Spencer Bench Cabin
Open for reservations year-round. The Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train provides summer access from May 23, 2026 through September 14, 2026. Train tickets must be purchased separately from Alaska Railroad. Winter snowmachine access from Seward Highway MP 78 is currently unavailable due to lack of snow coverage. Trail may retain snow into July; call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242 for current conditions.
From Recreation.gov
The Glacier Discovery train provides access to the Spencer Bench Whistle Stop and Cabin from May 23th 2026 to September 14th 2026. Tickets for the train can be purchased from the [Alaska Railroad][1] website. [1]: https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train
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About
Spencer Bench Cabin sits at 1,900 feet elevation at the end of Spencer Bench Trail, offering breathtaking views into the heart of Chugach National Forest. The 15x17-foot Alaskan yellow cedar trapper-style cabin provides wooden bunks for 6-8 people, a table with benches, and a kerosene heater. A separate outhouse is provided. Guests must bring their own kerosene fuel (1-2 gallons per day recommended), drinking water, cooking stove, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, and all trash bags for pack-out. Summer access from late May through mid-September requires riding the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train to Spencer Whistle Stop, then hiking approximately 5 miles on a steep trail that may retain snow into July. Winter recreationists can access the cabin via snowmachine or skis from parking areas at Seward Highway Milepost 78, though this requires advanced backcountry skills and avalanche hazard awareness. Year-round alternatives include jet boat, float plane, or chartered helicopter. The surrounding alpine terrain offers excellent off-trail hiking and sightseeing during summer months. Black bears, brown bears, wolves, moose, mountain goats, and marmots inhabit the area. In late summer, crowberries, salmonberries, and low-bush blueberries are abundant. Winter visitors find exceptional backcountry skiing and snowmachining opportunities.
Directions
Summer: Drive south from Anchorage on Seward Highway to Portage Rail Depot at Milepost 80. Board the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train to Spencer Whistle Stop, then hike approximately 5 miles on Spencer Bench Trail to the cabin. Winter: Park at snowmachine lots at Seward Highway Milepost 78 and travel up the Placer River Valley via snowmachine or skis. Year-round alternatives include jet boat, float plane, or chartered ski plane/helicopter.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $85 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 783-3242 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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