"It's a Dall sheep!" he exclaimed. train The tour guide remarks as we fly past a rugged cliff face adorned with fluffy white animals remarkably perched on the stones.
This is the second time we have received notice about the magnificent creature near this stretch of the Alaska Railroad. Over the last two days, as I traveled aboard the railroad from Anchorage, I had the opportunity to explore this area. Anchorage To Seward and Whittier. This is among multiple trips I’ve made on this railway, yet the view of the sheep remains endlessly fascinating.
Every time I travel alongside, I discover something fresh and gain new insights as well. Alaska The railroad owes much of its appeal to the enthusiastic narration provided by the local guides aboard. These guides' deep affection for Alaska spreads readily among passengers, and the train’s windows beautifully capture the extensive range of landscapes traversed over the course of 470 miles—ranging from steep canyons with winding rivers beneath them to awe-inspiring glaciers and fjords.
However, the Alaska Railroad serves more than just sightseeing purposes. With origins tracing back over a hundred years—to its inauguration in 1923—it connects various remote towns across Southcentral and Interior regions. Alaska that are often not accessible by car Some of the more remote villages are so secluded that they're not recognized as official "stopping points." Rather, these locations are referred to as "flag stops," where a prospective rider might use something conspicuous such as a T-shirt waved beside the rails to alert the locomotive operator about their need for pickup. Besides serving millions annually with passengers, this rail system also functions as a cargo line, delivering crucial supplies including food items and fuel which play a vital role in sustaining life throughout Alaska, particularly when winter brings prolonged darkness and freezing temperatures. Alaskan winter .
This past summer, I embarked on a comprehensive journey using the Alaska Railroad, covering all 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks. Below is a compilation of my insights into traversing the Last Frontier aboard this scenic rail route—including details on various car options, travel paths, and must-visit destinations along the way.
The routes
The Alaska Railway provides five distinct ticketed paths, with most running between early May and late September.
The Coastal Classic leaves Anchorage and winds alongside the Turnagain Arm waterway in the northwestern section of the Gulf of Alaska, then traverses the wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula, which is speckled with waterfalls, glaciers, and various wildlife such as bald eagles (should you be fortunate enough to spot them). After reaching its southernmost destination, Seward , travelers leave their ship at Resurrection Bay for a seven-hour stopover. During this time, they have the option to board a vessel and discover the marvels of Kenai Fjords National Park , one of the premier locations in the U.S. for spotting Orca whales.
The Denali Star The route is the Alaska Railroad’s premier train, initially established to carry tourists into and out of the area. Denali National Park In those days, the park was merely an emerging tourist spot known as Mount McKinley. Nowadays, the train takes a full 12 hours to travel from Anchorage all the way up to Denali, allowing passengers to disembark at locations such as the artistic community of Talkeetna (commonly referred to as the "base camp" for those embarking on the climb to Denali) and, needless to say, Denali National Park.
The Glacier Discovery The route heads south from Anchorage, with a stop in Girdwood (where it is located Alyeska Resort , a cherished wintertime skiing haven that also excels for hiking and pampering at spas) prior to continuing on to visits in Whittier, Portage, Spencer Glacier , including Grandview. Offering access to remote regions inaccessible by car, traversing this path remains my top choice for an Alaskan adventure so far. Whittier truly stood out as a highlight—a charming, enchanting town boasting some of the freshest Alaskan seafood available nationwide.
The Hurricane Turn The route is one of the few ticketed routes I haven’t traveled on—but I've journeyed over the same tracks it uses (via). Denali Star) This "flagstop" route primarily caters to residents of remote backcountry areas inaccessible by roads, as they travel to the state’s more populous urban centers. Likewise, the Aurora Winter train runs between the major cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks from mid-September to mid-May (with specific weekday services available in February and March), providing flagstop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane during this period.
The carriages
There are two types of tickets available for travel on the Alaska Railroad. The standard class is one option. Adventure Class is offered on all routes at a lower cost but with reduced amenities. Passengers can relax in their designated seats and admire the stunning views of Alaska’s wilderness through large windows. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the dining car. (Tip: Spend time in the dining car with some playing cards, board games, or your favorite read—as I’ve found, this area tends to be quite roomy and seldom overcrowded.)
Then, there’s the GoldStar premium class, which gives passengers priority boarding in the first two cars of the train. This service also includes a sit-down meal, two complimentary adult beverages, and large assigned seats with glass-dome ceilings. But the best part is the upper-level outdoor viewing platform, which allows you to admire the sights while taking in the fresh Alaskan air. These luxe cabins are only available on the Coastal Classic path and aboard the Denali Star train.
Alaska Railroad ticket fares The range varies based on the route, duration of travel, and the time of year. For one-way Adventure Class tickets, prices begin at $30 and can reach up to $249; for GoldStar service, fares start at $163 and may climb as high as $509.
Where to stop
There are twelve distinctive locations along the Alaska Railroad that deserve at least a full day of your time, possibly more, based on your available schedule. Visitors may choose to explore these places autonomously or opt for guided bookings. excursions through the Alaska Railroad.
Visiting Talkeetna offers the opportunity to walk on a real glacier or catch sight of Mount McKinley from a distance. K2 flight tours. For a quick culture fix, stroll through the bohemian village and pop into the artsy galleries, shops, and taco stops (try the reindeer meat). In Denali National Park, visitors can check out the local wildlife on board the Tundra Wilderness bus tour , offering some of the most picturesque views beyond the visitor’s center.
One of my preferred halts along the Alaska Railway is the Spencer Glacier , a secluded wild region reachable exclusively via train. The property includes a 1.3-mile trail leading to an overlook of the Spencer Glacier alongside the lakeside—an idyllic walk offering stunning vistas. For those wishing to extend their visit, camping sites as well as a public-use cabin are provided.
If you're beginning or concluding your trip in Fairbanks, make sure to take the three-hour educational tour on the historical train. Riverboat Discovery (available during the summer season). Witness a display by a bush pilot as they take off with a floatplane right from the river. Participate in an educational off-boat trip led by Alaska Native guides to gain insight into Indigenous Athabasca culture. This attraction is open throughout the year, offering animal enthusiasts a wonderful experience for visits. Running Reindeer Ranch , offering guided reindeer walks and even reindeer yoga sessions.
Given the sheer size and sometimes remote nature of Alaska, the railway remains among the finest methods for accessing these unique parts of our planet. Even without stepping off the train, each halt promises fresh discoveries and insights with every passing mile.
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