Finally, the train stopped, and I arrived at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop.

I introduced about the Glacier Discovery Train, which is the only way to get to Spencer Glacier in the last posting:
- Glacier Discovery Train- Only Way to Spectacular Spencer Glacier

People ride the Glacier Discovery Train to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop to explore the backcountry paradise that’s only accessible by rail. Visitors can have a guided hike to the glacier overlook with a Chugach National Forest Service Ranger.
 

Almost all the people visiting here seemed like they were taking pictures for souvenirs.

Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop is a remote wilderness area developer in partnership with the Chugach National Forest Service. Accessible only by train, it’s home to one of the most spectacular and visible glaciers in Alaska. Melting water from Spencer Glacier’s massive wall of ice cascades down the mountains and feeds Spencer Lake.

 

The Whistle Stop station area includes a shelter, restrooms (the last structure in the picture), and the trailhead for a 1.3-mile (2 km.) path to Spencer Glacier overlook on the edge of Spencer Lake.

As there is no store here, make sure that you bring your own water and food or snacks. 
 

I wondered why the visitors were moving in groups on the split road right after getting off the train. Then I found out that there were groups of different activities such as rafting, hiking, kayaking, etc. 
 

It was also very odd that there were vehicles here where there is no road. 
 

I noticed that many of the visitors came here for rafting on that day. 
I was curious when I saw someone was distributing a small paper bag to each person on this bus. It turned out that was their sandwich lunch bag. ;) 
 

When leaving the train at Whistle Stop, visitors are greeted by a National Forest Service Ranger who offers a complimentary interpretive nature walk to Spencer Glacier overlook. Visitors can alternatively explore on their own or partake in a variety of guided excursions offered at Spencer Glacier.

For the truly adventurous, staying overnight is an option. The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop area has campsites and a public use cabin.
 

There are signs on every road so you do not need to worry about getting lost here. 
 

This place is a paradise for bears and moose and you can find many traces of bears. But if you move in groups like this, the bears tend to avoid people.
 

Even wild animals like a well-paved road. ;)
 

According to the park ranger, salmon do not come here and Spencer Glacier is a relatively newer glacier. 
 

I looked around and noticed many edible plants.
 

This mycelium is an early vegetative part of a fungus in a glacier area.
 

I encountered a couple camping in a campground here with their dog. 
They looked very enviable to me.

 

I encountered a wooden bridge, and the aroma from the wood was wonderful. 
But it was odd- why is there a bridge when no one is here to use it…?
I guessed it was built during the Gold Rush days and remodeled later. 
There was cold glacier melted water gushing down under the bridge. 

 

I saw two bridges here built in the olden days.

 

There were benches at the right spots for visitors to enjoy the views.  
 

The train that I got off was busy continuing to the final destination at Grand View. 
That train will come back again to take us later.

 

The trees here were twisted like this one. 
I am thinking they struggle to find sun in Alaska’s cold climate and this is the result.

 

At last, Spencer Glacier was starting to reveal itself in the distance. 
My heart was pumping faster from the excitement.
But I have to show you Spencer Glacier in the next posting. ;)

 

This area also had benches for visitors to enjoy the views of Spencer Glacier.