Chugach Adventures
Chugach Adventures
5
Boat ToursEco ToursHiking & Camping ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Welcome to Chugach Adventures. We offer trips for all adventure levels, all ages & all abilities. Rafting, Iceberg Kayaking, Glacier Salmon Bakes, Helicopter Alpine Hikes, Camping Trips, Hiking Trips, & Wildlife Tours. Join us for a Bears, Trains, & Icebergs Tour for one of the best full day adventure tours from Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, or Whittier. Visit Spencer Glacier- one of the most easily accessible terminus glacier lakes in Southcentral Alaska.
Tours and Tickets by Chugach Adventures
Rail Tours
7–9 hours
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$382
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
231 reviews
Excellent
204
Very good
16
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
4
kkakes
Marshfield, WI23 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Holy COW! If I could give more than 5 stars I would. My husband and I booked a 5 night mini honeymoon to Girdwood Alaska August 11-16th after our cruise ship sail got cancelled. I was browsing girdwood.com after booking our air bnb A-frame, and thank goodness I did. (Literally every excursion you need to do in this area is on this website which makes it super user friendly). Anyways, I found Chugach Adventures after finding an interest in kayaking and a train ride. Scott took care of everything, from ordering our train tickets, taking us to the depot, and making sure we got on the train with zero issues. Our guide, Corey was unbelievably awesome. He boarded the train with us and we rode it through beautiful Alaskan scenery and even saw moose! The train took us to the Spencer Lake where we had a private kayak tour with Corey, kayaking through the ice bergs and up to the glacier where we had some extra time, so he took us on a short, beautiful hike to overlook the lake. GUYS this experience is breathtaking and definitely one of the most memorable excursions I’ve ever done. Corey was extremely knowledgeable of the lake/mountain geography, history and environment, and had an answer for every question we through at him. We always felt 100% safe in the kayaks and on our hike with him as it was evident he came well prepared with emergency/safety equipment. Look no further for a fun day trip, you are in wonderful hands with all guides of the Chugach Adventure team!
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily G
11 contributions
Aug 2021
Our party of 9 (ages 12 to 74) booked the iceberg raft and Placer River morning float trip with the trip to Grandview in the afternoon. We loved every minute of it, even in the pouring rain. Our two guides, Jack and Jonathan, did a wonderful job. They struck the right balance of giving information and being warm and friendly with also letting us soak in the beauty and solitude of the trip. Rafting near the glacier and then among the icebergs was beautiful and not like anything we had done before. It was cold but the cocoa was a welcome touch. The trip down the Placer was scenic and the right length for a float trip. Chugach packed us a great lunch (amazing cookies) in cute homemade lunch bags, which we ate on a gravelly beach near the end of the float trip. After taking out, we boarded the railroad for a roughly 3-hour scenic trip to Grandview and then off at Portage. At Grandview we got off and did a short hike (very pretty) to stretch our legs. The train was comfortable (reserved seats) and the scenery was beautiful. Long day but we loved all of it. Kudos to Chugach for a well-choreographed, fun day. And thanks to Jack and Jonathan for your hard work, perfect paddling, warm personalities and interesting info!
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jpoppjr
Columbia, SC49 contributions
Jul 2021
We recently spent 10 days in Alaska, and the highlight of the trip was our day with Chugach Adventures in Girdwood. We began the day being picked up at our hotel and making the short drive to Alpine Air. There we met Sadie who was to be our guide for the day. We helicoptered to Spencer Lake, landing near the glacier where we began our trek. This was a vigorous hike, covering approximately 3 miles with ever-changing views. The glacier is magnificent, and the lake is filled with icebergs…something we had never seen before. Sadie was patient and carefully showed us the way along the rocky terrain. We stopped for hot chocolate beside the icebergs and also for a very nice lunch followed by a brief rest. Then we boarded the boat for our trip on the lake and down the river. What an experience! Sadie maneuvered between the icebergs but gave us several chances to reach out and touch them. She truly went beyond the call of duty when she rowed to shore, planted our 10 year old grandson on her back, and carried him while wading through freezing water for a trip to the outhouse! Back to the lake and then down the river, landing perfectly shortly before boarding the train to Portage. From there Sadie returned us to our hotel, ending a perfect day! I cannot say enough about Sadie. She is highly skilled, knowledgeable, patient, and truly fun to be around. She took numerous photos, air dropping them to us once we reached the hotel.
Take this trip and ask for Sadie! You will not be disappointed!
Take this trip and ask for Sadie! You will not be disappointed!
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim H
Cedar Rapids, IA132 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
We did the Spencer Lake kayak and raft trip as a family. It was wonderful! Well organized and professional! Amazing scenery and knowledgeable staff. Of all things one of our guides named Yoder set the tone for fun with a funny hat and some wonderful music on the chaotic bus trip to the lake. Thank you Yoder for making “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac a new family travel tradition!!! Now every time we just in the van for an adventure we must start by playing this tune and remembering your fun loving spirit! Keep on making people happy. This is an absolutely must when you are in the Kenai!!
