Free Concierge Service
    Text or call 1-877-GREET-WELL
    Ask AIAI
    Ask AIAI
    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Girdwood…
    3. /Water Activities
    4. /Rafting
    5. /Spencer Glacier Train Ride & 7-Mile River Float
    Why travelers choose Greetwell

    Curated by our team

    Every experience is hand selected and approved by Greetwell.

    Personal concierge

    Real humans available to help before, during, and after your booking.

    Intimate & authentic

    Including unique in-home experiences you won't find anywhere else.

    Easy booking & cancellation

    Reserve in minutes with free cancellation on most experiences.

    Greetwell

    Experiences that stay with you long after the trip

    Greetwell curates authentic local experiences and provides personal concierge support in over 500 destinations, helping you explore confidently wherever you go.

    About

    • Our Story
    • For Experience Providers
    • For Hospitality Partners
    • For Developers

    Resources

    • Travel Guides
    • Help Center
    [email protected]1-877-GREET-WELL

    Safe & Secure Payments

    © 2026 Greetwell, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Privacy PolicyTerms
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Product image 3
    Product image 4
    Product image 5
    Gallery image
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2
    Gallery image 3
    Gallery image 5

    Spencer Glacier Train Ride & 7-Mile River Float

    Ride the Glacier Discovery Train and float 7 miles past Spencer Glacier icebergs

    4.9 stars• 129 reviews
    From$334/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    4 hours and 15 minutes- 9 Hours 30 minutes

    Includes

    Train tickets, Guided river float

    Highlights

    Take the Glacier Discovery Train to Spencer Glacier and get up close to icebergs on Spencer Glacier Lake before a guided 7-mile float on the Placer River.

    • Ride the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to the Spencer whistle stop
    • Explore Spencer Glacier Lake for close-up iceberg views
    • Float 7 miles down the braided Placer River on a Class I–II route
    • Choose a departure option with a duration from 4 hours 15 minutes to 9 hours 45 minutes
    • Request a less splashy seat when you speak with your guide

    What's Included

    • Train tickets
    • Rubber boots
    • PFD (life jacket)
    • Rain poncho as needed

    Things to know

    There are no restrooms once you are on the river; backcountry options only. Some splash may occur during the rapid section. Families and booking parties are placed on the same raft.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations made 10 days or more in advance are eligible for a 90% refund. Cancellations within 10 days are nonrefundable.

    FAQs

    Dress in warm layers and bring warm socks to wear with the provided rubber boots. Bring rain gear and rubber boots if you have them (a rain poncho is available if needed). Cameras are recommended, but protect them from getting wet.

    The Placer River is a Class I to II mellow braided river with no big rapids, and most guests do not get splashed. Some splash may happen during the rapid section; if you want to stay drier, ask your guide for a less “splashy” seat.

    You can leave bags on the train during the tour or bring a small bag that can sit on your lap or near your feet during the float. Waterproof bags are recommended.

    Meeting details

    Anchorage - 411 W. 1st Ave. // Girdwood - Brundie Road or Alyeska Resort // Portage Depot - Mile 80.2 Seward Highway.

    Experience provided by Chugach Adventures
    Experience provided by Chugach Adventures

    Related locations

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Reference #UR8WYT

    Adult

    $334.54

    Ages 12+

    0

    Child

    $173.42

    Ages 2-11

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    129 reviews•Google Maps
    107
    2
    1
    0
    0

    Chris, Kimberly, and Elizabeth lead tours that consistently impress visitors with their deep knowledge of Alaska and genuine enthusiasm for sharing it. Guests rave about the personalized attention, especially on smaller tours, and appreciate how guides accommodate photo stops and wildlife viewing opportunities. The food selections are delicious, and the tours cleverly combine history, culture, and local dining experiences. Whether exploring the Wildlife Conservation Center, hiking to Matanuska Glacier, or discovering Anchorage eateries, travelers feel they're getting an authentic local perspective rather than a typical tourist experience. A few guests wished for more food and fewer sweets on the culinary tours, or hoped for greater focus on hidden gems beyond downtown spots. One reviewer felt the downtown tour could have offered more detail for the price, and another noted some portion sizes felt small. These are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar track record. The guides' willingness to customize experiences and run tours even for just two people demonstrates real commitment to quality. Traffic around Anchorage can occasionally slow things down, but the guides make the most of every moment with engaging stories and flexibility.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    My family did the Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview tour. What a great experience. Kayaking on Spencer Lake and hiking Spencer glacier was spectacular. The provided lunch was more than expected and delicious. The train ride was an added bonus. Seeing some of Alaska's best scenery from the comfort of the Alaskan Railway viewing car was great. Saw a lot of wildlife, the train stopped each time something special was identified so we could take photos. Our guide team, lead by Micah, included Blake, Abby, River and a few others were great. Highly recommend this adventure.

    Photo of rory Herbster

    rory Herbster

    July 5, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    My family did the Glacier Blue Kayak & Grandview tour. What a great experience. Kayaking on Spencer Lake and hiking Spencer glacier was spectacular. The provided lunch was more than expected and delicious. The train ride was an added bonus. Seeing some of Alaska's best scenery from the comfort of the Alaskan Railway viewing car was great. Saw a lot of wildlife, the train stopped each time something special was identified so we could take photos. Our guide team, lead by Micah, included Blake, Abby, River and a few others were great. Highly recommend this adventure.

    Photo of rory Herbster

    rory Herbster

    July 5, 2026

    Nearby activities

    Spencer Glacier Kayaking & Placer River Rafting
    Kayaking Tours

    Spencer Glacier Kayaking & Placer River Rafting

    Kayak to Spencer Glacier, then raft the Placer River with train pickup

    Kayak to Spencer Glacier, then raft the Placer River with train pickup
    4.9 • 129 reviews
    $589/ person
    Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayak & Train Tour
    Kayaking Tours

    Spencer Glacier Iceberg Kayak & Train Tour

    Kayak among Spencer Glacier icebergs with scenic Alaska Railroad train rides

    Kayak among Spencer Glacier icebergs with scenic Alaska Railroad train rides
    4.9 • 129 reviews
    $483/ person
    Private Glacier Helicopter Flight & Rafting Tour in Girdwood
    Rafting

    Private Glacier Helicopter Flight & Rafting Tour in Girdwood

    Helicopter to 20 Mile Glacier, then raft the Twenty Mile River on a private trip

    Helicopter to 20 Mile Glacier, then raft the Twenty Mile River on a private trip
    4.9 • 129 reviews
    $1,384/ person
    Private Helicopter Hike & Glacier Rafting in Girdwood
    Rafting

    Private Helicopter Hike & Glacier Rafting in Girdwood

    Fly by helicopter, hike the alpine, then raft Spencer Lake icebergs

    Fly by helicopter, hike the alpine, then raft Spencer Lake icebergs
    4.9 • 129 reviews
    $1,013/ person
    Ride The Glacier Discovery Train & Float Spencer Glacier
    Rafting

    Ride The Glacier Discovery Train & Float Spencer Glacier

    Ride the Glacier Discovery Train, see bears at AWCC, and float past Spencer Glacier icebergs

    Ride the Glacier Discovery Train, see bears at AWCC, and float past Spencer Glacier icebergs
    4.9 • 129 reviews
    $430/ person
    Private Guided Hike in Chugach National Forest
    Guided Hikes

    Private Guided Hike in Chugach National Forest

    Hike Chugach National Forest with a private local guide from Girdwood

    Hike Chugach National Forest with a private local guide from Girdwood
    4.9 • 129 reviews
    $166/ person