Spencer Glacier Float
Our Hallmark & Most Popular Trip!
Our Hallmark & Most Popular Trip! Get up close to picturesque icebergs at Spencer Glacier Lake after your scenic train ride on the AK Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train on the Spencer Glacier Float! Chugach Adventures was the original guide service at Spencer Glacier, pioneering the area since 2001. Enjoy panoramic mountain & glacial views on a 7-mile scenic river float down the pristine Placer River. This trip is one of the most scenic glacier river trips in Alaska.
- Scenic Train Ride on the AK Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train
- Up-Close Iceberg Tour at Spencer Glacier Lake
- 7-Mile Scenic River Float Down the Placer River
Perfect float for ALL AGES & abilities. We have had guests as young as 1 and wise guests into their 90s on this trip.
Tour Details
- Perfect Float for ALL AGES & Abilities. Maximum guest-to-guide ratio is 9:1 per raft.
- Placer River Float is a Class I to II (With High Water), mellow, braided river with no big rapids. Most guests will not get splashed. If you are concerned about getting splashed, request a spot in the raft that is NOT “splashy” when speaking to your guide.
- Rubber boots, rain poncho (on rainy days), and Personal Flotation Devices (life vests) are provided for all guests.
Personal baggage can be left on the train while you go on your adventure. Small bags are welcome in the raft (waterproof bags recommended). - There is a Small Cafe on the Glacier Discovery Train with limited menu options including sandwiches, wraps, and pizza for guests who need lunch. The Cafe is cashless and accepts credit or debit cards.
- Lunch is provided for guests who add on the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) tour option. Join us for a Bears, Trains, and Icebergs Tour if you want to see more wildlife and get a tasty lunch.
- If you have a rental vehicle and are boarding in Portage, AWCC is located just 1.5 miles south of the Portage Station — an easy stopover on your way before boarding the train at 1:15 PM.
- Family & friends are placed on the same raft. Max capacity is 8 adults per raft. A private raft is available for an additional cost — please call us to arrange.
- There are restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. No restrooms on the river — backcountry options only.
- All guests are required to sign a release of liability.
Full Itinerary
- 9:45 AM – Glacier Discovery Train Departs Anchorage
- 11:00 AM – Train Departs Girdwood (Chugach Adventures’ Greeter will board the train & answer any questions)
- 12:15 PM – Train Arrives at Whittier
- 12:45 PM – Train Departs Whittier
- 1:15 PM – Train Arrives Portage Train Depot
- 1:25 PM – Train Departs Portage Train Depot
- 1:55 PM – Train Arrives at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop
- 2:00 – 4:45 PM – Spencer Glacier Float Rafting Tour (2 Hours on the Water)
- 5:00 – 5:15 PM – Return via Train to Portage Train Depot
- 5:15 PM – Anchorage & Girdwood guests board motorcoach bus/shuttle van
- 5:45 PM – Arrival at Girdwood by Chugach Adventures’ Shuttle Van
- 6:45 PM – Arrival in Anchorage by Motorcoach Bus
What to Bring
- Warm clothes and layers
- Extra socks
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Camera (note: we cannot guarantee it won’t get wet)
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.
“I love that I get to ride the train to a remote location, tour around dazzling icebergs, float the river from its glacier source…directly to a personal train pick up on the river bank in the wilderness. We have this amazing access to Alaska’s backcountry and I love being able to share this precious location to guests from around the world.”
– Erin Henszey, Chugach Adventures’ Trip Leader, Fairbanks, Alaska