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chris h
New Orleans, LA25 contributions
Jun 2021
This was the first adventure of our Alaska trip. We took the train and raft ride out of Anchorage. After being on the train for a few hours through beautiful scenery, we got off the train and onto. bus. The bus (brought there by flat railcar for the season) took us a short drive to the Placer River near the base of Spencer Glacier. Almost immediately after launching the rafts we were surrounded by various icebergs of all sizes, shapes and colors. The blue hues change as does the sun, but it truly is breathtaking. After leaving the lake, we floated down the Placer River through the mountain valley. It is a calm raft trip with some swift water with a few low-class rapids. After the float, the rafts are docked at the side of the rail tracks and the train makes a stop on the return trip to pick up the rafters and the rafts. A very well run operation by Chugach Adventures in conjunction with the Alaska Railroad. It was a great adventure. I highly recommend.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean H
Toronto, Canada47 contributions
Sep 2020
Worked with Ari and Corey to plan an epic engagement proposal atop Spencer Glacier, as part of a private Heli-Hiking tour. Working with these guys was an extremely easy process. They are very knowledgeable about the area, had great ideas and recommendations in terms of routes and weather (Fall can get dicey in Alaska!), and were very transparent about everything throughout the process. 10/10 would recommend Chugach Adventures to anyone visiting Alaska - they will take care of you 100%
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
apiovine
Chicago, IL15 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We opted for the Glacial Salmon Bake. Our guides, John, Alex and Roe were awesome. They are all Alaskans and easily conversant on the neighboring ecosystem as well as local birds, flora and fauna. The adventure started by rafting out to Spencer Glacier. As you raft towards the glacier, John shared the history and current status of the glacier. He also provided us with insight on how glaciers are formed as well as their internal composition. While you do not land on the glacier itself, you do raft in a lake formed by past glacial movement. You raft amongst fairly large pieces of the glacier that have broken off, all with Spencer Glacier as the backdrop.
When we return to shore, we were served a wonderful Alaskan Sockeye Salmon dinner.
Great guides, great vista, great food.
When we return to shore, we were served a wonderful Alaskan Sockeye Salmon dinner.
Great guides, great vista, great food.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa R
Tampa, FL15 contributions
Jun 2023
We did the Spencer Glacier ice burg and Placer River float trip. We drove to the Portage train station where we checked in and were given rubber boots for the float trip. We rode the train to the Spencer Glacier whistle stop (left our shoes on the train) where we boarded a bus to get to the lake. There were 6 of us plus our guide on the raft and the guide did all of the paddling (approx 6 rafts total on our tour). It was amazing to float around the lake with ice burgs all around and the beautiful Spencer glacier at the end of the lake. We then floated about 7 miles down the beautiful Placer River - mostly smooth except for a short section of small rapids. Our guide provided tea, hot chocolate and snacks during our last few minutes on the raft. We had a great time and highly recommend this adventure. Floating amongst the ice burgs is a very cool experience!
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick M
Las Vegas, NV1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole Train-Float trip. The Great Discovery Train ride to Whittier and back to the Float drop off at Spencer Whistle Stop was fantastic. Great scenery in a smooth and comfortable. We took our own sandwiches but could have easily bought from the small cafe onboard the train as the prices were reasonable.
We were well taken care of for the Float ride. Their Rubber Boots were good and with 2 layers of shirts and a lined waterproof Jacket, Gloves, and a Stocking Cap made a pleasant float down the river. Our Guide’s Commentary was interesting and informative. The Bus ride back was also comfortable and the driver’s commentary was informative and appreciated.
Very happy with the experience and recommend it to others.
We were well taken care of for the Float ride. Their Rubber Boots were good and with 2 layers of shirts and a lined waterproof Jacket, Gloves, and a Stocking Cap made a pleasant float down the river. Our Guide’s Commentary was interesting and informative. The Bus ride back was also comfortable and the driver’s commentary was informative and appreciated.
Very happy with the experience and recommend it to others.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy Metz
Scottsdale, United States160 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
We had an awesome day on Spencer Glacier with guides, Rhue and John. The day started at 7:30am with a train ride to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, short bus ride to Spencer Lake, 1 hour paddle across where we saw icebergs and the glacier toe where calving can take place, followed by a delicious lunch before gearing up in crampons, harness and helmets to explore the crevasses, blue pools and holes. We even had the opportunity to use our equipment plus Ice ax to go down into a Moulin Blue (fancy name for blue hole in the ice). This was COOL and scary at the same time. We were out exploring for approx 4 hours and then paddled back and took the train to Portage. This is a unique experience and possible due to experienced guides who know the ice and are trained in crevasse rescue. You should be fit and this activity is better suited for adults that understand the potential dangers and follow instructions as you cannot venture off on your own. Great day! Loved the adventure and having a new experience! Big thanks to the team at Chugach as there are lots of logistics to make this trip come together.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cost of kayak tour. Do not need transportation to site.
Written March 10, 2019
The cost of our Glacier Blue Kayak Trip to Spencer Glacier is $349 per person. This kayak trip takes place at Spencer Glacier which is accessible by railroad or helicopter, as this location is off of the highway road system.
Spencer Glacier is one of the most easily accessible terminus glacier lakes in all of Alaska, where you can kayak around icebergs in Alaska, and is available from Anchorage by train. The $349 cost of this trip includes the rail transportation to get to Spencer Glacier from Anchorage or Girdwood, AK.
Written March 12, 2019
How long is the train ride from portage to spencer lake. I am looking for the shortest train ride.
Written September 15, 2018
Hello,
The shortest train ride is from Portage second stop. This train ride is about 20 mins. Our last day of the 2018 is today, 9/17/2018. Let us know if you are interested in booking an excursion for the 2019 season.
Written September 17, 2018
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