7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic Route
7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Turnagain Arm's Tidal Flats and Beluga Point
As a highlight of the Coastal Classic Route, Turnagain Arm's tidal flats and Beluga Point offer a unique natural spectacle.
The dramatic bore tide, reaching heights of up to 10 feet and speeds of 15 miles per hour, is a mesmerizing sight that draws visitors from around the world.
While whale sightings are not guaranteed, the chance to spot belugas against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountains makes this stop an unmissable part of any Alaska journey.
Turnagain Arm's tidal flats experience one of the most extreme tidal ranges in North America, with a difference of up to 40 feet between high and low tide in some areas.
The bore tide in Turnagain Arm can create a wall of water up to 10 feet high, moving at speeds of 15 miles per hour, making it a favorite spot for daredevil surfers who ride the wave for miles.
Beluga Point got its name from the white beluga whales that frequent the area, but these marine mammals are actually born dark gray and gradually lighten as they age.
The mudflats of Turnagain Arm are composed of glacial silt, which creates a dangerous quicksand-like effect when wet, trapping unsuspecting visitors who venture too far out.
The unique geography of Turnagain Arm creates a wind tunnel effect, making it one of the most reliable spots in Alaska for windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts.
Despite its name, Turnagain Arm is not actually an arm but a fjord, carved by glaciers during the last ice age and filled with seawater as the glaciers retreated.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Turnagain Arm's Tidal Flats and Beluga Point
- 7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Girdwood's Alpine Meadows and Hanging Glaciers
- 7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop
- 7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Placer River Valley and Bartlett Glacier
- 7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Kenai Lake's Turquoise Waters
- 7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Resurrection Bay and Mount Marathon
- 7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Seward Small Boat Harbor and Alaska SeaLife Center
7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Girdwood's Alpine Meadows and Hanging Glaciers
Girdwood's Alpine Meadows and Hanging Glaciers offer a stunning backdrop for adventurers along the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route.
The aerial tramway at Alyeska Resort provides a quick ascent to panoramic views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and their majestic glaciers.
Girdwood's hanging glaciers are not stationary ice masses but dynamic structures that flow downslope at rates of up to 50 meters per year, creating a constantly changing landscape.
The alpine meadows of Girdwood host over 150 species of wildflowers, including the rare Alaska blue poppy, which blooms for only a few weeks each summer.
The Alyeska Resort's aerial tram, which provides access to stunning views of the alpine meadows and hanging glaciers, operates using a counterweight system that reduces energy consumption by up to 75% compared to traditional cable car systems.
Girdwood's unique microclimate, influenced by the nearby glaciers, results in an average of 650 inches of snowfall annually, making it one of the snowiest inhabited areas in North America.
The hanging glaciers visible from Girdwood are remnants of a much larger ice sheet that covered the area during the Last Glacial Maximum, approximately 20,000 years ago.
The alpine meadows of Girdwood serve as critical habitat for the Dall sheep, a species uniquely adapted to the steep, rocky terrain of Alaska's mountains.
7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop
The stop, only accessible by train, allows visitors to witness the awe-inspiring Spencer Glacier up close, with its massive wall of ice descending dramatically into Spencer Lake.
For adventure seekers, the area provides opportunities for guided tours, hiking, and even overnight camping in the heart of the Chugach National Forest.
Spencer Glacier retreats at an average rate of 100 feet per year, making it one of the fastest-receding glaciers in Alaska.
The glacier's ice is so dense that it appears blue due to the absorption of all other colors of the light spectrum.
The nearby Spencer Lake, formed by glacial melt, can reach depths of over 600 feet in some areas.
The surrounding area is home to over 200 species of plants, including some that are found nowhere else in the world due to the unique microclimates created by the glacier.
The glacier's meltwater creates a complex system of underground channels, some of which can be large enough for a person to walk through.
The train ride to Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop crosses over a 515-foot steel trestle bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1951 that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Despite its remote location, the Spencer Glacier area receives over 10,000 visitors annually, demonstrating the growing interest in glacier tourism.
7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Placer River Valley and Bartlett Glacier
The Placer River Valley and Bartlett Glacier are must-see sights along the Coastal Classic Route of the Alaska Railroad.
Visitors can take a scenic float trip down the Placer River, offering panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding mountain landscapes, or explore the area around the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, including opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and viewing the massive Spencer Glacier.
The Spencer Bench Cabin, located at an elevation of 1,900 feet, provides a stunning vantage point to overlook the Spencer Glacier and Placer River Valley.
Additionally, the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train allows passengers to view the Bartlett Glacier and Trail Glacier as the train travels along the route.
The Bartlett Glacier is one of the few remaining advancing glaciers in Alaska, moving at a rate of up to 2 meters per year, defying the general trend of glacial recession observed across the state.
The Placer River Valley is home to a unique species of dwarf willow, Salix arctica, which has adapted to the harsh alpine environment and can survive temperatures as low as -40°C.
Geologists have discovered evidence that the Placer River once flowed in the opposite direction, draining into the Kenai Peninsula before the Bartlett Glacier's advance redirected its course.
The Spencer Bench Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Bartlett Glacier, was originally built in the 1950s by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a supply route to support glacier research activities.
