Established Camping
Spencer Bench Cabin
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
The Glacier Discovery train provides access to the Spencer Bench Whistle Stop and Cabin from May 25th to September 15th 2024. Tickets for the train can be purchased from the <a href="https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train" rel="nofollow">Alaska Railroad</a> website.
The Glacier Discovery train provides access to the Spencer Bench Whistle Stop and Cabin from May 25th to September 15th 2024. Tickets for the train can be purchased from the <a href="https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train" rel="nofollow">Alaska Railroad</a> website.
About
USDA Forest Service
Chugach National Forest
Overview
Spencer Bench Cabin is located at 1,900 feet in elevation at the end of the Spencer Bench Trail. The trail climbs away from the lake revealing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake and the Spencer Glacier below. The cabin sits just below several alpine meadows with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers.__ Please note: some years Spencer Bench Trail maintains snow coverage until July. For current trail conditions call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242. Spencer Bench Cabin is available for rent year round although winter recreation here requires an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access.__ From May 25th through September 15th 2024, the Alaska Railroad provides access to the area via the Glacier Discovery Train. Please verify schedules and book train tickets at the Alaska Railroad website prior to relying on the train for transportation. ____ Outside of the core summer season, the Placer river valley (and Spencer Lake) is accessible via jet boat and float plane.____
Recreation
Spencer Bench provides a picturesque view into the heart of the Chugach National Forest. Although the Spencer Bench Trail currently ends at the cabin, the open alpine areas just above the cabin offer excellent off-trail hiking and sightseeing opportunities during the summer months. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure. For winter recreationists, this cabin provides an incredible base camp for backcountry skiing and snowmachine adventures. It takes an advanced skillset and knowledge of avalanche hazards to access this Cabin via skis or snowmachines in the winter. Some parties do opt to charter a ski plane or helicopter to provide quick and easy winter access. More information on avalanche hazards in this area can be found at the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center website .____
Facilities
The cabin is a 15x17-foot, trapper-style cabin made entirely out of Alaskan yellow cedar. It can sleep six to eight people and offers a small kerosene heater, wooden bunks, a table with benches, fire extinguisher, and an outhouse. Electricity, water, toilet paper, and fuel (kerosene) for the heater are not provided. Guests are responsible for supplying their own drinking water, kerosene for heater (Typically 1 gallon/ day is sufficient), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils. A creek is located near the cabin site but water should be treated before consumption.
Natural Features
Black and brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine and moose inhabit the area. Mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and spruce grouse may be spotted on the terrain around the cabin. Crow berries and Salmon Berries are plentiful in the late summer, along with low-bush blueberries.
contact_info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.
Nearby Attractions
The Placer River Valley and Spencer Lake developed Recreation area offers diverse recreational opportunities including easy hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, rafting and fishing during the summer months. In the winter this area is popular with backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
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Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
best property for view
"Situated along the waterfront, this property boasts unparalleled views of the sparkling ocean, creating a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere that enhances the overall living experience.
""Nestled in the heart of nature, this secluded property features expansive windows and balconies showcasing stunning mountain vistas, ensuring residents enjoy a picturesque and immersive connection with the scenic beauty that surrounds them."
Spencer Bench Cabin offers a stunning location at 1,900 feet elevation
Spencer Bench Cabin offers a stunning location at 1,900 feet elevation, providing breathtaking views of the Placer River Valley, Spencer Lake, and Spencer Glacier. The mcdvoice surrounding alpine meadows boast beautiful vegetation, including low shrubs, grasses, and summer wildflowers. This cabin is available for rent throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the area in any season.
Spencer Bench Cabin is AMAZING
This is by far the best cabin I've stayed at in Alaska! It's a 3 mile hike up 1800-1900' of endless switchbacks but the views are amazing. The cabin is relatively new, and super spacious. The kerosine heater was a plus, but if you don't hike up the kerosine you might be out of luck for heat. After you settle in at the cabin, continue hiking to the ridge. There are a lot of little lakes and waterfalls all around!
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Location
Spencer Bench Cabin is located in Alaska
Directions
During Summer months train transportation is required to reach the Spencer Whistlestop. To catch the train (reservations required) to the Spencer Whistle Stop, drive south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the Portage Rail Depot (Milepost 80) and check in at the Train station. In the winter months there are 2 snowmachine parking lots at Seward Highway Milepost 78 where snowmachines can access the Cabin by heading up the Placer River Valley. Please note: over snow access is condition dependent. For current conditions call the Glacier Ranger District office at (907) 783-3242.
Address
145 Forest Station Rd. PO Box 129
Girdwood, AK 99587
Coordinates
60.7085556 N
149.00275 W