely unique & memorable trip. If you have a passion for natural beauty, want a true full day of adventure, and desire an authentic engagement with wild surroundings, then this is the perfect experience for you.”
– Erin Henszey, Chugach Adventures Past Trip Leader, Fairbanks, Alaska
