The Alaska Railroad is renowned for offering two of the most scenic train journeys in the world: the Coastal Classic and the Denali Star routes. These iconic rail lines provide travelers with unparalleled views of Alaska’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged coastline of the Kenai Peninsula to the vast wilderness of Denali National Park.
The Coastal Classic, running between Seward and Anchorage, is especially popular with cruise passengers, offering a visually stunning way to travel inland. The Denali Star continues the journey northward from Anchorage to Fairbanks, passing through some of the state’s most remote and wildlife-rich areas, including Denali National Park.
Along both routes, the trains make several stops, each offering unique excursions that highlight Alaska’s breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife, creating a memorable travel experience for adventurers and sightseers alike.
Seward to Anchorage (Coastal Classic Route)
Seward: The journey begins in Seward, a charming coastal town that serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Before boarding the train, many travelers explore Resurrection Bay on boat tours, spotting wildlife like puffins, sea otters, and whales, or visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, a renowned marine research and rehabilitation facility. For a more adventurous start, travelers can hike to the Exit Glacier or even join a kayak tour to see the towering glaciers up close.
Girdwood: Heading north from Seward, the train stops in Girdwood, a resort town nestled in the Chugach Mountains. Girdwood is home to Alyeska Resort, where visitors can ride a scenic tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Turnagain Arm. Just south of Girdwood is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where visitors can observe rescued and rehabilitated wildlife like bison, moose, and bears in a natural setting. This stop is a popular excursion for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Portage: A brief stop, Portage is mainly a transfer point for passengers heading to Whittier on the Glacier Discovery train. However, nearby Portage Glacier can be accessed via boat tours or hikes, offering a glimpse of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. The lake formed by the retreating glacier offers a tranquil setting for reflection or photography.
Anchorage: The train’s final stop on the Coastal Classic route is Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, a modern hub where many passengers rest, explore, or prepare for the next leg of their journey. In Anchorage, travelers can visit Earthquake Park, which commemorates the devastating 1964 quake, or take a stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which offers beautiful views of Cook Inlet. Anchorage also boasts excellent museums, including the Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center, providing insight into the state’s rich history and indigenous cultures.
Exploring Inland from Anchorage
For those looking to venture further into Alaska’s interior, the next leg of the journey begins in Anchorage on the Denali Star or Glacier Discovery routes. The Denali Star route takes travelers north to Denali National Park and Fairbanks, offering more opportunities to explore Alaska’s wild landscapes and majestic wildlife.
Wasilla: Just north of Anchorage, Wasilla is best known as a stopover for travelers interested in Alaska’s dog sledding culture, as it is home to the Iditarod Headquarters. Visitors can learn about the famous race and meet some of the sled dogs that compete in this historic event.
Talkeetna: Further north, Talkeetna is a picturesque town and a basecamp for mountaineers preparing to ascend Denali, North America’s tallest peak. The town’s historic Main Street offers shops, galleries, and restaurants, while excursions include flightseeing tours over the Alaska Range, river rafting, and ziplining. Talkeetna’s proximity to the Susitna River also provides excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Denali National Park: The train’s most popular inland stop is Denali National Park, a vast wilderness home to grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and wolves. Visitors can join bus tours into the heart of the park, where private vehicles are restricted, or embark on hiking and wildlife viewing expeditions. The park’s main attraction, of course, is Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), which towers over the landscape at 20,310 feet. This stop is a highlight for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Healy: After Denali, the train makes a brief stop in Healy, a small town with a strong mining heritage. While the stop is short, it offers a glimpse of Alaska’s industrial past, with nearby coal mines still in operation.
Nenana: Continuing north, Nenana is historically significant as the site where the final spike was driven into the Alaska Railroad in 1923. The town also offers views of the mighty Tanana River and a chance to learn about riverboat history in Alaska.
Fairbanks: The journey ends in Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city, where visitors can explore the University of Alaska Museum of the North, take riverboat tours, or witness the spectacular Northern Lights in the winter. Fairbanks is a gateway to the Arctic and an ideal place for those looking to explore Alaska’s interior further.
Add-On Excursions:
In addition to the scenic stops, travelers can also add on excursions such as:
Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise: Available at Whittier (on the Glacier Discovery route), this full-day cruise takes passengers through Prince William Sound, offering up-close views of 26 glaciers and a wide array of marine wildlife.
Spencer Glacier: Accessible via the Glacier Discovery Train, Spencer Glacier offers a chance to explore a glacier by foot, raft, or kayak. This stop is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts who want a more immersive glacier experience.
Whether traveling for a day or planning a multi-leg journey, the Alaska Railroad’s various routes and stops allow travelers to customize their experience, offering a mix of coastal beauty, wilderness adventure, and cultural exploration. For those seeking to venture deeper into Alaska, taking the next leg from Anchorage toward Denali and Fairbanks opens up the heart of Alaska’s rugged interior.
For more information
- www.alaskarailroad.com
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