The Placer River is fed by a complex network of underground glacial streams, some of which can be accessed through natural ice caves formed by the glacier's retreat.
Buckminster Fuller, which serves as a visitor center and interpretive facility.
The Spencer Lake, located at the base of the Spencer Glacier, is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, offering visitors the chance to navigate amongst the glacier's massive icebergs.
The Bartlett Glacier is composed of a unique mix of compacted snow and ice, resulting in a distinctive blue hue that changes throughout the day as the sun's angle shifts.
The Placer River Valley is home to a thriving population of Dall sheep, a hardy mountain-dwelling species that can be spotted grazing on the steep, rocky slopes surrounding the glacier.
7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Kenai Lake's Turquoise Waters
Kenai Lake's turquoise waters are a sight to behold along the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route.
As you glide past on the train, keep an eye out for anglers trying their luck in this world-class fishing destination, known for its abundant salmon and trout populations.
The lake's depth reaches an impressive 889 feet at its deepest point, making it one of the deepest lakes in Alaska.
Kenai Lake's water temperature rarely exceeds 55°F (8°C) even in summer, due to its glacial origins and high elevation.
The lake spans approximately 22 miles in length and covers an area of about 22 square miles, making it a significant freshwater resource in the region.
Kenai Lake's shoreline is approximately 86 miles long, offering numerous opportunities for exploration and recreation.
The lake is home to a unique subspecies of sockeye salmon, known as "kokanee," which complete their entire life cycle within the lake without migrating to the ocean.
Kenai Lake's water clarity is exceptional, with visibility often exceeding 30 feet, making it ideal for underwater photography and observation.
Kenai Lake's basin was formed by glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 5 million to 11,700 years ago.
Despite its pristine appearance, Kenai Lake faces challenges from invasive species, particularly the threat of northern pike introduction, which could significantly impact native fish populations.
7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Resurrection Bay and Mount Marathon
Resurrection Bay and Mount Marathon offer stunning natural beauty along the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route.
The bay's crystal-clear waters provide a perfect backdrop for wildlife viewing, including sea otters, harbor seals, and various seabirds.
Mount Marathon, towering over Seward, challenges hikers with its steep trails and rewards them with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Kenai Mountains and Resurrection Bay.
Resurrection Bay reaches depths of over 1,000 feet in some areas, making it one of the deepest fjords in Alaska.
The annual Mount Marathon Race, held every July 4th since 1915, is considered one of the toughest short-distance races in the world, with runners ascending and descending 3,022 feet in just 1 miles.
Resurrection Bay's name originated from Russian explorer Alexander Baranov, who found refuge in the bay during a storm on Easter Sunday in
Mount Marathon's peak stands at 3,022 feet above sea level, offering a challenging climb that attracts thousands of hikers and runners each year.
The waters of Resurrection Bay remain ice-free year-round due to its unique geography and ocean currents, making it an important winter habitat for marine life.
The record time for the Mount Marathon Race is an astounding 41 minutes and 26 seconds, set in 2016 by David Norris.
Resurrection Bay is home to a diverse array of marine life, including orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and Steller sea lions.
The Mount Marathon race course has an average grade of 34 degrees, with some sections reaching a steep 60 degrees.
Resurrection Bay's waters can experience temperature inversions, where warmer water sits atop colder layers, creating unique conditions for marine ecosystems.
The first recorded ascent of Mount Marathon was in 1908 by James Walters, who climbed it to win a bar bet.
Resurrection Bay's unique underwater topography includes submerged glacial moraines and steep underwater cliffs, making it a fascinating subject for marine geologists.
7 Unmissable Sights Along Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route - Seward Small Boat Harbor and Alaska SeaLife Center
The Alaska SeaLife Center, located nearby, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe and learn about Alaskan marine life up close.
As the only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation center in the state, it plays a crucial role in conservation efforts while offering an educational experience for tourists traveling along the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Route.
The Seward Small Boat Harbor can accommodate up to 650 vessels, making it one of the largest small boat harbors in Alaska.
The harbor's breakwater is constructed using 30-ton concrete tetrapods, engineered to withstand extreme wave forces.
Alaska SeaLife Center's main tank holds 90,000 gallons of seawater, maintained at a constant temperature of 55°F year-round.
The center's research facilities include a 20-foot deep dive tank used for studying marine mammal diving physiology.
Seward Small Boat Harbor experiences tidal fluctuations of up to 28 feet, requiring specialized floating docks to accommodate the changes.
The Alaska SeaLife Center houses a cutting-edge molecular laboratory capable of conducting DNA analysis on marine species.
The harbor's fuel dock can dispense up to 500,000 gallons of fuel annually, serving both commercial and recreational vessels.
The center's life support systems circulate over 5 million gallons of seawater daily, filtered and treated to maintain optimal conditions for marine life.
Seward Small Boat Harbor features a 50-ton travel lift, capable of hauling out vessels up to 65 feet in length for maintenance.
The Alaska SeaLife Center's research team has successfully developed techniques for captive breeding of endangered Steller sea lions.
The harbor's breakwater walkway doubles as a wave energy dissipation system, reducing the impact of storm surges on moored vessels.
The center's aviary houses puffins in a climate-controlled environment that mimics the birds' natural habitat, including artificial burrows and specialized lighting.