ALASKA

ALASKA | RAILWAYS

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

All Aboard

Take in the grandeur of the Last Frontier

By Susan B. Barnes ROM MY SEAT IN the glass-domed

FCoastal Classic rail car, I watch as we roll out of Anchorage, Alaska, and travel south into the wide open spaces of the Last Frontier. To the right, the Seward

Highway winds along the coastline of Turnagain

Arm, following the same path as the Alaska

Railroad. The conductor and on board tour guides share the area’s history and point out natural highlights along the route. Lucky travelers may see wildlife such as beluga whales breaking the water’s surface, bald eagles soaring overhead, Dall sheep perched precariously upon the cliffs and even the odd moose walking along the tracks.

The entirety of the Alaska Railroad spans 470 miles, from Fairbanks in the north to Seward in the south. Stops along the route — including Denali National Park and Preserve, Talkeetna and Seward — provide ample opportunity for exploration.

Riding in a rail car harkens back to the way travel used to be — slow and enjoyable. Without Wi-Fi on board, guests instead focus on the awe-inspiring beauty that extends as far as the eye can see. The open-air platform on each train is a terrific place to not only take in the fresh, crisp air, but a vantage point for photographers, too. And tourists

MICHAEL SULLIVAN

are enjoying this leisurely way to take in the state. In 2019, more than 522,000 passengers rode the Alaska Railroad.

There are a few options when it comes to traveling by rail in Alaska. To help simplify planning, a number of summer (and even winter) round-trip packages are available from Anchorage that range from two to 10 days and include accommodations. For example, the five-day Taste of Alaska tour from Anchorage travels aboard the Denali Star north to Talkeetna; if the weather is clear, just south of Talkeetna passengers may be able to spot Denali from their rail cars. The packages also include a flightseeing tour of Denali and the Alaska Range

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

in a small plane and a jetboat ride into Devil’s Gorge for an overnight stay. Travel back to Anchorage and then hop aboard the Coastal Classic south to Seward for a cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, a dog-sled ride and a tour of Exit Glacier.

For those short on time, Alaska Railroad also offers daytrips, and the railroad is one of the last in all of North America to offer whistle-stop services. This is where adventure truly comes into play: You can hop off the train in a remote area such as Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop (accessible only by train) for hiking, fishing or guided river rafting. When it comes time to return to Anchorage, simply stand beside the tracks, wave down the approaching train, climb aboard and be on your way.

Those who prefer to travel on their own schedule can map out their routes and accommodations, and book tickets to embark and disembark as they choose.

All in all, an Alaska Railroad adventure is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Last Frontier. ALASKA

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GLENN ARONWITS

MICHAEL DEYOUNG TRAVEL TIPS

Two classes of services are available on the Coastal Classic and Denali Star trains: GoldStar Service and Adventure Class. GoldStar Service includes meals in a private dining car, soft drinks and two complimentary adult beverages per trip, as well as seats in a glass-domed train car for panoramic views. Adventure Class, which is offered on all Alaska Railroad routes, includes confirmed seats in train cars with large picture windows, and dining and drinks in the on board café. All Alaska Railroad trains are cashless, so be sure to bring along a credit card. — Susan B. Barnes

COVID-19 UPDATES

Alaska Railways has implemented new practices and protocols designed to keep passengers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Face coverings are required to enter depots and board trains, and trains will be capped at 50 percent occupancy to allow for extra space between passengers. Boarding processes will also be staggered to allow for small-group boarding and passenger trains will undergo a full sanitization each night. Visit alaskarailroad.com/ passenger-information for updated details.