Bears, Trains, & Icebergs - Wildlife & Scenic Rafting Tour

Anchorage Departure:

• 9:45 AM – Glacier Discovery Train Departs Anchorage
• 11:00 AM – Deboard at Girdwood Train Depot to start AWCC Tour

Girdwood Departure:

• 10:40 AM – Pickup from Hotel Alyeska front lobby by Chugach Adventures guide
• 10:45 AM – Meet at Girdwood Train Depot to start AWCC Tour (for guests starting in Girdwood with their own vehicle)
• 11:00 – 11:15 AM – Shuttle van ride to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• 11:15 – 1:00 PM – Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Tour (AWCC)– Alaska’s Premier Wildlife Sanctuary for injured and orphaned big game Alaska animals located in Portage, Alaska
• 1:00 PM – Catered Sack Lunch Provided, Return to Portage Station
• 1:15 PM – Train Arrives at Portage
• 1:25 PM – Train Departs Portage
• 1:55 PM – Train Arrives at Spencer Whistle Stop2 – 4:45 PM – Spencer Glacier Float Tour (2 Hours on the Water)
• 5 – 5:15 PM – Return Via Train to Portage Station
• 5:15 PM – Anchorage & Girdwood guests board motorcoach bus / shuttle van for quicker transportation back to their original location
• 5:45 PM – Arrival into Girdwood / Hotel Alyeska
• 6:45 PM – Arrival into Anchorage

Placer River is a Class I to II, mellow 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.

Families and booking parties are put on the same raft. If you have a request to be with a friend, please let us know on the train. The maximum capacity is 8 adults in each raft.

Yes, lunch is provided. Please let us know of any dietary requests ahead of time at checkout (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, etc.).

Personal baggage can be left on the train while you go on your adventure. (The Alaska Railroad & Chugach Adventures can not guarantee the safety of your bags, but in over ten years of operations we have had no problems with belongings on the train). Space is available for small bags in the raft that can either sit on your lap or get wet, waterproof bags are recommended.

There are restrooms on the train and at the Spencer Whistle Stop. There are no restrooms once we are on the river, backcountry options only.

Water levels, wind, and other natural factors beyond our control may cause us to alter your trip for your safety & enjoyment.

For example on windy days, if you have booked a Kayak trip, we reserve the right to have you join us on a rafting trip. With our Spencer Glacier Float trip, the river portion is based on water levels in the river. We reserve the right to modify your rafting trip to a Spencer Glacier Float lake tour going closer to the glacier if the water levels are not sufficient for a safe/enjoyable trip down the Placer River.

Landing zone locations and the extent of our glacier hiking & moraine treks are dictated mostly by the weather of the day and the group’s activity level & speed.

Chugach Adventures does not cancel trips due to inclement weather, nor provide refunds when adventures are adjusted based on weather.

Our guides are expected to go above and beyond for this trip and greatly appreciate any & all gratuities.