National Parks Adventure via Alaska Railroad Hosted by the Alaska

National Parks Adventure via Alaska Railroad Hosted by the Alaska

National Parks Adventure via Alaska Railroad
Hosted by the Alaska Railroad & CIRI Alaska Tourism
Detailed itinerary with timing:
(Tentative schedule – some details may change based on weather, availability, etc.)
Wednesday, Sept. 14
7:30 a.m.
Arrive at Alaska Railroad depot in Anchorage
Alaska Railroad Downtown Anchorage Depot
411 West First Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-265-2494
8:15 a.m.
Depart for Talkeetna aboard the Denali Star Train
Breakfast will be served on board as part of Alaska Railroad’s inclusive GoldStar Service.
The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, links Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in
Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park. Along the route north, sparkling salmon streams
and strands of birch and spruce come into view. The journey from Anchorage to Talkeetna
provides several miles of expansive watershed, harboring wildlife like moose and bear, as well
as the occasional wolf and abundant waterfowl. Just 40 miles outside of Anchorage, you’ll
make your way through Matanuska Valley, Alaska’s agricultural center and home to the towns
of Palmer and Wasilla.
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11:05 a.m.
Arrive in Talkeetna, Alaska
The tiny, funky hamlet of Talkeetna is straight out of many
visitors’ imagination of what life is like in small-town Alaska.
Talkeetna, located 115 miles north of Anchorage, celebrates its
centennial in 2016. Said to be the inspiration for the fictional
community of Cicely in the popular TV show “Northern
Exposure,” it’s no surprise Talkeetna rings so true with visitors. Its
artistic, outdoorsy and creative residents cling proudly to the
character of their community and celebrate the influence of
North America’s tallest peak Denali, in whose shadow the
community rests. A turn-of-the-20th-century gold-mining center,
Talkeetna has retained much of its early Alaska flavor. Log
cabins, a roadhouse and clapboard storefronts line the dirt
streets. Main Street, the only paved road in town, greets visitors
with a hand-hewn sign reading "Welcome to Beautiful
Downtown Talkeetna.”
(Photo © State of Alaska/Michael DeYoung)
11:15 a.m.
Shuttle from Alaska Railroad depot to Talkeetna Cabins or Talkeetna
Roadhouse (the group will be staying in both locations).
Transportation provided by Talkeetna Cabins.
Talkeetna Cabins
Talkeetna Roadhouse
101 N C St.
13550 E Main St
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Talkeetna, AK 99676
907-733-2227
(907) 733-1351
http://www.talkeetnacabi
talkeetnaroadhouse.com
ns.org/
Talkeetna Cabins features spacious, fully furnished cabins in the heart of
Downtown Talkeetna. The excellent location allows for access to the town’s many
outdoor and adventure activities, as well as numerous dining options.
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Talkeetna Roadhouse, built around 1917, is one of the oldest establishments still in
operation on Main Street in "Beautiful Downtown Talkeetna." Its kitchen is famous for
big breakfasts, hearty soups, home-baked breads and genuine frontier hospitality.
Boxed lunches will be provided by Nagley’s Store to journalists at the hotels, so they can settle in and
prepare for our first adventure.
Nagley’s Store
13650 E Main St.
Talkeetna, AK 99676
907-733-3663
http://nagleysstore.com/
Nagley’s is Talkeetna’s historic general store.
Founded in 1921, this store has a variety of
sandwiches and salads available for grab-andgo service.
(Photo © State of Alaska/Michael DeYoung)
1 p.m.
Transfer to K2 Aviation for flightseeing trip
K2 Aviation
14052 East 2nd St.
Talkeetna, AK 99676
907-733-2291
www.flyk2.com
A flightseeing trip over Denali National Park and
Preserve will give you a bird's-eye view of its
incredible vastness and awesome beauty.
Encounter a mile high gorge, rivers of prehistoric
glacier ice, snow capped mountains that extend
seemingly forever and Denali, North America's
tallest mountain, towering above it all.
(Photo © State of Alaska/Frank Flavin)
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2:50 p.m.
Return to Talkeetna from flightseeing tour
Time to explore Downtown Talkeetna
Suggested location to visit:
Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station
22241 B Street
Talkeetna, AK
907-733-2231
http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/walter-haper-trs.htm
The station is located about 100 miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park. This
ranger station is the home of Denali's mountaineering rangers. Expeditions to Mount McKinley
and Mount Foraker must stop here for their permit and mountain orientation.
5:30 p.m.
