Spencer Bench Cabin
Open — Open year-round with reservations required through Recreation.gov. Alaska Railroad provides access to Spencer Whistle Stop from May 23 through September 14, 2026. Winter access requires advanced backcountry skills and avalanche knowledge. Limited to 7 consecutive nights per group or person.
Regional Order No. 10-01 - Marijuana - Simple Possession
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests: Possessing, storing or transporting parts of a cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; including and not limited to proc
Regional Order No. 10-00-00-04-01 - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol
TONGASS and CHUGACH NATIONAL FORESTS Regional Office Juneau, Alaska Order No. 10-00-00-04-01REGIONAL ORDEROccupancy and Use
Regional Order No. R-10-96-01 - Forest Development Roads and Trails
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-96-1 7730EFFECTIVE 5/17/96 Page 10 of 117731.14 - EXHIBIT 01ORDER NO. R-10-96-01FOREST DEVELOPMENT ROADS AND TRAILSALASKA REGION
10-04-00-24-05 - Developed Recreation Sites, Public Use Cabins Prohibitions
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the Chugach National Forest:Cutting any standing tree within 150 feet of a Public Use Cabin, Developed Recreation Site or Administrative Use Site.
10-04-00-17-09 Winter Motorized Vehicle Use
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on certain lands administered by the Forest Service within the Chugach National Forest:
10-04-04-12-08 Copper River Delta Winter Motor Vehicle Closure
The use of snowmachines (snowmobiles and all motorized over snow vehicles, including off highway vehicles) and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of, helicopters that are utilized for t winter recreational activities is prohibited in the
10-04-00-05-01 - Winter Motor Vehicle Closure Prince William Sound
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited on the Chugach National Forest:Certain motor vehicle use except for subsistence uses from December 1 through April 30 of each year:
10-04-00-04-03 - Motor Vehicle Closure Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Acquired Lands
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) the operation of motor vehicles is prohibited in the following areas:
Special Weather Statement issued January 18 at 6:05AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK
The Chugach NF Avalanche Information Center in Girdwood has issued a SPECIAL AVALANCHE STATEMENT for the following areas: South Fork Eagle River, Chugach State Park, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Moose Pass, Summit Lake, and Seward from 6 am Saturday, Jan 17 to 6 am Tuesday, Jan 20. * WHAT...Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry. Avalanche danger is HIGH at and above treeline. * WHERE...For the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains in and around Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Summit Lake, Moose Pass, Lost Lake, and Seward. * WHEN...In effect through 6:00 am Tuesday, Jan 20th. * IMPACTS...Very large human-triggered avalanches are likely. Despite quiet weather, the snowpack remains very unstable. People can easily trigger very large avalanches. It is likely avalanches may be triggered remotely from flat terrain below steeper slopes. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If deciding to recreate in the backcountry, choose terrain that is flat or less than 30 degrees in steepness, with nothing steeper above you. Travel is avalanche terrain is not recommended. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center. For more information visit www.ChugachAvalanche.org.
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
About
Spencer Bench Cabin is located at 1,900 feet elevation at the end of Spencer Bench Trail in the Chugach National Forest. This 15x17-foot trapper-style cabin, constructed entirely of Alaskan yellow cedar, sits just below alpine meadows with low shrubs, grasses, and summer wildflowers. The trail climbs away from Spencer Lake revealing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake, and Spencer Glacier. The cabin sleeps 6-8 people and includes wooden bunks, a table with benches, a small kerosene heater, fire extinguisher, and an outhouse. Guests must bring their own kerosene (typically 1 gallon per day), drinking water, bedding, mattresses, cook stove, and all camping supplies. A nearby creek provides water but must be treated before consumption. Summer access from late May through mid-September requires taking the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train to Spencer Whistle Stop, followed by a 5.5-mile hike gaining significant elevation. The trail may maintain snow coverage until July in some years. Winter access requires advanced backcountry skills and avalanche knowledge, accessed via skis, snowmachines, ski plane, or helicopter. The area is home to black and brown bears, wolves, moose, mountain goats, and offers excellent opportunities for backcountry skiing, mountaineering, and wilderness exploration.
Directions
Access to Spencer Bench Cabin varies by season. During summer, take the Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train from the Portage Rail Depot (Milepost 80) to the Spencer Whistle Stop, followed by a 5-mile hike with significant elevation gain. In winter, snowmachine access is possible from parking lots at Seward Highway Milepost 78, but conditions can be challenging. For current access information, contact the Glacier Ranger District at +1 (907) 783-3242.
Nearby Campgrounds
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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