Alaska, with its vast wilderness and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many travelers. While cruises are a popular way to see the state, there’s an alternative that offers more flexibility and a deeper connection to the land: the Alaska Railroad. This mode of travel allows adventurers to craft their own itinerary, spending as much time as they wish in each destination.
Last summer, my brother and I decided to explore Alaska by rail, drawn by the promise of flexibility and the chance to immerse ourselves in the state’s natural beauty. Having both visited Alaska before, we were eager to experience it at a slower pace, something the Alaska Railroad made possible.
The Alaska Railroad Experience
The Alaska Railroad operates year-round, offering five seasonal routes that cater to a variety of interests. For us, the Denali Star and Coastal Classic routes were the perfect choice, combining national park visits with scenic train journeys. The Denali Star route takes travelers from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with stops in Talkeetna and Denali National Park and Preserve, while the Coastal Classic route connects Anchorage to Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.
The beauty of traveling by rail in Alaska lies in the ability to tailor the trip to your schedule and budget. Some travelers spend weeks hopping on and off the train, while others opt for a direct journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The Alaska Railroad isn’t a sleeper train, which suited us perfectly as we wanted to spend time exploring each destination.
For added convenience, we booked packages that included train fare, hotels, and activities. This allowed us to focus on enjoying our trip without worrying about logistics. Our luggage was seamlessly transferred to our hotels at each stop, and shuttles were provided to and from the train stations.
Onboard Comfort and Scenery
The Alaska Railroad offers two tiers of service: Adventure Class and Gold Star Service. We experienced both, each offering unique advantages. The Gold Star Service, with its glass-domed ceilings and open-air viewing platform, provided unparalleled views of the Alaskan wilderness. Meals were served in a formal dining car, featuring a variety of options, including reindeer sausage and Alaska smoked salmon Alfredo.
Adventure Class, while lacking the glass-domed ceiling, offered comfortable seating and access to a shared Vista Dome. Meals were available à la carte or through dining vouchers, with options ranging from grab-and-go snacks to hot meals like wild rice and root vegetable curry.
Scenic Highlights
The scenery along the Coastal Classic route is nothing short of breathtaking. Passengers are treated to views of the Chugach Mountains plunging into the glacier-carved waters of the Turnagain Arm. While we didn’t spot any beluga whales, they are commonly seen from mid-July to the end of August. The journey continues through forests, lakes, mountains, and wildflowers before arriving in the coastal community of Seward.
Exploring Alaska’s Gems
Our journey began in Anchorage, a city that offers a delightful mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. We explored the Alaska Native Heritage Center, took a hike in Chugach State Park, and visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The Wildbirch Hotel, with its Alaskan-themed art and upscale amenities, provided a comfortable base for our explorations.
In Girdwood, we stayed at the Alyeska Resort, where we enjoyed the aerial tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska and the amenities of the Alyeska Nordic Spa. The resort’s Asian bistro, Sakura, served up some of the best meals of our trip.
Seward, the endpoint of the Coastal Classic route, offered a day cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park. We witnessed humpback whales engaging in bubble-net feeding and marveled at the craggy fjords and massive glaciers. The Real Alaska Day Tour provided a glimpse into local life, including a visit to a sled dog kennel and a hike to the Exit Glacier viewpoint.
Our journey on the Denali Star route took us through mountains, wild rivers, and sweeping meadows. In Talkeetna, we explored the quirky town and enjoyed a scenic river cruise with Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, with its stunning views of Denali, was a highlight of our stay.
Denali National Park and Preserve was a major highlight of our trip. We spent three days exploring the park’s hiking trails and visiting the dog kennels. The Wilderness Tundra Tour, a 5.5-hour bus ride through the park, rewarded us with views of moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and brown bears.
Our final stop was Fairbanks, where we stayed at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. Although we didn’t have time to explore the city fully, we vowed to return for the Riverboat Discovery Cruise and other adventures.
Alaska’s wilderness is a treasure trove of natural beauty and unique experiences. The Alaska Railroad offers an unparalleled way to explore this vast state, allowing travelers to create their own adventure at their own pace. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, the Alaska Railroad is the perfect way to discover the best of Alaska.