Reception, including wine, appetizers and local entertainment, at
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
23601 Talkeetna Spur Rd
Talkeetna Alaska, 99676
907-733-9500
www.talkeetnalodge.com
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge rests on 650
acres just minutes from downtown
Talkeetna. The Alaska Range and the
Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna river
valleys provide the backdrop to aweinspiring views of Denali, which towers
above the property at 20,310 feet. Just
60 air miles away, this mountain
captivates guests. Talkeetna Alaskan
Lodge is the only full-service lodge on
the road system to provide
unobstructed, panoramic views of the
Alaska Range. Guests can take in the
view from the lobby, back deck, two
restaurants and mountain-side rooms.
Originally built in 1999 and expanded
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in 2001, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is an Alaska icon, authentically constructed from select
regional materials. Open seasonally from mid-May through mid-September, the lodge features
212 well-appointed rooms. A full range of adventures can be reserved through the tour desk at
the lodge or by calling the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge reservations department. The Talkeetna
Alaskan Lodge operates two award-winning restaurants, the Foraker Dining Room and Base
Camp Bistro and Lounge, featuring Alaska cuisine including fresh caught, wild Alaska salmon
and halibut, king crab legs and an extensive wine list and local brews. The lodge has received
Wine Spectator magazine's prestigious Award of Excellence annually since 2003.
6:45 p.m.
Shuttle to Mountain High Pizza Pie
7 p.m.
Dinner at Mountain High Pizza Pie
Mountain High Pizza Pie
22165 C St.
Talkeetna, AK 99676
907-733-1234
http://www.pizzapietalkeetna.com/
There is no better place in Alaska to enjoy great food and beverages with friends than at Mountain High Pizza
Pie, where you can sit indoors with a delicious slice of pizza and a glass of wine or enjoy local brews and a
calzone in the beer garden under the Midnight Sun. In honor of Talkeetna’s centennial in 2016, Mountain
High Pizza Pie will be offering specialty pizzas, featuring hyper-local and seasonal products. To add to the
history lesson, the building housing Mountain High Pizza Pie was moved from the nearby Railbelt town of
Curry, which has been abandoned since the turn of the 20th century.
Overnight in Talkeetna at Talkeetna Cabins / Talkeetna Roadhouse
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Thursday, Sept. 15
7 a.m.
Breakfast at Talkeetna Roadhouse
Talkeetna Roadhouse
13550 E Main St
Talkeetna, AK 99676
(907) 733-1351
talkeetnaroadhouse.com
8 a.m.
Depart Talkeetna Roadhouse; walk to Mahay’s or Denali Zipline with group
Option 1:
Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures
22333 Talkeetna Spur Rd.
Talkeetna, AK 99676
(907) 733-2223
http://www.mahaysriverboat.com/
This two-hour trip begins with an exciting ride down the Susitna River, affording views of Denali
on good weather days. Guests then take a guided hike to an authentic trapper cabin and
Dena'ina Indian Encampment.
http://www.mahaysriverboat.com/denalialaska-mahay.com/mjs.htm
8:45 a.m.
Depart on Mahay’s
10:45 a.m.
Return from Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventure
Option 2:
Denali Zipline Tour
13764 E 2nd St.,
Talkeetna, AK 99676
(907) 733-3988
http://www.denaliziplinetours.com/
Denali Zipline Tour offers three-hour tour through the northern boreal forest takes you over
nine zip lines, multiple suspension bridges and more.
http://www.denaliziplinetours.com/tours
8:30 a.m.
Depart on Denali Zipline Tour
11:30 a.m.
Return from Denali Zipline Tour
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Noon
Groups 1 & 2 both return to Talkeetna
12:30 p.m.
Lunch with Steve Mahay at Twister Creek Restaurant, sister restaurant of
Denali Brewing Company
Twister Creek Restaurant /
Denali Brewpub
13605 E Main St
Talkeetna, AK
(907) 733-2537
http://denalibrewingcompany.com/
2:30 p.m.
Head to Denali Brewery for tasting and
tour (Talkeetna Spur Road)
Contact: Sassan Mossanen
Beer lovers can try a wide range of
beers that are always on tap as well as
seasonal and specialty brews in the
tasting room and beer garden. The
brewery’s next-door restaurant Denali
Brewpub, offers a full range of flavorful
and creative dishes to accompany the
beer.
3:45 p.m.
Shuttle stop at Flying Squirrel Bakery Café for treats to take on the Railroad. A sample of
adventure-ready snacks will be provided by owner Anita Golton.
*Please note: Additional provisions will not be covered by host organizations
Flying Squirrel Bakery Café
Mile 11
26205 Talkeetna Spur Rd.
Talkeetna, AK 99676
309-733-6887
http://flyingsquirrelcafe.com/
An easy stop, just three miles from Downtown Talkeetna, offering wood-fired pizza, cookies,
cakes, sandwiches and gluten-free treats.
