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Spencer Glacier Float Trip - Placer River
Pricing
Ages 12+
Ages 12+
Ages 12+
Description
Scenic Spencer Glacier Float Trip
Experience the magic of Alaska’s wild beauty on the Spencer Glacier Float. Your adventure begins with a scenic ride aboard the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train, winding through breathtaking landscapes on your way to the remote Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Once there, you'll embark on a gentle, 7-mile raft float across the sparkling Spencer Glacier Lake and down the pristine Placer River, surrounded by towering peaks, brilliant blue icebergs, and endless panoramic views.
Duration
- Anchorage Departure: 9 hours and 45 minutes
- Girdwood Departure: 7 hours
- Whittier Departure: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Portage Departure: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Location / Where to Meet
- Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Girdwood Depot: Brudine Road, Girdwood, AK
- Whittier Depot: Mile 1.3 West Camp Road, Whittier, AK 99693 – across from the ship terminal
- Portage Depot: MP 80 Seward Highway
Ages & Requirements
What's Included
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides
- We provide rubber boots, a PFD (life jacket), and a rain poncho if needed. If you have your own rain gear & rubber boots, please bring them.
- Transportation back to the meeting location
Not Included
- Lunch
- Gratuity
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center add-on available for morning departures:
- Wildlife is guaranteed on the AWCC tour - musk oxen, moose, caribou, wood bison, black bear, brown bear, porcupine & many more! (We have seen moose, black bears, wolves, coyote, & porcupine on Portage River, but cannot guarantee a sighting in the wild.)
- One of the best gift shops in Alaska resides at AWCC.
- Catered sack lunch included with AWCC add-on. If you are vegetarian or gluten-free or have any other dietary restrictions, please let us know ahead of time. Lunch includes a sandwich/wrap, piece of fruit, chips, and dessert.
- After booking, please respond to your confirmation email to let us know you're interested in this add-on, and we'll work with you to schedule it.
What to Bring / Wear
- Bring warm clothes & layers, extra socks, a hat & gloves. These are more important in August & September, but nice to have in June & July with AK's unpredictable weather. We recommend having a few layers to wear.
- Cameras are highly recommended. We can’t guarantee that they won’t get wet, although most guests do bring their cameras. We recommend putting them away during the rapid section if you are concerned about getting wet.
Spencer Glacier Scenic Glacier Rafting
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Chugach Adventures
FAQs
Daily Itinerary for the Spencer Glacier Float Trip
- 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 - 4:45 PM - Spencer Glacier Float Rafting Tour (2 Hours on the Water)
- 5 - 5:15 PM - Return via Train to Portage Train Depot
- 5:15 PM - Anchorage & Girdwood guests board motorcoach bus/shuttle van for quicker transportation back to their original location
- 5:45 PM - Arrival at Girdwood by Chugach Adventures' Shuttle Van
- 6:45 PM - Arrival in Anchorage by Motorcoach Bus.
Will we get wet?
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.
How many guests fit in a raft?
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.
Is lunch provided?
No, lunch is not included. There is a Small Cafe on the Glacier Discovery Train with limited menu options - Sandwiches, Wraps, Pizza - for guests who need lunch. The Cafe is cashless and requires a credit or debit card.
Where should we leave our bags?
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.
Are there restrooms available?
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.
What if the weather is bad?
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.
Should I tip my guide?
Our guides are expected to go above and beyond for this trip and greatly appreciate any & all gratuities.
Cancellation Policy
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
1553 Alyeska Hwy
Girdwood, AK, 99587
US
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