4:15 p.m.
Shuttle to Railroad Depot, arrive at approximately 4:30 p.m.
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4:55 p.m.
Depart for Anchorage on Denali Star Train
Along the way back to Anchorage, enjoy an exclusive dinner service in the GoldStar car from
Alaska Railroad staff. The Alaska Railroad offers onboard food and bar services featuring local
products, including beer and wine.
8 p.m.
Arrive in Anchorage
Welcome back to Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. Home to nearly 300,000 people,
Anchorage lies between the mountains and the sea and is no stranger to the wilderness. There
is no other urban area like it in the nation. Among the northernmost cities on Earth, Anchorage
is also a place with big-city amenities: fine restaurants, museums, theaters and an excellent
music scene. Creating the backdrop are the salmon-rich waters of Cook Inlet and the 5,000foot-plus peaks of Chugach State Park.
8:15 p.m.
Transfer to Copper Whale Inn
Copper Whale Inn
440 L St, Anchorage
AK 99501
(866) 258-7999
http://www.copperwhale.com/
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The Copper Whale Inn Bed & Breakfast allows guests to take in spectacular views across Cook
Inlet while enjoying downtown Anchorage’s vibrant urban scene, all from this delightful
downtown inn. The inn’s location in the west end of downtown offers easy walking access to
the city's business district, fine restaurants, museums, attractions and shopping. The 11-mile
Coastal Trail is just one block away. Many rooms offer stunning views across Cook Inlet to the
Alaska Range.
Overnight in Anchorage
(photo © State of Alaska/Frank Flavin)
Friday, Sept. 16
5:45 a.m.
Check out of hotel and meet in lobby for hotel shuttle transfer to the
Alaska Railroad Depot
6 a.m.
Group departs for Alaska Railroad Depot
Alaska Railroad Downtown Anchorage Depot
411 West First Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-265-2494
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6:15 a.m.
Group checks in for the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic Train
*Check bags to Seward Windsong Lodge
6:45 a.m.
Depart Anchorage on Coastal Classic to Seward
The Coastal Classic Train is a favorite of locals
and visitors alike as it winds through a stretch
of wilderness between Anchorage and
Seward, offering a spectacular view of the
Cook Inlet and string of glaciers. Points of
interest include Moose Pass, Placer River
Valley, Turnagain Arm and the Chugach
National Forest.
Breakfast on the Coastal Classic included as
part of inclusive GoldStar Service.
11:05 a.m.
Arrive in Seward
11:15 a.m.
Transfer to Kenai Fjords Tours
(Group’s luggage will be taken directly to
Seward Windsong Lodge)
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11:30 a.m.
Depart on Kenai Fjord Tours’ National Park Tour
Alaska’s No. 1 wildlife and glacier cruise, Kenai Fjords
Tours’ National Park Tour offers views of an active
tidewater glacier and a chance to see a variety of wildlife
that resides in Kenai Fjords National Park. A chicken
Caesar wrap lunch is served onboard. Vegetarian option
available upon request.
5:30 p.m.
Return from Kenai Fjord National Park Tour
Transfer to / check in at Seward Windsong
Lodge
Seward Windsong Lodge
Mile 0.5 Herman Leirer / Exit Glacier Road
Seward, AK 99664
907-224-7116
www.sewardwindsong.com
Seward Windsong Lodge is set in a forested valley on the
banks of the Resurrection River at mile 0.5 of Herman
Leirer/Exit Glacier Road. The lodge is eight miles from the
entrance to Exit Glacier access in Kenai Fjords National
Park. Open seasonally from mid-May through midSeptember, the lodge is the perfect setting for vacations,
retreats, conferences and board meetings. Seward
Windsong Lodge features 180 guest rooms and 10 Jacuzzi
suites in 15 guest lodge buildings. Each two-story guest
lodge has 12 guest rooms and adjacent parking. Guided
tours to Exit Glacier depart from the lobby twice daily and
include narration about the geography and glaciology of
Seward and the Resurrection Valley. There are several
trails that accommodate all hiking abilities. The lodge also offers convenient access to nearby activities — sea
kayaking, day cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seavey’s Iditaride Iditarod sled dog tours and more — all
of which can be arranged for groups or individuals.
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7 p.m.
Dinner at Resurrection Roadhouse
Resurrection Roadhouse
Located at Seward Windsong Lodge
Dinner served from 5 – 10 p.m.
www.sewardwindsong.com/resurrection-roadhouse.html
Resurrection Roadhouse is part of the Seward Windsong Lodge. The restaurant overlooks the
pristine Resurrection Valley and has breathtaking views of Mount Benson. Resurrection
Roadhouse offers Alaska-focused dining, including a wide variety of wild Alaska seafood,
burgers and house-made, herb-crusted pizzas.
Overnight at Seward Windsong Lodge
Saturday, Sept. 17
7 a.m.
Breakfast at Seward Windsong Lodge
Resurrection Roadhouse
Located at Seward Windsong Lodge
Breakfast served from 6 – 11 a.m.
www.sewardwindsong.com/resurrection-roadhouse.html
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8 a.m.
Morning activity options:
Option 1: Hike to Exit Glacier
This tour takes you along a
picturesque path to Exit Glacier. With
a mixture of back-country and on-trail
trekking over 1.5 miles of trail each
way, the view from the top of this
natural wonder offers an absolutely
stunning view well worth the hike.
(photo © State of Alaska/Brian Adams)
Option 2: Visit Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska SeaLife Center
301 Railway Ave
Seward, AK 99664
888-378-2525
http://www.alaskasealife.org/
As Alaska’s only public aquarium and
oceanic wildlife recue center, the
Alaska SeaLife Center offers close
encounters with a variety of marine
wildlife, including sea lions, puffins,
octopus and more.
(photo © State of Alaska/Matt Hage)
10:30 a.m.
Return to hotel
11 a.m.
Check out of Seward Windsong Lodge
11:15 a.m.
Transfer to Portage via rental car. Boxed lunches provided by Resurrection Roadhouse at the
Seward Windsong Lodge during drive.
1 p.m.
Arrive at Portage, check in for Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train
1:25 p.m.
Glacier Discovery Train departs Portage; ride the Glacier Discovery Train from Portage to
Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop for experience with Ascending Path. Options include a glacier
hiking & Ice climbing. Available activities, especially ice climbing, will be determined by
weather and glacier conditions. (Additional snacks will be provided for during the experience.)
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1:45 p.m.
Arrive at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop
Ascending Path
1000 Arlberg Ave
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-0505
http://www.ascendingpath.com
About Kayaking Approach:
From the Spencer Whistle Stop, our group will
hop in a van for a short ride to the Basecamp.
We use tandem sea kayaks to cross the lake to
get to the Ice. The approach itself includes
outstanding views of the glacier and icebergs floating in the Spencer terminal lake. The total distance of
kayaking to the glacier is 1.5 miles of flat lake water with icebergs aplenty. The one-hour approach includes
many photo & rest stops to learn about interesting local wildlife, history and glaciology.
About Spencer Glacier Hike:
After the lake paddle we gear up with helmets and crampons at the Glaciers' edge. Crampon walking practice
and safety lessons are held, then groups travel out onto the glacier ice itself with skilled and experienced
guides and have about two hours to explore blue ice, crevasses, ice caves, moulins, etc.
About Spencer Glacier Ice Climbing:
At the glaciers' edge, we gear up with helmets and crampons. After more safety lessons and crampon
practice, groups travel up onto the glacier ice and to the Ice walls. Climbers will have about three hours to
take turns top-roping amazing ice walls and exploring other features (blue ice, crevasses, ice caves, moulins,
etc.) with your skilled and experienced guide.
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8:15 p.m.
Depart Spencer Glacier via Coastal Classic
8:50 p.m.
Arrive in Girdwood, go via rental cars to Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Resort
1000 Arlberg Ave.
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 754-2111
www.AlyeskaResort.com
Alyeska Resort is Alaska's premier year-round
destination featuring The Hotel Alyeska, an
award-winning 302 room full-service property.
Located just 40 miles from Anchorage and Ted
Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alyeska
Resort is your base camp for summer and winter
excursions. Alyeska Resort stands out during ski
season with 650” of average snowfall annually
and the longest-continuous double black
diamond ski run in North America# Learn more
about the resort and plan your Alaskan adventure
at www.AlyeskaResort.com or 800.880.3880.
9:15 p.m.
Arrive at Alyeska Resort
Tram to Seven Glaciers for farewell dinner
Seven Glaciers
1000 Arlberg Ave.
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 754-2237
http://www.alyeskaresort.com/dining/seven-glaciers-restaurant.aspx
Seven Glaciers is Alyeska Resort’s AAA Four Diamond award winning mountain-top luxury
restaurant. Offering signature Alaskan entrees in an elegant atmosphere, the Seven Glaciers
experience is extraordinary from start to finish. Seven Glaciers offers a unique Alaska dining
experience with panoramic views of glaciers and the water. The chefs emphasize locally
available produce, seafood and game.
Overnight at Alyeska Hotel after dinner
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Sunday, Sept. 18
TBD
Breakfast at Alyeska Hotel
Morning to explore Alyeska/Girdwood on your own
TBD
Return to Anchorage via rental cars, drop guests at the designated convention hotel
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